With a patchwork of pines, broadleaved trees and sandy heathland, Thetford Forest is Britain’s biggest lowland woodland.
Planted by man, the forest is located in the Brecks, an unusual habitat rich in rare flora and fauna. Dominated by Scots pine, this part of south Norfolk and north Suffolk is one of the driest places in England.
Lynford Arboretum is a tranquil woodland gem boasting brilliant birds, spring blooms, autumn fungi and an artisan cafe. This short, wheelchair-friendly walks explores the best bits of the arboretum.
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Britain's trees are at their most beautiful in the autumn months, making September, October and November a great time of year to visit arboretums such as Westonbirt, Batsford and the National Memorial Arboretum. Find out more about these spectacular tree collections and more with our guide to the UK's best arboretums.
Lynford Arboretum walk
2.9 miles/4.7km | accessible route | 1.5 hours | easy | 15m ascent
1. Lynford Road
The walk begins south of the car park, across Lynford Road, by the information board. Follow the red trail for half a mile, keeping right at every junction as you meander past dozens of specimen trees from giant American pines to European spruces, planted in the 1950s and 1960s.
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2. Lynford lake
Cross the bridge and turn immediately right, picking up the blue trail beside the lake. Look out for ducklings and dragonflies in summer. Across the water stands Lynford Hall, built by William Burn in the 1720s, it has featured in the British sitcoms Dad’s Army and ‘Allo ‘Allo.
3. Sequoia Avenue
Turn right at the crossroads, crossing the bridge. After 225 metes you will reach a sculpture. Head left here, along the magnificent Sequoia Avenue, planted in honour of the Duke of Wellington in the 1800s. The leaves look particularly splendid in their autumn colours.
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4. Thetford Forest
At the end of the avenue, follow the path left, over a small bridge and around the edge of the lake, keeping the water on your left.
Opposite a small island in the lake, follow the waymarked blue trail to the right, entering the classic Thetford Forest landscape. Continue straight until you reach open countryside.
5. Wooded meadow
Turn right and follow the path around the edge of a seasonally grazed wooded meadow. Turn left and then left again, finding yourself on the opposite side of the field and head back towards the bridge you crossed at point 2. Between April and July, the dawn chorus here is beautiful.
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6. Ash Carr
Beyond the bridge, head right along the blue trail around the wildlife area bending left in a big horseshoe shape.
7. Shepherds Baa cafe
Head right, following the straight track back to where the walk began. This stretch is a good place to see hawfinches, Britain’s largest finch but surprisingly difficult to find. They favour woodland edges and are easiest to spot in winter when there is less canopy cover. Look out for crossbills and firecrests, too.
The route starts and ends by the Shepherds Baa cafe with warm drinks and delicious sweet treats.
Lynford Arboretum walk
Lynford Arboretum walking route and map
Useful information
Starting point
There is free parking on Lynford Road IP26 5HW (TL822942) where the route starts and ends. Nearest bus stop is 1.5 miles away in Munford, served by 40 Thetford to King’s Lynn service.
Terrain
A mixture of gravelled and grassy paths, incorporating a shorter way-marked wheelchair and pushchair accessible route.
Map
OS Explorer 229
Eat/drink
The Shepherds Baa independent cafe is by the car park shepherdsbaalynford.co.uk
Stay
Oak Lodge Glamping is 6.5 miles away.
Lynford Hall Hotel is 0.5 miles away.
