Brandon Country Park

Explore one of three nature trails, cycle along forest tracks, enjoy the eight mile Poachers Trail, visit our historic Walled Garden and enjoy our two play areas for toddlers to teens with climbing frame, assault course, swings and slides.

It was the vision of one man back in the 1800s, that saw the creation of Brandon Country Park and of Thetford Forest. As was fashionable in England in those days, wealthy industrialists wanted to have their own country seat and in 1820, Edward Bliss selected Brandon Hall.

Having made his wealth from selling gun flint to the army during the Napoleonic Wars, Edward set to work developing his hall, walled garden and arboretum. The arboretum grew and grew, full of exotic species from Blue Atlas Cedar to Giant Redwoods to Monkey Puzzle Trees.

In the grounds he built a small, flint knapped, gothic mausoleum surrounded by Irish Yews. This was to be the final resting place for himself and his wife but in the early 20th century they were moved to Brandon Cemetery. Today the mausoleum plays home to Pipestrelle bats and reputably the ghost of Edward's nephew, Baron Boretto. Dressed in knee breaches, a deer stalker and holding a human skull lit by a candle, he is occasionally seen wandering the grounds. What, or who, is he looking for?

Activities at Brandon Country Park

Explore one of three nature trails from the 1.5 mile Red Trail to the 6 mile Orange Trail. Cycle along forest tracks along the eight mile Poachers Trail.

Visit our historic Walled Garden with its stunning Himalayan Birch trees, unusual Handkerchief Tree and fragrant Bay Tree. Enjoy our two play areas for toddlers to teens with climbing frame, assault course, swings and slides.

Learn about trees from around the World in our famous arboretum. Enjoy morning coffee, light lunch and afternoon tea in the Copper Beech Tearoom.

Brandon Country Park is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk.

Cost: Free to enjoy (you will need to pay for parking if you need it). Dogs must be under control at all times.

Download the Brandon Country Park Guide.