Things to do

Active Breckland NORFOLK

The outdoors and doing things active is key to health and fitness.  For an army style assault course extreeme Adventures at Weasenham will hit the spot.  Extreeme Adventure near Kings Lynn also have quad bike treks and high ropes courses and can accommodate groups.  Staying fit and health is key to a positive mental state and there are some great Gyms for those who want to keep fit and have fun at the same time.  New Revolution has gyms at Attleborough, Dereham and Wymondham and at Watton there is the Full Fitness Gym and indoor climbing for those who want to scale heights and gain in confidence.   High Lodge Forest Centre Thetford has Go Ape Treetop challenges, Forest Segway rides, Gruffalo Orienteering, pony rides and some great walking trails. 

Further afield, as we appreciate those visiting Breckland also travel further, there is the Sheringham Hilltop Outdoor Adventure Centre where there are Climbing Walls, High Ropes Courses, Zip Wires & Archery – Along with the new Air Jump; the 1st activity of its kind in England!  For those who enjoy snow! visit the Norfolk Snowsports Club near Norwich where ski and snowboard sessions are available for newbies.  For those who like horse riding there is The Woodland Park Equestrian Centre at South Walsham near Norwich and they have a heated swimming pool to relax after.  And then if you fancy sailing, canoeing, kayaking, wind surfing, off road biking and bush-craft and survival skills then Whitlingham Adventure at Trowse near Norwich is just the place for you.

If its totally the freedom of the outdoors is your thing, The Brecks will inspire you. Walking or cycling, there are hundreds of miles of designated paths and cycleways for you to explore. There are so many trails, that you will be able to find something to suit all abilities, interests and ages. Going through open countryside, forests, woodland, beside rivers and by ancient monuments, your walk or ride will take you through some of the most diverse countryside and you will be able to see some amazing wildlife and lots of fascinating history.

Walking in Breckland Norfolk

Angles Way and Peddars Way both pass through The Brecks and they meet at Knettishall Heath near Thetford. The heath is a SSSI and thirty percent of the 12,500 species present, being nationally rare. There is also a Bronze Age barrow, over 4,000 years old, at Hut Hill and many amazing views along both these long distance footpaths.

The Angles way runs over ninety miles, following the River Waveney for many miles. More information here: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/out-and-about-in-norfolk/norfolk-trails/long-distance-trails/angles-way

Peddars Way follows the route of a Roman Road which ran for 46 miles from Knettishall Heath to Holme next the Sea. Although the footpath sometimes uses roads, where they follow the original route, or where the original route is no longer accessible, much of it is grassed, tree-lined tracks through farmland, with views across the countryside.

The Icknield Way, which meets the Peddar’s Way at Thetford, crosses six counties and links the Peddar’s Way with the Ridgeway National Trail and on to the Wessex Ridgeway. It predates the Peddar’s Way and is thought to have been partly adapted by The Romans, to create that road soon after they arrived here.

Cycling in Breckland Norfolk

There is also a National Cycle Network route which passes through the area on its way from London to Fakenham. Details about Route 13, can be found here: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-13

A twenty mile Discovery Route for cyclists, which starts at Swaffham, goes through Cockley Cley, Gooderstone, Oxburgh, Eastmoor, Beachamwell and Drymere, goes through miles of open countryside and takes the rider along some quiet country lanes, whereas the cycle tracks in Thetford Forest are a brilliant place to experience off-road cycling. There is something suitable for all, from the young family, out for a gentle bike ride, to the mountain biker, out for thrills and spills. Parking is at High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Brandon, just off the B1107. Please use postcode IP27 0AF.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of miles of great cycling down country lanes that cover the main Breckland towns of Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford and Watton.  Little villages and their surrounds have great tracks that can give even the experienced rider a handful.  From Cranworth to Gressenhall and Weasenham to Mattishall you will find some lovely countryside and some great rides.  Whenever your out cycling always be aware of the Country Code and be safe.