The local government district of Breckland is situated in Norfolk and covers areas such as Thetford, Dereham, Swaffham, Watton and Attleborough. The name Breckland is reflective of itself, as the natural landscape region where gorse covered land has been preserved which is uncommonly found in the rest of the country.

The town of Dereham, historically referred to as East Dereham, is the centre point for all administrative processes within the District of Breckland. It is widely known as The Heart of Norfolk as it is positioned in the centre of the county and stands as the second largest town in Norfolk. Beautiful landscapes of the town's villages and landscapes can be seen throughout Dereham. In the past Dereham was recognised for its agriculture as traditionally it was an important location for farming.

For sightseeing, you can go to the Norman Parish Church that dates back from the twelfth century. Noticeable features in the church include the Seven Sacrament Font which was constructed in the 1480's, showcasing carvings of the church's sacraments. The ceilings inside the church all stem back from the Tudor period. The dominant feature within the church is the Cowper Window that sits directly above the tomb.

For a historic guide to Dereham you can visit Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse which looks closely at the daily lives of local residents of Norfolk from centuries ago. Here you will find an array of information about Norfolk's heritage, from exploring the foundations of the housing developments to a range of collections illustrating the lives of ordinary working class people in the area. Displays of medieval bricks and objects from the sixties are displayed beside the farm and workhouse.

A place that is definitely worth a visit is Dereham War Memorial based in the heart of the town. The monument was created in 1922 in order to remember and honour all the soldiers that died in the Great War. It was presented by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Following World War II, a further plaque was created to signify the heroes of War.

Another town in Breckland that has a vast range of attractions for visitors is Thetford. It is perceived, through archaeological research that in the late Iron Age and start of the Roman Times the town was a significant tribal centre. A sight that could be worth a visit is Castle Hill which is primarily a fortification rooting back from the Iron Ages. It is the country's largest structure in all of Britain that was devised to strengthen British defences. It remains open to the public where they can relax and enjoy the extraordinary landscape. There are many benches darted around the hill and also a play area for small children.

Thetford has been a market town since the eleventh century and currently holds its largest market every Tuesday & Saturday in the centre of the town. Many of the stallholders have been trading for decades, some for generations therefore, a strong sense of pride is taken in Thetford's weekly markets. High street retail stores and small independent shops can also be found nearby.