Now home to museums, churches, parks and the famous Thetford forest, the town has plenty to see and do for all ages. Read on to find out more about this historic place, and our top picks of things to do when visiting this pretty town.
Start with some history at The Ancient House Museum
Situated inside an iconic oak-framed Tudor merchant’s house, the Ancient House Museum on White Hart Street is the place to go to find out more about the history of the town and its surrounding areas. The 500-year old building houses replicas of the famous Thetford Treasure, as well as an exhibition on controversial political commentator Thomas Paine. In the History Highlights room, you can explore a timeline of Thetford from prehistoric objects and Roman regalia through to the swinging sixties. Whilst there, take a peek at the 1901 kitchen, which is a replica of what the kitchen would have looked like when local rabbit warrener Thomas Newton lived in the house along with his wife, family and four lodgers – it was quite crowded!
Step into TV’s Dad’s Army at the Dad’s Army Museum
Within the walls of the Old Fire Station sits the Dad’s Army Museum. Thetford famously stood in for the fictional Walmington-on-Sea in the much-loved TV comedy set during the Second World War. The Old Fire Station is located to the rear of Thetford Guildhall, which itself stood in for Walmington-on-Sea’s Town Hall in several episodes. The museum includes a reconstruction of Captain Mainwaring’s church hall office, various displays and props from the series, a shop and tea room.
Explore the story of Charles Burrell & Sons and their steam legacy
Located in the former paint shop of Charles Burrell & Sons on Minstergate, the Charles Burrell Museum is dedicated to all things steam powered. The Charles Burrell Works once employed over 350 people who together produced almost 4,000 steam-powered engines for factory machinery, agricultural equipment, steam lorries and steam tram engines, up until the factory’s closure in 1928. The museum houses both static and interactive / working exhibitions, all dedicated to the history of the Works and the machines they produced. In addition, they currently house the original Ford BB Jones’ butcher’s van from Dad’s Army.
Take a walk around Nunnery Lakes Nature Reserve
To the south-east of Thetford lies 200 acres of semi-natural habitats, including woodland, Breckland heath, fen and open water. Nunnery Lakes sits nestled between the Rivers Thet and Little Ouse, and follows a series of lakes created by old gravel workings. Approximately sixty species of birds call the reserve their home, and many more pass through during the year. The Nunnery Lakes Discovery Trail is approximately 2km long and has a number of interpretation boards to guide you around the site and help you to discover the hidden gems of wildlife which live here.
Burn off some energy in Thetford Forest
High Lodge sits deep within the extensive Thetford Forest, and has activities to tire out even the most high-energy kids! There are natural and man-made play areas dotted around the forest, 3 cycling trails, 4 walking and running trails, picnic areas, a café and nature trail. You can hire bikes at High Lodge, and there’s a large car park adjacent to the café and picnic areas.
- Check out Go Ape Thetford which sits within the High Lodge site, where you can work your way around the Treetop Adventures via a series of treetop crossings, rope bridges and even a slackline!
- If you fancy something a little more relaxed, why not check out their Forest Segway adventures for a gentle but challenging activity?
- When you’re done clambering about the trees, head back down to earth to join in an archery session, or take part in some forest yoga! Or, practice your map reading skills with some orienteering. If you’re not a confident navigator, why not join in a guided trail run instead?
Head deep underground at Grimes Graves
The only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors in Britain, Grimes Graves is situated a short drive north of Thetford. This mysterious, lunar landscape of 400 pits was first termed ‘Grim’s Graves’ by the Anglo-Saxons, until excavations in 1870 revealed that these pits were actually flint mines first dug over 5,000 years ago. Visitors can descend 9m by ladder into one of the excavated shafts to see the jet-black flint, before heading to the exhibition area to understand more about the history of this strange but fascinating place.
Get stuck in the mud with an off-roading experience
Indulge your inner adrenaline junkie by getting down and dirty with a 4x4 off-roading experience! Whether you have no experience or regularly get behind the wheel, this high octane adventure will give you the thrills you seek whilst your expert instructor ensures your safety at all times. You can choose from a half hour or hour experience, in a manual or automatic pick-up truck.
