In and Around Brandon

The little market town of Brandon is known as the Gateway to the Brecks. As such, it has a distinctive character with many flint and brick buildings, a pretty river and all the outdoor fun of Thetford Forest and Brandon Country Park on its doorstep.

Wildlife and Countryside

Brandon lies at the heart of the Brecks. The Brecks is a land of lowland heaths, mysterious earthworks and gnarled twisted pines. The area stretches from north-west Suffolk to south-west Norfolk and covers about 370 square miles. The landscape is truly unique in Britain and is home to many rare birds, flowers, insects and mammals.

Beneath the vast sandy soils are chalk and flint. Pre-historic settlers used the flints to clear the light forests and create large open heathlands. Sheep and rabbits kept the shrubland low and winds frequently swept the sands across the open landscape.

History

Brandon can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon times and the town is steeped in history centred around the fur trade and flintknapping industry. Flint has been mined from early Neolithic times when it was used for arrowheads and other implements. Brandon was the last home of the gun flint industry in Britain which brought substantial wealth to the town until the invention of the percussion cap in the 19th century. During the Napoleonic Wars, a good knapper could produce 15,000 gun flints a week!

The fur trade was the other main industry of the town as the area was known for its warrens and rabbit farms.

In the 19th century, farmers planted lines of Scots pine trees knitted together as wind breaks to protect their fields. Then in the early 20th century, the Forestry Commission planted Thetford Forest - Britain's largest lowland pine forest - and the landscape was dramatically altered again.

Brandon Heritage Centre

Located in the centre of the town, Brandon Heritage Centre collections offer unique views of the town's colourful history, from Neolithic times to the present day. Hands on exhibits help to tell the story of the flint, fur and forest industries which have been the life blood of the area.

Brandon Country Park

A stunning 32 acre park, with miles of walking and cycling trails and picnic sites. There is a visitor centre packed with useful information, as well as a gift shop, interpretation boards and a tearoom, as well as the Brandon Tourist Information Point. Walks from the Country Park can lead you into the surrounding Thetford Forest where there is plenty more entertainment for the whole family.

Out and About

There is a selection of shops, pubs and restaurants in Brandon, and the picturesque Little Ouse River running through the town is a great place to relax. Hire a boat, go fishing,or take a leisurely riverside stroll, then stop somewhere for tea, an ice cream, or a picnic.There are also miles of public footpaths and bridleways for ramblers and riders to enjoy, including the Lark Valley Walk which links Mildenhall and Bury St Edmunds.