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Santon Downham


(Average user rating5 unrated 5/5)

About Santon Downham

The Forest Office which is the administrative centre of the Thetford 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.

 

 

How to get there:

Santon Downham is in Thetford Forest Park.
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.
Santon Downham and Brandon are the nearest towns or villages.
OS Grid Reference: TL815877
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Other places to go in Thetford Forest Park

What's on in Thetford Forest Park

June

July

View all events
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)

Facilities:

ToiletsInformationParkingRefreshments
Refreshments

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

Activities

Walking 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 map showing the trail around Santon Downham is available from the Forest Office (office hours only), or you could print a copy before you visit.
Orange Walk
Orange Walk
HorseRiding.gif 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'.
Wildlife Activities The Little Ouse River valley provides a variety of habitats and many opportunities for wildlife watching.

Contact:

Nicky Russell

01842 819081
e-mail: nicky.russell@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

Hi,I would be grateful of any information you can give me on bringing my horse to ride at forest,and where I can park my trailer.many thanks

Gail Plummer, 21/Feb/2012

There is an 'open access' policy for horseriders on our freehold land. The best map to use would be the OS Explorer 229 which clearly shows the freehold/leasehold boundaries. You can park at any site without a height restriction on it. Nicky Hooton - Recreation Ranger

Forestry Commission Response

I believe that there is a meeting at Santon Downham in October on Tree diseases. I would be grateful for details

Michael Brett, 9/Sep/2011
5 Stars 5 Stars

One of the best places to see Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Crossbill, Brambling, Siskin amoung many.

Steve Lyon, 21/Feb/2010

Please tell us about your visit

Please email us at nicky.russell@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.

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