Lilac Cottage - Bed & Breakfast in Northwold, Thetford Forest, Norfolk.

Downham Market

Known as the "Gateway to the Fens", Downham Market offers a range of independent shops with free parking! Built on relatively high ground, the town dates from Saxon times. The vernacular architecture uses as distinctive brick, hence the nickname of Gingerbread Town. The town square boasts an unusual black and white clock tower. There is a Craft Fair on alternate Saturdays throughout the summer months.

Swaffham

Recently featured in the hit TV series, Kingdom, and childhood home of the Egyptologist, Howard Carter, Swaffham is no ordinary Norfolk town. It has a wonderful buzz, particularly on Saturdays when the weekly market is in full swing. With its beautiful Georgian buildings and magnificent church, plus the stunning countryside of The Brecks just on the doorstep, Swaffham is a great place to visit.

Thetford

Thetford is an ancient market town filled to the brim with history and heritage sites, quiet gardens, open parkland and a relaxing riverside. There is an exciting range of town trails to help you make the most of your visit. Thetford has a wealth of interesting sights and quirky stories to tell and the town trails are the best way to get a quick taster. Thetford featured in the long running TV series, Dad's Army as Walmington on Sea.

Kings Lynn

Originally named Bishop's Lynn, the town has a rich and fascinating history stretching back over 1,000 years. By the 14th century, the town ranked as the third port of England. In 1538 the town became royal property under Henry VIII, and the later names of Lynn Regis and King's Lynn reflect this change. Associated with Nelson and Vancouver, there are several museums to explore. There is also the Green Quay, Caithness Crystal and Greyfriars Tower of interest.

Ely

Famed for its magnificent cathedral and Octagon Tower, Ely (Island of Eels) was originally founded in 673 by St Etheldreda, with the building as it stands today being built by William the Conqueror.

Cambridge

Home of the world famous University, carols in King's College Chapel and punting on the river Cam, Cambridge is a compact cosmopolitan city with outstanding architecture old and new. The beauty of its ancient centre is preserved with its walkable medieval streets, college courts, gardens and bridges.

Norwich

Ancient buildings, city walls, iconic landmarks, medieval churches, the Norfolk Broads, nature reserves, riverside pubs, outdoor pursuits - Norwich has it all. The principal city in East Anglia offers high street stores and individual boutique shopping.

Newmarket

Horseracing and Breeding are synonymous with Newmarket. It has many fine listed buildings, attractive shopping, varied recreational facilities and a variety of hotels, restaurants and cafes. There are many historic sites such as the Icknield Way and the Devil's Dyke, which link Newmarket to Anglo-Saxon times. The Dyke is an Ancient Monument, and is the largest defensive earthwork in the country.

Sandringham

Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen, and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house, set in 60 acres of stunning gardens, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate, 600 acres of which make up the woodland and heath of the Country Park, open to the public free of charge every day of the year.

North Norfolk Coast

North Norfolk embraces around 400 square miles at the far eastern tip of England. Its coastline stretches for 43 miles and much of it is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The diverse landscape includes wide sandy beaches, pine forests, salt marshes and mudflats and as the seasons change the countryside takes on very different qualities.

North Norfolk is famous for its long, white sandy beaches such as those at Holkham, Wells and Brancaster. The wide beaches are washed by safe shallow waters and are perfect for sunbathers, swimmers and those looking for plenty of space to play. Further along the coast, Mundesley is a 'Blue Flag' beach where children can paddle safely in tidal pools and the pebbly beach at Sheringham has also won a Blue Flag award for its cleanliness.

Oxburgh Hall

No one ever forgets their first sight of Oxburgh. A romantic, moated manor house, it was built by the Bedingfeld family in the 15th century and they have lived here ever since. Inside, the family's Catholic history is revealed, complete with a secret priest's hole which you can crawl inside. See the astonishing needlework by Mary, Queen of Scots, and the private chapel, built with reclaimed materials. Outside, you can enjoy panoramic views from the gatehouse roof and follow the woodcarving trails in the gardens and woodlands.

Iceni Village

The Iceni Village is a reconstruction of the type of village occupied by a British tribe, the Iceni, shortly before the Roman occupation-about 2,000 years ago. Most famous for their queen, Boudicca, the Iceni was a Celtic tribe living in East Anglia.

Thetford Forest

Thetford Forest is a patchwork of pines, heathland and broadleaf trees providing the ideal setting for a day out, and a welcome refuge for a rich variety of animal and plant life. Visitors are attracted by the peace and tranquility of Thetford Forest as well as the wide range of recreation facilities. High Lodge is the venue where children can explore trails, use the play furniture and have fun on the large grass area. Refreshments are also available in our oak framed building. There is something for everyone somewhere in the forest: mountain bike trails, horse riding, bird watching and open air concerts to name a few.

Brandon Country Park

Brandon Country Park was originally a country house with extensive parkland. It is now managed for wildlife. In spring, hundreds of toads breed in the lake. Dragonflies and damselflies dart and skim across the water. From the lake, you also get clear views of the house, now a private nursing home.

Grime's Graves

Grime's Graves is the only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors in Britain. It was not until one of the shafts was excavated in 1870 that they were found to be flint mines dug over 5,000 years ago, during the later Neolithic and early Bronze Ages. The small exhibition area illustrates the history of this fascinating site. Set amid the distinctive Breckland heath landscape, Grime's Graves is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the home of a wide variety of plants and fauna.

Snetterton

One of the fastest tracks in the UK, the Norfolk circuit is located 10 miles north-east of Thetford on the A11. First used as a racing circuit in 1951 by the Aston Martin Owner's Club, Snetterton has become renowned over the past half century for its long straights and high speed corners.

Banham Zoo

A delightful zoo allowing visitors an opportunity to get close to the animals, Banham Zoo offers an activities and education centre, safari road train, bird of prey displays and a souvenir shop and café.