The Brecks
Covering such a vast area, The Brecks encompasses some interesting market towns where you can sample delicious local produce and meet members of the community.There are also many great attractions including stunning stately homes, fascinating museums and Norfolk's own whisky distillery!The Brecks is one of the great natural areas of Britain and is the home of a wonderful and distinctive landscape spanning the Norfolk and Suffolk countryside. Covering an area of around 370 square miles, it has the UK's largest lowland pine forest with a patchwork of twisted pines, colourful heathlands, wetland habitats and dry lands of sand and flint. Great for a short or longer stay, The Brecks is perfect for those who love the great outdoors and are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
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Places to visit in the Brecks
Within the boundaries of The Brecks are several distinctive market towns, each with their own character and appeal.
At the heart of The Brecks lies Thetford, a town steeped in history with connections to many historical figures and legends such as the Queen of the Iceni Tribe, Boudicca and the influential Thomas Paine who championed the rights of the common man. Explore Thetford on foot following one of the town trails, including The Dad's Army Trail (the series was filmed here!) browse the shops or visit one of the museums such as the Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life or the Charles Burrell Museum, perfect for steam fans of all ages.
The pretty market town of Swaffham is on the edge of The Brecks. The historic market place is home to a bustling weekly market (Saturdays) while there is also plenty of interesting shops to browse and tearooms for delicious refreshments. Visit Swaffham Museum and learn how Howard Carter discovered The Valley of the Kings.
Find out more in our special Swaffham page.
The market towns of Watton, Brandon and Mildenhall all fall into The Brecks and each holds a weekly market where you can buy just about anything - from household goods to second hand books. There are also monthly farmers markets where local farmers and producers showcase the fantastic range of tasty local foods including jams, cheese, organic seasonal fruit and vegetables and juices.
All sorts of attractions are to be found in The Brecks, making great days out for all the family. From whisky to real ale, there are places to discover the secrets of making the perfect tipple such as the Iceni Brewery, Brandon Brewery and the English Whisky Company at St. George's Distillery, and for locally sourced produce along with great gift ideas visit Elveden Shops and Café Restaurant. For a historic day out there is plenty on offer. Step back in time with a trip to Mildenhall Museum to see the famous Mildenhall Treasure or find out how Neolithic man lived at the Brandon Heritage Centre and flint mines at Grimes Graves (English Heritage). There are also some wonderful historic houses including the Tudor manor house, Oxburgh Hall (National Trust) and the home of a Duke and Duchess, Euston Hall.
Find more places to visit in the Brecks
Activities in the Brecks
Simply immerse yourself in nature and explore the area in a ‘green' way! Walking, cycling and horse riding are activities that can be enjoyed with many easy to follow routes.
Walking in the Brecks
There are local routes throughout The Brecks. Some trails are just over a mile, so great for families and those after a gentle walk. Try a forest walk through Brandon Country Park or the Weeting Village Trail. There are also longer walks, of around 15 miles, for those really wanting to stretch their legs such as the The Little Ouse Path (10 miles) which follows the river and links Thetford with Brandon.Long distance walking routes run through The Brecks including Peddars Way National Trail which links with the Norfolk Coast Path and Angles Way.
Cycling in The Brecks
Cyclists are very welcome throughout The Brecks and there are many great trails to choose from. Hop on your two wheels and cycle the Round Brecks Explorer Route or take one of shorter trails through Thetford Forest.Some attractions also offer discounted entry to those arriving by bicycle and entrance to High Lodge Forest centre is free.
Horse riding in the Brecks
The light, sandy soil provides excellent drainage for riding throughout the year. There is free access to horse riders throughout the Forestry Commission land and with the Peddars Way Bridle Route along with paths in Swaffham and Icknield this is a lovely way to explore the distinctive Brecks landscape.
Country Parks and Picnics
The Brecks has four distinctive country parks with plenty to entertain all ages. Brandon Country Park will keep children amused with a tree and history trail, play area and a tea room for refreshments.See the ponies, sheep and Jersey Cows at Knettishall Heath Country Park or visit Lackford Lakes to see what exciting events and activities are taking place. For a really different experience visit West Stow to see the amazing reconstructed Anglo Saxon village. The Brecks is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic and there are many sites which offer welcome shade during the long summer months. Be sure to bring along your picnic hamper with you. Try Lynford Arboretum or Mildenhall Woods or the country parks which also have picnic facilties.
Wildlife in the Brecks
The magical landscape and wildlife of The Brecks is popular with both day visitors and those wishing to stay longer. Nature abounds and many species thrive in the varied habitats in the forest and countryside. From finding a delightful spot to quietly watch for Roe Deer and rabbits, to settling down to some serious birdwatching, The Brecks has so much to explore, also including the New Heathland and Nature Reserves.
The new heaths around The Brecks provide a haven for all sorts of bird species, bugs and reptiles, not to mention all the glorious heathers and grasses that thrive there. Visit Brandon Park Heath where adders, nightjars and copper butterflies live happily together or Cranwich Camp and Heath for rare plants and beetles. The Brecks has 4 National Nature Reserves and contains 56 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. NWT Weeting Heath is the best place to see Stone Curlews. RSPB Lakenheath Fen and British Trust for Ornithology, Nunnery Lakes, are particularly good places for birdwatching. See wild flowers and grazing meadows at Cockley Cley Lake while Wayland Wood is considered to be the home of the Babes in the Wood legend.
Protecting The Brecks
The Brecks particularly welcomes visitors that are interesting in protectecting its unique landscape for future generations. Many tourism businesses are involved with initiatives to enable visitors to have a real "green" experience and have been rewarded for their efforts by receiving the Green Tourism Business Scheme Award.
Stay at one of our accommodation providers and sample local produce and receive information on how to explore the area without a car. Flexibus is a ‘ring and ride' service connecting the towns of Watton, Thetford and Attleborough and also supports a further 14 villages. There are numerous benefits of using Flexibus: for the cost of a bus fare, passengers will receive a service much like that offered by taxi firms and will be able to leave cars at home, thus reducing their carbon footprint and helping the environment.
Where to Stay in the Brecks
With so much on offer in the Brecks area, make the most of your Norfolk holiday by staying in this historic and charming market town, in a Bed and Breakfast or holiday cottage.
Find places to stay in the Brecks
Take a Break in The Brecks brochure
Discover the Brecks, one of the great natural areas of Britain. Explore its distinctive landscape, wildlife and history. This free map-based download PDF leaflet provides information on places to visit and walking, cycling and riding routes.
Please note the 2011 guide is available for download only and has been split into two for easier download.
Available: PDF (Info) / PDF (Maps)
Find out more about the Brecks
You can also find more information on the Brecks from:
Brecks Partnership
Visit Breckland
Other useful links:
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- Breckland
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