Rendlesham Forest UFO Landing

December 1980. Two US Air Force officers reported a glowing craft descending through the pines near RAF Woodbridge, just outside Rendlesham Forest. Whether you buy the UFO story or not, the forest itself is genuinely worth a walk - 3,800 acres of Corsican and Scots pine, with proper trails and a palpable sense of something a bit different about the place.

The forest sits east of Woodbridge and has become a magnet for UFO enthusiasts and casual walkers alike. You'll find a visitor centre with information about the incident, though frankly the forest's appeal lies more in the walking itself than any tangible evidence. The Rendlesham Forest Sculpture Trail is the main draw - a loop around the site where the original sighting was logged, studded with art installations that serve as wayfinding markers. It's about three miles, manageable in under two hours, and the mix of open heathland and dense woodland keeps things visually interesting.

Families with children who don't mind a decent walk will get something out of this. History buffs and conspiracy theorists will obviously make a pilgrimage. Casual ramblers might find it a touch overhyped unless they're genuinely keen on the UFO angle - the forest itself is pleasant enough but hardly unique for Suffolk.

Entry is free and there's no set opening hours - it's open access woodland. The site has decent car parking and the walks are well-marked. Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds. Several camping options are within five miles, including Brick Kiln Farm and The Orchard Campsite, making it easy to combine with a broader East Anglian touring trip.