Thetford Forest

Visitor information

Opening hours

Open every day from dawn until dusk.

The opening times of facilities at High Lodge are shown on their individual forest page.

How to find us

Our what3words location is: desks.intricate.winner

Please use postcode IP27 0AF

High Lodge, Brandon

Sat Nav Postcode: IP27 0AF

By Car

Thetford Forest is located on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk in the heart of Breckland in East Anglia. Major roads leading to Thetford Forest are the M11 from London, the A11 from Norwich or Newmarket and the A14 from Cambridge or Ipswich.

Recomended map - Ordnance Survey Explorer 229 - Thetford Forest in the Brecks.

OS Grid Ref

TL 807 864

Get directions

52.464655, 0.6674579

Parking and prices

Parking is free at our car parks with the exception of the High Lodge Forest Centre.

Additional information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member -

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest, have you seen our Easy Access trails page?

Contact details

Landline Number

0300 067 4500

E-Mail Address

enquiries.eastfd@forestryengland.uk

Thetford Forest

Discover the UK’s largest manmade lowland 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.

Recreational events

Throughout the year Thetford Forest hosts many recreational events. Please take note of any marshals and safety signage in place during your visit.

Bin-free Thetford

From October 2022, there will be no litter bins available for use within Thetford Forest. Please take any litter home with you. Click here for more information.

Some of our main visitor sites

High Lodge - enjoy a forest adventure at High Lodge!

Lynford Stag - a popular site for a peaceful forest walk.

Lynford Arboretum - don't miss the Arboretum's unique bird life, spring flowers and autumn fungi.

Harling Woods - extend your forest adventure with an overnight stay at Thetford's Forest Holidays site.

Great Hockham - the perfect place for a peaceful forest day out.

Things to do

Forest Holidays at Thorpe Forest, Harling Woods

Cabins can be found in a leafy setting, deep in the countryside beside the River Thet . Stay within striking distance of unspoilt wildlife havens and of course, the epic Norfolk coastline.

Surround yourself in a maze of forest walks, trails and meadow, and enjoy your retreat from the everyday. With underﬂoor heating, log burners and incredible views, this Forest Holiday is one you aren't likely to forget.

Each and every cabin has its very own private hot tub. Take a refreshing dip in the morning as nature wakes up around you. Or sink back into the bubbles for an evening soak underneath the starlit sky.

Spend time with a dedicated Forest Ranger on location. You can plan a programme of unique experiences to discover the wonders and secrets of the forest.

Find out more

Hit the Dirt off-road practice track

Hit the Dirt at Swaffham

Hit The Dirt is Norfolk's premiere off-road, Enduro practice track, situated just off the A47 at Swaffham.

Operated by Dave Barkshire Motorcycles, it offers both senior/main and junior/ beginner tracks in a great forest setting.

Things to note

The track is only open on Saturdays and Sundays or by prior arrangement. Riding the track when it's closed is illegal and will be dealt with by the Police.

More information and diary dates

Head to Hit the Dirt's website below for full information about this activity.

Find out more

Friends of Thetford Forest

Friends of Thetford Forest (FoTF) is a voluntary organisation aiming to increase community involvement, understanding, and enjoyment of Thetford Forest.

Find out more