Gardens, Walks & Parks
Raveningham Gardens, situated 10 miles south-east of Norwich, is crammed with many interesting varieties and rare species of plants. There is also an orchard, herbaceous borders and lakeside walks.
Elsing Hall Gardens cover an area of 10 acres, with many old-fashioned roses, a walled kitchen garden, arboretum and formal garden.
At Bressingham near Diss is the Alan Bloom Dell Garden. It has an amazing collection of over 5,000 varieties of hardy perennials. The Adrian Foggy Bottom Garden is worthy of a visit at any time of the year as it is in glorious colour all year round.
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden can be found near South Walsham. It covers an area of 180 acres, and comprises a beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad.
Hoverton Hall Gardens, which are near Wroxham, have 15 acres of azalea and rhododendron filled woodland, and picturesque lakeside walks.
Humphrey Repton designed Sheringham Park in 1812. The park has way- marked walks varying in length, and is open all year round. Viewing towers provide spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, coast and azaleas and rhododendrons when in flower. Many species of trees and shrubs can be found, including 15 kinds of magnolia, maple, oak, sweet chestnut, beech, snowdrop, pocket handkerchief and pine.
Plantation Gardens are situated in the centre of Norwich, just off Earlham Road. They were established 140 years ago in a 3-acre chalk quarry, and include a gothic fountain, flower beds and a woodland walk-way.
Thetford Forest is Britain’s largest lowland pine forest. There are signposted walks, many picnic areas and cycle hire facilities.
Brandon Park, near Thetford, was created by businessman Edward Bliss. It is a woodland park with exotic trees, walled garden, old orchard, early Victorian mausoleum and lake.
Mannington Gardens and Country Park has beautiful gardens that surround a medieval moated manor house. Features include landscaped lakes, a chapel garden and many roses and wild flowers.
A day out in Thetford Forest
Thetford Forest is the UK’s largest man-made lowland forest with 18,730 hectares to explore on foot or on bike. Straddling the south of Norfolk and the north of Suffolk, this patchwork of heathland, pine trees and broad leaf trees makes the perfect destination on a dry day. High Lodge Visitor Centre, 4 miles from the Norfolk town of Thetford, offers excellent outdoor facilities, including Go Ape!, 4 walking trails, 3 cycling trails, forest Segway, picnic areas, bike hire, archery, play areas and BBQ hire. Dogs are welcome and there is a café serving hot and cold food and drink. There is a large, well signposted carpark and parking charges apply.
Useful links
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www.norfolkandsuffolkattractions.co.uk
Norfolk + Suffolk Tourist Attractions is the trade association for tourist attractions in Norfolk and Suffolk.
