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The Downs

30 ha

📷 Richard Humphrey · Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0

Plan your visit

BirdsWildlifeSeasonal
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome30 ha

Getting here

52.95407, 0.67224

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Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🐦104+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Black-headed Gull and Curlew
  • 🐕Early mornings are best for dog walks in summer — visit before 9am to avoid the heat and find quieter trails
  • 📍Open access throughout summer — no booking required

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome

Best for

8 activities

Bird watching

Birds — Black-headed Gull, Curlew, Oystercatcher +101 more · last seen 2025; Birds — Black-headed Gull, Curlew, Oystercatcher +101 more · last seen 2025

Free

Wildlife

Multi-group wildlife — Birds, Mammals; Multi-group wildlife — Birds, Mammals

Free

Seasonal nature

Plants — Common Reed, Milk Thistle, Hawthorn +28 more · last seen 2026; Plants — Common Reed, Milk Thistle, Hawthorn +28 more · last seen 2026

Free

Dog walks

Dogs allowed — public woodland

Free

Foraging

Deciduous woodland — fungi, berries and wild garlic; Plants — Hawthorn, Red Dead-nettle, Common Nettle +4 more foraging species

Varies

Insect spotting

Insects — 7-spot Ladybird, Harlequin Ladybird, 2-spot Ladybird +10 more · last seen 2025; Insects — 7-spot Ladybird, Harlequin Ladybird, 2-spot Ladybird +10 more · last seen 2025

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

8 signed routes nearby · 3 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
East TrailWalking route
Named routeLocal walking route
Autumn TrailWalking route
Named route
Brancaster Staithe Wildlife Walk, BrancasterWalking route6.1 km

Mostly flat surfaces with some slopes, some parts can be muddy during winter, so adequate footwear may be necessary.

Named routeLength 6.1 kmDuration 02:00Round tripLocal walking route
Burnham Overy Staithe Walk, Burnham OveryWalking route6.4 km

Town roads, field paths, grass tracks and stiles. Suitable footwear may be necessary after wet weather.

Named routeLength 6.4 kmDuration 02:00Round tripLocal walking route
Norfolk Coast PathWalking route191.7 km
Named routeRef NCPLength 191.7 kmNational walking route
🚴

Cycling

16 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
EuroVelo 12 - North Sea Cycle Route - part United Kingdom 2Cycling route

Norwich - Lincoln

Named routeRef EV12International cycle route
NCN National Route 1Cycling route
Named routeRef 1National Cycle Network
Ringstead Explorer LoopCycling route
Named routeRegional cycle route
Rebellion WayCycling route373 km
Named routeRef RebelLength 373 kmRound tripRegional cycle route
Ringstead Cycle RouteCycling route27.3 km
Named routeLength 27.3 kmRound tripLocal cycle route
Regional Cycle Route 30Cycling route373 km
Named routeRef 30Length 373 kmRound tripRegional cycle route

Wildlife to spot

Photos

Track heading south from The Downs

📷 Richard Humphrey · Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0

Track heading south from The Downs

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Weather for this location

Next 14 days

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Nearby places

Useful places within 5 km

✦Roman fort (Branodunum)Historic site1.6 km→⛪St Mary's ChurchReligious grounds3.5 km→🐄Humble PieVisitor farm3.7 km→🐄The Tuscan Farm ShopVisitor farm3.8 km→⛪All Saints' ChurchReligious grounds4 km→✦Branodunum Roman Fort (Site of)Historic site1.7 km→

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