Santon Downham

Visitor information

Explore the beautiful scenery of Santon Downham, near Brandon

Whether you are seeking a quiet stroll or wish to take in the natural beauty of the local area, Santon Downham is an idyllic part of Suffolk.

Much of the land here originally belonged to the Santon Downham estate, which was at one time owned by Charles Sloane (later Lord Cadogan).

At a glance

  • Walking trails
  • Cycling
  • Horse riding
  • Picnic area
  • Dog walking

Things to do

Cycling at Santon Downham

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Santon Downham and soak up the beautiful scenery.

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Horse riding at Santon Downham

Explore the stunning scenery of Santon Downham on horseback.

We have a Open Access policy for horse riding at Santon Downham. As a consequence there are very few waymarked trails in the forest.

The areas north of the railway line are best suited to horse riding as this is away from the concentration of visitors using High Lodge and the cycling trails. Please observe all signs especially those relating to 'Forest Operation'.

There may be some events held at weekends which might disrupt your riding experience. For more information on our facilities, opening times and contact details, please see our visitor information.

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Orange walking trail at Santon Downham

The Orange Walk can be started from St Helens Picnic Site or from Santon Downham and offers you a variety of habitats and many opportunities for wildlife watching.

The walk passes through the Little Ouse Valley Forest Nature Reserve, crosses the river and takes you through the edge of Santon Downham village.

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Picnics at Santon Downham

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at Santon Downham. Just bring along good food and company!

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

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Nearby forests

Snowdrops in the forest

St Helen's Picnic Site

The Little Ouse Valley between Brandon and Thetford has been designated a Forest Nature Reserve by Forestry England in recognition of its importance to wildlife.

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Sun shining through green trees and shrubs

High Lodge

Every corner of High Lodge has something just waiting to be discovered, the more you walk around the forest, the more you’ll find.

With play areas dotted around the forest, beautiful trails winding through rich wilderness and thrilling mountain biking opportunities, you’ll be itching to return!

The Heritage Trail at High Lodge, built with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the forest.

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Sunrise in a conifer forest

Thetford Forest

A patchwork of pines, heathland and broadleaves provide the ideal setting for a great day out, and a welcome refuge for a rich variety of animal and plant life.

18,730 hectares to explore

The forest covers a huge area with many different places to visit, offering a range attractions from the exciting outdoor play facilities at High Lodge to the history and heritage of Mildenhall Warren and Lynford Arboretum and the peace and tranquility of the walks around Santon Downham.

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couple enjoying a picnic in a clearing within a forest

Lynford Stag

Glimpsed through the roadside trees, a passing traveller could be forgiven for marvelling at the audacity of the bold deer parading at this popular picnic site.

The distinctive creature, however, is no more than a metal imitation "target stag", found by the workers when the area was being planted.

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