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2 nights in the Brecks
A stay in the Brecks will give you the opportunity to have a digital detox - turn off your smart phones (except maybe for photos) and enjoy the tranquillity of the UK's largest low-lying pine forest, soothing countryside and dark skies.
Deal Row or Pine Line
Heathland at Syderstone Common
Grime's Graves
Oxburgh Hall
Punjab Parade in the Thetford Festival
Thetford Forest
Pingos in the Brecks
Explore 4x4 in Thetford Forest
Barbecue at High Lodge
River Little Ouse, Thetford
About 2 nights in the Brecks
The Brecks, straddling west Suffolk and Norfolk, is a unique landscape of ancient heathland, historic waterways, woodland and wetlands that is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This area also has the best overall climate of anywhere in the UK, so is a great place to be outdoors throughout the year.
The Brecks are notable for prehistoric Pingo ponds, Neolithic flint mines, one of which you can descend, derelict hedgerows called Pine Lines or Deal Rows, and Thetford Forest, a hub of activity including aerial wires, orienteering, off-road cycling and horse riding.
Places to stay recommendations
For bed and breakfast, idyllic College Farm is ideally placed next to the Pingo Trail, The Pear Tree Inn is a newly-opened guesthouse near Bury St Edmunds and Carrick’s at Castle Farm is on the River Wensum. Deep in the forest is secluded Thorpe Forest Cabins and for a Wild West vibe, try Hanks Ranch.
If you want to be under canvas there's Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford and, for something a little different, try LandyCampers - Defender Camper Hire. Briars Hut is ideal for glamping.
Itinerary Info
Duration
2 nights
Itinerary Schedule
Go down a flint mine
Start to work out how the Brecks came to be a unique landscape with a trip down a Neolithic flint mine at Grime's Graves. This was the first industrial site in Europe - the eerie, pock-marked landscape, like a lunar surface, illustrates there were more than 400 individual digs.
On the Pingo Trail
Take the short Pingo Trail where you'll discover Ice Age shallow ponds in ancient woodland - unique in the UK to the Brecks.
The peacefulness of Thetford Forest
High Lodge is the hub of all the activity in Thetford Forest. From here you can embark on various trails for walkers, orienteers, horse riders and cyclists. You can learn archery here, hire a bike, and hit the heights at Go Ape. There are free fire pits where you can cook your own barbecue.
If you're in need of speed and an adrenaline rush, try Explore 4x4.
A final stop before home
Visit the first English whisky distillery in 100 years at East Harling and take a behind-the-scenes tour where you'll learn about the angels' share. The restaurant here is a great place for lunch before you head home.
Or try...
An alternative trip might be to National Trust's Oxburgh Hall at Oxborough village. This moated 500-year-old house is a delight - look out for the priest hall and the fake walls.
Places to stay and thing to do nearby
College Farm
Thompson's College and St Martin's Church were built by Katharine's ancestors in 1349 and became a private house in 1541. Breakfast is served in the Jacobean panelled dining room. We offer B&B for horses in our neighbours field next door.
Dog Friendly
The Pear Tree Inn
Rest and reset in our brand new getaway spot with seven ultra-luxe rooms to choose from
Dog Friendly
Carrick’s at Castle Farm
5* Bed and Breakfast on the River Wensum
Dog Friendly
Thorpe Forest Cabins
Stay in one of Britain's most beautiful forests, in a secluded location offering a retreat from the everyday.
Dog Friendly
Hanks Ranch
Wild West themed cabins, the Church, General Store and Jail.
Dog Friendly
Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford
Go Wild Camping & Glamping Thetford with mYminiBreak Forest Camping & Glamping near High Lodge
Dog Friendly
Briars Hut
Briars Hut – Your Ideal Norfolk Base
Nature + Wildlife
LandyCampers - Defender Camper Hire
Award-winning Land Rover Defender adventures. Luxury rooftop camping, 100% 5-star reviews, carbon negative. Access East Anglia's hidden gems.
Eat + Drink
The English Distillery
Visit the home of the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’. This independent, family-owned distillery has pioneered English whisky for 20 years and is the oldest registered whisky distillery in England.
Arts + Culture
NT Oxburgh Estate
Home to the Bedingfeld family for 500 years, Oxburgh reveals one family's unshakable Catholic faith and story of endurance.
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