Thetford Forest Park

The Forestry Commission carved out 19,000 acres of pine and mixed woodland here, and it's genuinely one of East Anglia's better outdoor spaces. You get proper forest walks, cycling trails that range from gentle loops to proper leg-burners, and if you time it right, the heathland flowers in late summer are worth the trip alone.

What actually happens when you visit is less mystical than the brochures suggest. There's a visitor centre with the usual facilities, a car park or two, and then you're into the trees. Families with young kids will manage a couple of hours on the shorter routes without complaint. Serious walkers and cyclists can easily spend a full day here - the trails are well-marked and the terrain is forgiving enough that you won't come away battered.

The real strength of Thetford Forest is how it sits within reach of Attleborough, making it straightforward to pair with a longer Norfolk holiday. If you're based at Wild With Nature or the glossier Glamp & Tipple setup nearby, this becomes your daytime adventure while the glamping does the novelty work. Admission appears to be free, though parking charges may apply - standard Forestry Commission rates.

Go in autumn or spring if you can. Summer brings crowds, and winter is muddy. The forest itself won't knock your socks off if you've walked European woodlands, but for Norfolk it punches above its weight and offers genuine breathing room away from the coast.