A gem worth stopping for

Beautiful, easy walking through woodland and around a lake with easy access for dogs who like a dip (but watch out if they like to chase ducks/geese as they were out sunning themselves on the grass by the lake when we arrived). Dogs can be off-lead, no problem. There is a rather impressive children's play area and some picnic tables near the car park with a cafe offering basic drinks and very respectable toilet facilities. We couldn't help but notice how friendly everyone was - clearly South Ockendon is a very nice place to be!

Didn't get further than the car park

OK, so we could have given this more of a try but it was the least dog friendly country park ever. According to notices in the car park, dogs were to be kept on leads at all times in the park, and were not allowed in any part of the Copper Beach cafe. I understand that parks need to cater for a wide range of users, but the whole point for us on a long car journey is to be able to give the dogs a good run, off lead, and then for us to grab a bite to eat. We haven't been anywhere else I've found on 'Driving with Dogs' where this wasn't the case. As it was a chilly morning in April, we regretted having parted with £1.50 for the parking, and left.

Are there regular users who could let us know if the leads-on restriction is applied everywhere in Brandon Park? As an alternative, we would suggest stopping in the surrounding Thetford Forest and even Elveden Courtyard just down the road has a trail attached (on-lead but free parking).