Santon Downham

 

The Forest District Office, the administrative centre of the Forest Park, is based in Santon Downham. Much of the land here originally belonged to the Santon Downham estate, which was at one time owned by Charles Sloane (later Lord Cadogan ). An impressive avenue of Limes lines the Thetford road to the village. Local information and leaflets are available at the Forest Office.

The 5 mile orange walk (short cut available) can also be accessed from St Helen's Picnic site. It has interpretaion around the walk on some of the fascination history and wildlife of the area. A Guide Map showing 26 trails around the forest is available for £1 from High Lodge Forest Centre or from the Forest Office (Office hours only).
Orange Walk

How to get there:

Santon Downham is in Thetford Forest Park. Santon Downham and Brandon are the nearest towns or villages.

From Brandon take the B1107 towards Thetford. , On the outskirts of Brandon, fork left signposted Santon Downham and Forest District Offices., Follow this road through the village until you reach the church., Turn left and park in the Forest District Offices car park.

OS Grid Reference: TL815877

Other places to go in Thetford Forest Park

• Rishbeth Wood
  
• Lynford Stag
  
• Mayday
  
• Shouldham Warren
  
• The Kings Forest
  
• St Helens
  
• West Stow
  
• Cranberry Rough
  
• Great Hockham
  
• High Ash
  
• Two Mile Bottom
  
• Thorpe Woodlands
  
• Lynford Arboretum and Lakes
  
• High Lodge Forest Centre
  
• High Lodge Forest Centre Christmas Tree Sales
  

Facilities:

	Refreshments and light snacks are available from the village shop, adjacent to the car park.

Activities

	The 5 mile orange walk (short cut available) can also be accessed from St Helen's Picnic site. It has interpretaion around the walk on some of the fascination history and wildlife of the area. A Guide Map showing 26 trails around the forest is available for £1 from High Lodge Forest Centre or from the Forest Office (Office hours only). Orange Walk
	The Forestry Commission has a Open Access policy for horse riding. As a consequence there are very few way-marked trails in the forest. O.S.Explorer map 229 shows areas owned by the Forestry Commission and open to the public to ride. Deboxing areas can be found at the east end of the Harling Drove (FR23) and north of the railway line at Santon Downham. The areas north of the railway line are best suited to horse riding as this is away from the concentration of visitors using High Lodge and the cycling trails. Please observe all signs especially those relating to 'Forest Operation'.
	The Little Ouse River valley provides a variety of habitats and many opportunities for wildlife watching.

Contact: