Lush Tranquility: Delving into the Wonders of Lynford Arboretum
- Amanda Vosloh-Tedford
- Feb 6, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 4
Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, this enchanting haven beckons nature enthusiasts and tranquility seekers alike. With its diverse collection of tree species from all around the world, vibrant flora, and winding pathways, Lynford Arboretum offers a captivating escape into lush greenery and natural beauty. Located in the northern section of Thetford Forest, about 20 minutes from Thetford proper, it spans just under 700 acres. This location is perfect for a peaceful day out with family or friends. Dogs are also welcome; there's even a dog agility course!
Please note that some areas of the Lynford Arboretum may be off limits to our furry friends. Pay attention to posted signs for the most updated information on this.
Table of Contents
Hours, Amenities, & Parking
Lynford Arboretum is open daily from dusk until dawn. Obviously, this means hours vary by season, so check current sunrise and sunset times when planning your visit.
Parking is free! It is located on Lynford Road, which is off of the A1065. You'll have to drive a decent way down and it can feel like you are a bit out of place, but the car park is there.
Notably, disabled parking is also available.
Amenities include easy trail access and a picnic area. Lynford Arboretum is bin free, however, so you'll need to tidy up and take any trash home with you. Barbeques are also not allowed.
It's also important to keep in mind that there are no toilets available here!
History
The Forestry Commission established Lynford Arboretum in the 1940's. Before this, it was part of the Lynford Hall estate.
The hall, which can be seen from the Lynford Arboretum, was rebuilt as a Jacobean-style mansion in 1856 (although the original structure was constructed in the 1720s). It later served as a hospital for officers during the Second World War. In the 1900's, it was used as a forestry training school, which is where many of the conifer trees originated. Today, Lynford Hall sits majestically nearby, with opportunities to take beautiful photographs of it from across the water.
Attractions
The Shepherd's Baa
This small café is perfectly located in the Lynford Arboretum car park. It's open seven days a week (regardless of the weather), but hours do vary by season. In the winter, you'll be able to order various sweet and savory treats from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Summer hours are slightly extended.
The Shepherd's Baa actually offers fantastic variety for such a small facility. Highlights include brownies, sponge cakes, sausage rolls, pasties, and locally-made ice creams (produced by a farmer in Norfolk). Vegan and gluten free options are available. They also have a great selection of hot drinks! If you fancy a spiced pumpkin latte, hot spiced apple juice, or peppermint hot chocolate on your walk? Then this is the place!
Diverse Wildlife
Lynford Arboretum is home to over 200 different species of trees, as well as a wide variety of birds, flowers, and fungi. You're likely to see broad-leaved trees, conifer trees, bluebells, daffodils, snowdrops, and various small forest dwellers.
Walking Trails
There are three primary walking trails at Lynford Arboretum.
Easy Access Tail | 1 mile |
Blue Walk | 1.5 miles |
Green Walk | 1 mile |
Notably, many of the pathways are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The site is maintained by the Friends of Thetford Forest, whose volunteers actively looks after the area. The easy access trail, in particular, is ideal for individuals with mobility issues. It is well-surfaced and has benches available at regular intervals.
The Green Walk enters part of the former Lynford Hall estate. You can even see the remains of the original hall! If you're looking for a longer walk, it's possible to combine the Green Walk and Blue Walk.
Dog Agility Course
Dog aren't just allowed at Lynford Arboretum; they're specifically catered to with their very own agility course! The course is free to use and easy to access, making for a fantastic day out with your pup!
Highland Cows (Nearby)
While not technically part of the Lynford Arboretum, there are highland cows nearby! At the edge of the Arboretum, you'll find a bridge that crosses the waterway. Follow the trail a little further and you'll find a fenced area for these beautiful creatures.
My Experience
My husband and I were actually staying at Lynford Hall Hotel when we stumbled across the Lynford Arboretum for the first time. Unfortunately, the hall is now only open for residents and guests attending private meetings or events. The website does say, however, that they are taking bookings (minimum of two nights), but to call for details.
Phone: 01842 878 351
If you get the opportunity, I highly recommend staying here. Being a guest at Lynford Hall feels immensely luxurious and I couldn't believe how inexpensive it was. Room service was even reasonably priced and their full English breakfast was delicious. And I won't lie, I loved imagining that the entire estate was mine every time we walked through the entryway. We enjoyed every minute of our stay here.
While booking a room may be more difficult now, the grounds are still open to view and walk around. This is how we started our adventure, actually. I wanted to snap some photos of the architecture and surrounding gardens. The whole area has a rich, yet rundown aesthetic that I haven't really found anywhere else. It's truly charming.
As we walked, we eventually found one of the Lynford Arboretum trails (the Easy Access Trail, if I'm not mistaken). We meandered for some time, taking photos and enjoying the atmosphere, until we arrived at the car park. There, we were delighted to find the Shephard's Baa! We both purchased sausage rolls and hot chocolates, which were simply delicious.
After our walk, my husband and I went back for cake! I also returned numerous times throughout our stay for more sausage rolls!
From the car park, we backtracked along the Easy Access Trail but eventually found our way to both the Blue Walk and Green Walk. Honestly, we meandered for hours enjoying the various sights and wildlife. This area has some of the most beautiful forestry I've seen in Norfolk. We also saw several swans and geese along the way.
While neither of our pups were with us, we did find the dog agility course. This addition to the park is awesome! If you have fur babies, it's definitely something to add to your travel list.
Although the trails seemed decently marked, my husband and I really just walked aimlessly for several hours. It's easy to get lost in the beauty.
Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the highland cows! This was a highlight of the day for me. Again, these fluffy beauties aren't technically part of the Lynford Arboretum, but they are nearby. I can't tell you exactly which trail we took, but you should see the pasture a short distance from the water. Following the fence, you will eventually reach the herd.
I spent nearly an hour gazing at these cuties before we made our way back to the hotel for a relaxing bath and dinner. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a more nature-centric and tranquil day out.
Recommendations
Make sure you wear comfortable trainers or tennis shoes. Since the main appeal of this outing is walking the trails, it's important to have proper footwear. These Karrimor Weathertite shoes are my go-to choice, but find appropriate shoes that are right for your adventures!
Bring wellies (rain boots). While many of the trails are well-surfaced, some of the surrounding area can get muddy. If it's been raining, it may well be worth switching to your boots upon arrival.
Visit the Lynford Hall property. Again, the grounds are open to view and you won't be disappointed by their beauty!
Be prepared to take a LOT of pictures. This area is truly stunning, especially on sunny days. I use the Nikon D7000 digital SLR with either a 18-55mm lens or 55-200mm lens. Amazon also has a comparable Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera, which comes with two lenses and a carry bag.
And have fun! More than anything, be ready with your traveler's spirit and enjoy this amazing park. There's plenty to see during a full day, but shorter trips to Lynford Arboretum are also appropriate. I suggest giving yourself at least two to explore the area.
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