Thetford Forest
Get ready to swap your study sessions for treetop thrills and scenic trails at Thetford Forest, a sprawling woodland and the UK’s largest lowland forest. Ideal for students seeking a day of adventure, this green haven is packed with opportunities to explore, relax, and get your heart racing. From peaceful walking routes to adrenaline-pumping mountain bike trails, there’s something for everyone.
Fun Fact! Thetford Forest was created after World War I to address the country’s timber shortage. Today, it’s home to over 20 million trees!
If you’re up for a challenge, check out Go Ape, the forest’s famous treetop adventure park. Test your nerves on rope bridges, ziplines, and suspended platforms as you soar through the canopy. Prefer to stay on the ground? Explore the Desert Rats Memorial and learn about the soldiers who trained here during WWII—a fascinating piece of history hidden within the forest.
Fun Fact! Thetford Forest hosts over 1,500 species of fungi, including the iconic fly agaric mushroom, famously featured in Alice in Wonderland, as well as other fascinating species like the scarlet elf cup and the rare oak polypore.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting red and roe deer and muntjacs gracefully wandering through the trees, shy rabbits darting through the undergrowth, and foxes sneaking through the shadows. Keep an eye out for elusive nightjars flitting through the dusk and barn owls gliding silently overhead. The forest is also home to many bats, best seen as the sun sets, and colorful butterflies like the silver-studded blue and peacock butterfly. Pack a picnic, gather your friends, and spend a day reconnecting with nature in this magical woodland setting.
