A new mobile site has been ceated. Whilst this page will remain you may find Trainspots mobile better suited to a smart phone.
Road directions
From Thetford or Norwich: From A134 Thetford to Downham Market road, take the unclassified road signed Santon Downham (southwards) - this is the first proper left hand turn when coming from Thetford, and is almost 4 miles from the A11 roundabout. After nearly 2 miles turn left after crossing the railway level crossing, and continue to the signposted picnic area.
From Brandon: Take the B1107 east from the town centre, forking left after a mile or so to follow the signs to Santon Downham. At the far end of the village turn left (signed Santon Warren). Just before you reach the level crossing, turn right and follow this road to the signposted picnic area.
Alternatively, if coming from Brandon station, the following longer route may be quicker (avoiding the traffic lights in Brandon town centre). Head north from the station on the A1065 (the main road over the level crossing). After about 2 miles fork right onto the unclassified road signed Grimes Graves, and at the crossroads with the A134 turn right. Take the next right, signed Santon Downham, and turn left after the level crossing to reach the signposted picnic area.
Parking
On entering the picnic area, keep to the left and park in the left hand corner close to the railway line. Walk westwards through the trees into the open field. At the time of writing there was no car parking charge, but there was a ticket machine covered over, so it has either been discontinued or may be introduced in the future.
Public transport
No public transport, but Brandon is about 3 miles away - there are plenty of forest walks.
Amenities
The are public toilets here, but nothing else. Nearest shops are at Brandon, about 3 miles away (including a small supermarket) or Thetford a bit further the other way.
Accommodation
The nearest accommodation would probably be in Thetford.
This is the best shot I know of in Thetford Forest, as others involve shooting from the shadowy side of the line or are taken from very close to the track and are more head-on. The line runs approximately NW-SE here, and shots are only possible of eastbound trains (or going away shots of westbound trains). The light is correct from mid morning onwards, with the sun on the nose until 2 or 3pm, and there should be no problems with shadows. Simply stand by the fence! Steps are not needed, but if there is a group of people might be useful for some in the group. This section of line still has telegraph poles with wires, and these can easily feature in the shot.
Shots of eastbound trains are also possible from near the level crossing mentioned in the 'Directions' section; park close to the level crossing (there is plenty of space). Either shoot from the crossing itself, or walk 100 yards or more eastwards between the trees and the fence. Steps will be very useful for this shot, but note that because the line curves from the left, the back of long trains will be lost out of the frame. However, the sun remains on the nose for longer here than at the picnic area, but shadows from trees would be more of a problem in winter.
There is plenty of warning of approaching trains as they can be heard shortly after leaving / passing through Brandon - the sound travels far in the forest.
Both of these locations would be alright for taking videos, but the film would be short due to the curved nature of the line and the lack of scope for panning round. The sound of the level crossing sirens will be noticeable all through shots taken at that location.
