Please note: Heritage trail is currently being resurfaced and will be closed for a short period

Visitor information

Play, run, walk or cycle your way round High Lodge, Thetford Forest

High Lodge is a safe space in nature for every generation to escape and be free. Providing opportunities for adventure and exploration with a range of exciting activities around every corner. 

With play areas dotted around the forest, beautiful walking trails winding through the trees and waymarked cycling trails for all.

Open all year, High Lodge is home to the Gruffalo, seasonal activities and events

Forest event
24 March
Race start: 10.00am
Main Event Field

Raw Trails return to High Lodge for their bi-annual Half Marathon event. The route will take you through the depths of Thetford Forest on a variety of hard packed trails making it ideal for both road and trail runners.

- Chip timed event

- Eco Friendly finisher medal

- Trophy for top 3 Male/Female

- Professional Photography with: Epic Action Imagery

 

 

Forest event
20 June 2024
5pm

About Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams, one of the most successful recording artists of all-time, will bring some of the greatest hits of his more than 40-year career to our nation’s beautiful forest settings, as well as playing songs from his latest studio album, ‘So Happy It Hurts’.

Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Bryan Adams started off as the singer in a glam-rock band, Sweeney Todd before striking out on his own and going on to pen some of the biggest hits of the 80s and 90s including the epic ‘Everything I Do (I Do It For you), ‘Heaven’, ‘Cloud 9’, ‘Run To You’, ‘Straight From The Heart’, Please Forgive Me’, ‘When You’re Gone’ (feat. Melanie C), and the globally celebrated anthem ‘Summer of ‘69’.

Special guest Cassyette will also be performing on the night.

Forest Live at High Lodge, Thetford Forest

Thetford Forest is the largest pine forest in the UK stretching from the south of Norfolk to north Suffolk. Composed mainly of heathland with pines and broadleaved trees, it’s the UK’s largest man-made forest covering 18,730 hectares. Every corner of the forest has something waiting to be discovered!

Bryan Adams joins Sting, Paloma Faith and Sir Tom Jones at Forest Live 2024 in High Lodge, Thetford Forest.

About Forest Live

Forest Live is a major live music series held in our nation’s forests. Join us among the trees to hear the best live music, connect with nature and discover unique locations across the country. 

This is the ideal concert experience taking place in beautiful natural woodland arenas every summer, with a relaxed atmosphere and an incredible soundtrack.

Buying tickets from Forestry England helps to grow and protect our nation’s forests for generations to come.

Forest event
22 June 2024
5pm

About Sting

Composer, singer-songwriter, actor, author, and activist Sting was born in Newcastle, England before moving to London in 1977 to form The Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers. The band released five studio albums, earned six GRAMMY Awards® and two BRIT Awards, and was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. 

As one of the world’s most distinctive solo artists, Sting has received an additional 11 GRAMMY Awards®, two BRIT Awards, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, four Oscar nominations, a TONY nomination, Billboard Magazine’s Century Award, and MusiCares 2004 Person of the Year. 

Throughout his illustrious career, Sting has sold 100 million albums from his combined work with The Police and as a solo artist. 

Forest Live at High Lodge, Thetford Forest

Thetford Forest is the largest pine forest in the UK stretching from the south of Norfolk to north Suffolk. Composed mainly of heathland with pines and broadleaved trees, it’s the UK’s largest man-made forest covering 18,730 hectares. Every corner of the forest has something waiting to be discovered!

Sting joins Bryan Adams and Sir Tom Jones at Forest Live 2024 in High Lodge, Thetford Forest.

About Forest Live

Forest Live is a major live music series held in our nation’s forests. Join us among the trees to hear the best live music, connect with nature and discover unique locations across the country. 

This is the ideal concert experience taking place in beautiful natural woodland arenas every summer, with a relaxed atmosphere and an incredible soundtrack.

Buying tickets from Forestry England helps to grow and protect our nation’s forests for generations to come.

Forest event
27 June 2024
5pm

About Paloma Faith

Renowned for her empowering and immeasurable pop anthems including “Only Love Can Hurt Like This”, “Upside Down” and 2023’s “How You Leave A Man”, Paloma Faith’s unwavering confidence and candid self-expression has allowed her to emerge an esteemed music icon.