Discover Thetford with a Treasure Trail
Take yourself on a tour of Thetford with a difference – a spy-themed Treasure Trail! At just over 2 miles in length, this interactive, self-guided tour of the town will keep you entertained whilst teaching you all about the town and its history. Solve the clues to crack the code and complete the mission!
Make a splash at Waterworld
Whether you fancy a relaxing lane-swimming session, or need to entertain the kids for an afternoon, look no further than the fantastic swimming facilities at Breckland Leisure Centre & Waterworld. With a 25m lane pool, learner pool and fun pool with slides, lazy river and jacuzzi, there’s something for all the family in this perfect rainy-day activity.
Walk on the wild side at Banham Zoo
Located just east of Thetford, Banham Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals spread over 50 acres of parkland. With conservation and education at the heart of this wild space, there is plenty for everyone to explore and discover amongst the various animal exhibits. As well as creature encounters, there are two adventure playgrounds, a café, gift shop and picnic areas. If you’ve got a head for heights, why not challenge yourself to the Skytrek, a high ropes adventure course located within the zoo and next to the Giraffe House. Unleash your inner Tarzan on the ropes and wires, finishing with an adrenaline-fuelled ride down a zip wire!
Delve into history at West Stow Anglo-Saxon village
A short drive from Thetford, West Stow is one of England’s greatest archaeological sites. The open-air museum houses extensive exhibitions and galleries about the Anglo-Saxons, and visitors can explore the site’s history and nature, including an audience with some rare breed pigs! Children can dress up as an Anglo-Saxon, and there are interactive displays and films depicting the history of the site. The reconstructed village now includes a craft building, living house, sunken house and workshop amongst others, and a café is situated nearby.
Once you’re done exploring the model village, why not head further afield to discover the 125 acres of country park which lies alongside? With numerous walks and trails, an adventure playground, picnic areas, bird hides and lake, West Stow is perfect for both lazy summer picnics and breezy wintery walks. Dogs are welcome in the park, provided they are on leads.
Catch some culture at The Carnegie
Home to Thetford’s arts and culture scene, The Carnegie is a diverse and multi-functional venue situated in the heart of the town. From conferences to comedy, theatre to yoga, this space has a hugely varied and popular programme of events throughout the year. Make sure you check out the website for the most up-to-date event listings!
Free Things to do in Thetford
There are loads of free things to do in Thetford, including Nunnery Lakes and the Dad’s Army Museum mentioned above. Below we’ve listed some more great things which you can do without them costing a penny!
- Take a picnic to the remains of the medieval motte and bailey Thetford castle, and explore the history behind it. The unmistakable earthworks rise steeply from the surrounding park, with steps taking you to the top of the mound for views across Thetford. A gym trail and children’s playground are situated within this beautiful green space at the heart of the town.
- Visit Thetford Warren Lodge, built around 1400 by the Prior of Thetford. The lodge was used by gamekeepers and hunters to defend themselves against armed poachers. Later on, the building was used by the local warreners who bred and harvested rabbits there.
- Discover the remains of Thetford Priory, once one of the largest and most important monasteries in East Anglia. Founded in the earth 12th century, the Priory was the burial place of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk for over 400 years before being surrendered to Henry VIII’s commissioners in 1540. Extensive remains of the site include the lower walls of the church and cloister, as well as the shell of the prior’s lodging and 14th century gatehouse.
- At the edge of Thetford Forest, take a look at the Desert Rat Memorial, dedicated to the 7th Armoured Division (The Desert Rats), the 4th Armoured Brigade (The Black Rats) and the 7th Armoured Brigade. In 1944 the Desert Rats were based in and around Thetford, before they took part in the Normandy Campaign in June 1944.
- Indulge in some forest bathing at Lynford Arboretum, a beautiful and peaceful part of Thetford Forest. Originally part of the Lynford Hall estate, the arboretum still retains its parkland feel, with a number of lakes and over 200 species of tree to discover. In autumn, the forest turns to a magical patchwork of red, orange and gold, with many paths suitable for buggies and wheelchairs to explore the arboretum. There are 3 waymarked walking trails, a dog agility course and picnic areas spread around the site.
