Explore the Area
Norfolk is a destination to be enjoyed in every season, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich wildlife and characterful towns. Set near Thetford Forest, Foxtail Lodge allows you to step straight into beautiful woodland walks, where you can explore miles of scenic trails right from your doorstep.
Just a short distance away, High Lodge is one of the area’s most popular spots, perfect for walking, cycling and outdoor activities, with well-maintained routes through the forest. Closer to the lodge, you’ll also find excellent local cafés, coffee spots and welcoming village pubs - ideal for relaxing after a day outdoors.
The surrounding area is home to rare plants and birdlife, making it a haven for nature lovers all year round. For those looking to explore further, the stunning Norfolk coast is within easy reach, offering wide sandy beaches, charming seaside towns and beautiful coastal views - perfect for a day trip.
You can also venture beyond Thetford to discover historic and vibrant destinations including Bury St Edmunds, Norwich, Ely and Cambridge - ideal for days out filled with culture, architecture and independent shopping, before returning to the peace and quiet of the forest.
We’ve broken the suggestions below into categories so there’s something for everyone: nature, local attractions, food and drink, and places further afield.
Explore nearby nature trails
The Lynford Arboretum - a peaceful haven of diverse trees and woodland trails, perfect for a leisurely stroll or spotting local wildlife. Rare fauna and flora: Snowdrops - bloom in late winter, carpeting surrounding woodland floors with delicate white flowers. Otters - can be spotted along local rivers and streams, especially at dawn or dusk when they’re most active. Lizards - particularly common and sand lizards, enjoy Norfolk’s sandy heaths and sunny open areas. Birds - are abundant in the area, including rare species such as Barn owls, Woodpeckers, and Kingfishers. Walks/bike routes - It's quite flat locally (not completely though!) so it's great for a gentle bike ride. Discover the many local villages, rural churches, and pubs on your way.
Local attractions
High lodge (Go Ape) - A forest site offering treetop rope courses and zip lines for various skill levels. Cinemas: Bury St Edmunds - Cineworld, Everyman, and Abbeygate Cinema (35 mins away). Cambridge - various large cinemas (45 mins away). Thetford - Light Cinema (10 mins away). Golf - Thetford Golf Club is about 15 mins away. Gooderstone Water Gardens - Gardens featuring ponds, streams, and a variety of plant and wildlife species. Grimes Graves - A site of Neolithic flint mines, giving insight into prehistoric tool-making and local history. Oxburgh Estate - A National Trust site, historic gardens and woodland, reflecting traditional landscaping and natural habitats. Centre Parks - A holiday village with accommodation and a range of leisure facilities in a forested environment.
Food and drink
Sheppards Baa - A cosy spot serving locally sourced dishes in the Lynford Arboretum. Bedingfield Arms - Traditional pub near Oxburgh Hall offering hearty meals and a selection of drinks. The Swan, Hillborough - Historic inn with classic British cuisine and a welcoming environment. The crown - Community pub down the road serving local ales. Browns Cafe - Friendly café known for breakfast, light lunches, and homemade treats. The Olde Windmill Inn - Rustic inn with a varied menu and countryside charm
A short trip away
Bury St Edmunds - Known for the historic Abbey Gardens, the impressive St Edmundsbury Cathedral, and the charming Greene King Brewery tours. Norwich - Famous for Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Castle Museum, and the bustling Norwich Lanes with independent shops and cafés. North Norfolk - Offers stunning coastal scenery at Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea, wildlife at RSPB reserves, and charming seaside towns like Cromer. Cambridge - Renowned for the University of Cambridge colleges, punting along the River Cam, and Fitzwilliam Museum. Newmarket - The heart of British horse racing, with the National Horseracing Museum and world-famous racecourses. Ely - Dominated by the stunning Ely Cathedral, plus the Oliver Cromwell House and scenic riverside walks.