To date she has released five Top 10 albums, embarked on a flourishing acting career, amassed partnerships with the likes of Oxfam and Greenpeace and launched her own interiors brand — all while serving as a lifeline for women as she shares her experiences of motherhood, post-natal depression and the challenges of feeling as though she has to sacrifice herself for everyone else. Paloma’s sixth studio album ‘The Glorification of Sadness’ is set to arrive this week, featuring high-profile collaborators including Kojey Radical, Chase & Status and Charlie Puth.

Forest Live at High Lodge, Thetford Forest

Thetford Forest is the largest pine forest in the UK stretching from the south of Norfolk to north Suffolk. Composed mainly of heathland with pines and broadleaved trees, it’s the UK’s largest man-made forest covering 18,730 hectares. Every corner of the forest has something waiting to be discovered!

Paloma Faith joins Bryan AdamsSting, and Tom Jones at Forest Live 2024 in High Lodge, Thetford Forest.

About Forest Live

Forest Live is a major live music series held in our nation’s forests. Join us among the trees to hear the best live music, connect with nature and discover unique locations across the country. 

This is the ideal concert experience taking place in beautiful natural woodland arenas every summer, with a relaxed atmosphere and an incredible soundtrack.

Buying tickets from Forestry England helps to grow and protect our nation’s forests for generations to come.

Food and drink

high lodge cafe

High Lodge cafe

Open 7 days a week, serving hot food and drink. 10% discount and monthly offers for High Lodge members

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful barbecue stands, just bring along food and good company!

Our hire BBQs are bookable up to 30 days in advance. 

Small BBQ: £18 - Off peak | £26 - Peak

Large BBQ: £30 - Off Peak | £38 - Peak

Please note that there is no vehicular access to any barbecues but you can park close to numbers 3 to 8.

Full terms and conditions apply 

A popular activity in the heart of the High Lodge site which features 18 forest themed holes between the trees. 

The activity is bookable online (Crazy Golf In Suffolk | High Lodge Adventure Golf) or pay and play on the day - Cash or card option to pay on the day. 

We recommend securing your slot by booking in advance on busy days to avoid disappointment.

Open weekends and school holidays (10am-5pm, with last entry on the course at 4pm)

 

 

Release your inner Robin Hood with the ultimate archery experience at High Lodge Thetford.

Lookout Archery provides a complete archery experience from beginners to competition archers. We offer have-a-go, one hour lessons, group bookings, birthday parties, corporate, school visits and family days out.

Archery will be onsite weekends and during school holidays through out the year. Midweek term time is available upon request. Booking is recommended due to the popularity of this activity and to avoid disappointment. 

For more information on booking your archery experience please call 07729 402009 or visit their website

Find out more

Offering a range of courses, parties and bespoke bookings, Back to wilderness offers a great introduction to the world of bushcraft, survival and wilderness Living.

You’ll gain a good understanding of the basic skills required to help you survive in the wilderness, but it will be down to you to practice.

Holders of valid Membership are entitled to an additional 15% discount for individual bookings or 20% discount for two or more people on selected weekend courses at High Lodge. Your membership number must be verified as current before the booking is confirmed. Call to discuss on 07833 182180.

For details on a variety of courses, visit Back to Wilderness.

Nearby forests

Santon Downham

Whether you are seeking a quiet stroll or wish to take in the natural beauty of the local area, Santon Downham is an idyllic part of Suffolk.

Much of the land here originally belonged to the Santon Downham estate, which was at one time owned by Charles Sloane (later Lord Cadogan).

Snowdrops in the forest

The Little Ouse Valley between Brandon and Thetford has been designated a Forest Nature Reserve by Forestry England in recognition of its importance to wildlife.

Sunrise in a conifer forest

A patchwork of pines, heathland and broadleaves provide the ideal setting for a great day out, and a welcome refuge for a rich variety of animal and plant life.

18,730 hectares to explore

The forest covers a huge area with many different places to visit, offering a range attractions from the exciting outdoor play facilities at High Lodge to the history and heritage of Mildenhall Warren and Lynford Arboretum and the peace and tranquility of the walks around Santon Downham.

Sun bathing

The magnificent beeches lining the A134 at this site provide the setting for one of the most attractive picnic spots within the forest.

The splendour of the beech canopy affords an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

An open area next to the car park gives opportunities for those wishing to picnic or play during their stay. Here, heather and grasses add a splash of colour and interest for insects such as butterflies and bees, reminiscent of the former Breckland heaths.

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England