- Whilst you’re there, peek through the trees to see if you can spot the Lynford Stag, a life-sized metal deer that stands quietly between the trees and picnic benches. Discovered by the Forestry Commission when they were clearing the area for planting trees, the stag was actually made for Sir Richard Sutton of nearby Lynford Hall. He used it for target practice, the pits and scars of which can still be seen today.
- Follow the Little Ouse between Thetford and Brandon, on the Little Ouse Trail. At just shy of 9 miles, this beautiful and relatively flat walk makes the perfect full-day activity. Passing along forest tracks, riverside paths and some minor lanes, this walk takes you through Santon Downham and past Harling Drove, where stock owners took their animals to and from markets. There are numerous picnic sites available along the route, and once you’ve reached Brandon you can catch a train back one stop to Thetford.
- Spot the carved shackles on the outside of The Old Gaol on Old Market Place. Built in 1796 and enlarged in 1816, the shackles leave little doubt as to this building’s past. Now available to hire as a holiday cottage, this amazing building is well worth visiting.
- Take a walk along the River Thet to the Old Coffee Mill. Once owned by the Ibex Coffee Company and later the Twinning tea merchants, although no longer a working mill the sluice gates still control the flow of water on the river.
- Continue along the river to Butten Island, with its impressive equestrian statue of Duleep Singh, the last Maharajah of the Punjab, who settled in Thetford in 1849.
Best Places to Eat in Thetford
Thetford has many fabulous pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants to keep you going throughout your visit, or for a relaxing drink and bite to eat when you’re finished exploring for the day.
- Check out Tall Orders in the heart of town on King Street to kick start your day with fabulous coffee and a delicious breakfast. Open for light bites and lunch too, this place will perk you up when you’re feeling tired!
- Discover the absolute gem of a restaurant at The Mulberry. Combining modern Mediterranean and British cuisine using locally-sourced produce, there is an excellent reason why this spot has held its place in the Michelin Guide for a second year running.
- Step inside the classic flint Norfolk town pub at The Albion. Overlooking the castle earthwork mound, this pub is a great place to sit and watch the world go by.
- Enjoy cosy rooms and various dining options at The Bell Hotel, a tavern dating back to the 15th century. Dog friendly, and with separate bar, lounge and restaurant areas, the menu changes to reflect the seasons, providing great food and drink for weary travellers.
- Spice up your tastebuds at New Saffron Indian restaurant. Serving up a huge variety of traditional and modern Indian dishes, there is something to satisfy even the most hot-headed of spice lovers.
- Enjoy a traditional wood-fired pizza at Dough & Co, in a contemporary and relaxed setting. With wood-pallet furniture and chilled Italian music, this is a great place to kick back with some friends, beers and pizza.
- If pizza doesn’t tickle your fancy, try Dough & Co’s sister restaurant, Burger Amour, for some towering burgers and plentiful portions of fries. With an extensive veggie and vegan menus, and some killer halloumi fries, this is another perfect place to meet friends and enjoy an evening of food and drink.
- Love steak but fussy about the way it’s cooked? Fear not, because at Cheers Restaurant you can cook your own steak to your liking with their Steak on a Hot Stone. As well as steak, Cheers serves up a variety of modern British fish and veggie dishes, living their ethos of serving great food with great experiences.
- Head Stateside at the Norfolk Kitchen Diner, where British meets American in this replica American-style diner. A family-run business since 1955, the diner has three locations around Norfolk, complete with arcade games and jukeboxes.
FAQs
What animals live in Thetford Forest?
As well as the famous Lynford Stag, the forest has a large population of Red Deer, Roe Deer and Muntjac. As well as deer, the forest is home to 10 species of bats, as well as around 40 species of birds.
Can you wild camp in Thetford Forest?
Wild camping is not permitted within Forestry England sites, however there are a number of campsites in and around the forest where you can book a pitch.
How far is Thetford from the coast?
The nearest beach to Thetford is Wells-next-the-Sea, approximately 38 miles as the crow flies, or 44 miles to drive. It would take about an hour to drive from Thetford to the coast.
