What a lovely country park.great walks,play park,cafe and facilities. Friendly staff at cafe and great food and prices. Parkrun there aswell ,lovely 2 lap course.

I haven't been here since I was a child, bought my 7 and 5 year old for the trail round the park, was a very peaceful and tranquil setting, some great views, great play area, parking £3 all day, very reasonable, would come again.

A wonderful and spacious spot for dog walking. I only spent a couple of hours exploring but you could definitely lose yourself in there for much longer. The Edward Bliss Mausoleum is just a short walk from the carpark. Very reasonable parking charges.

Brandon Country Park is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of The Brecks, spanning over 30 acres within the vast Thetford Forest on the Suffolk and Norfolk border. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape into nature, a energetic family day out, or a long dog walk, it strikes a wonderful balance between managed parkland and wild, open woodland. ## The Highlights * **The Trails:** The park features beautifully managed and clearly waymarked paths catering to different energy levels. You can choose from a gentle 1-mile stroll (Red Trail), a more substantial 3.5-mile loop (Purple Trail), or a deep 5.5-mile trek (Orange Trail) through the towering pine trees and open heathland. * **The Historic Walled Garden & Lake:** For a more tranquil experience, the formal walled garden is a serene space featuring unique Himalayan Birch and Handkerchief trees. A scenic ornamental lake nearby is perfect for watching local wildlife. * **Family & Pet Friendly:** There are excellent play areas designed for toddlers up to teenagers. The park is incredibly welcoming to dogs, featuring wide-open spaces to explore, though note that the walled garden and the inside of the tea room are kept dog-free to accommodate everyone. * **The Copper Beech Café:** A lovely spot to refuel, offering everything from a highly-rated all-day breakfast to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. ## Practical Tips for Your Visit > **Affordable Parking:** Unlike some of the larger, commercial forestry centers nearby, parking here is incredibly reasonable at just £2 for up to two hours or £3 for the entire day. > * **Facilities:** Public toilets and picnic areas are available on-site, though check ahead during off-peak seasons as the café closing hours shift from 4:30 PM (April to October) to 3:30 PM (November to March). * **Crowds:** Because of its popularity and great value, the main car park can fill up quickly on warm, sunny weekends, so arriving early is highly recommended. Overall, Brandon Country Park delivers a fantastic, low-stress day out that showcases the unique, wild landscape of The Brecks without breaking the bank.

The trails are beautiful and well-maintained, with something for every ability, from a gentle stroll to a proper hike through the forest. The kids always have a blast at the playground, and the walled garden is a peaceful, beautiful spot to wander through. The cafe is a real gem, serving up delicious food and drinks, and the affordable all-day parking is a huge bonus. It's a wonderful place to escape into nature and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great day out