Castle Acre Castle
Explore the magnificent, free-to-access ruins of Castle Acre Castle and wander through a charming medieval village in Norfolk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Castle Acre Castle
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the magnificent, free-to-access ruins of Castle Acre Castle and wander through a charming medieval village in Norfolk.
"A truly impressive scale of ruins, you get a good idea of what it was once like."
🎯 Free Castle Access
The magnificent Castle Acre Castle ruins are free to explore! Enjoy the history without an entry fee.
🎫 Priory Admission Fee
Note that Castle Acre Priory has an admission fee, but English Heritage members get free entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Castle Acre Castle Ruins
Castle Acre
Explore the impressive scale of these free-to-access medieval castle ruins and imagine its former glory.
Castle Acre Priory
Castle Acre
Wander through the atmospheric remains of this historic priory, a testament to medieval monastic life.
Baileys Gate
Castle Acre
Discover this well-preserved medieval gatehouse, offering a glimpse into the village's fortified past.
Castle Acre Village Green
Castle Acre
Enjoy a picnic or relax on the village green, a central hub with seating and a charming atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ruins & Village Charm
Public Transport & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rejoined English Heritage today while at Castle Acre in Norfolk. England is fucking rammed with history, it's great!
🎯 Free Castle Access
The magnificent Castle Acre Castle ruins are free to explore! Enjoy the history without an entry fee.
🎫 Priory Admission Fee
Note that Castle Acre Priory has an admission fee, but English Heritage members get free entry.
Castle Acre Castle - One of England's BEST Medieval Castles
Solo traveller looking for UK day/overnight trips – love ruins and cute medieval villages!
🚶♀️ Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends along! Castle Acre Castle is dog-friendly, perfect for a walk.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the village green, a lovely spot for a relaxing lunch.
Never been to Norfolk before, what should I be looking to do aside from the Spice Museum and Owl Sanctuary, obviously?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Castle Access
The magnificent Castle Acre Castle ruins are free to explore! Enjoy the history without an entry fee.
🎫 Priory Admission Fee
Note that Castle Acre Priory has an admission fee, but English Heritage members get free entry.
🚶♀️ Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends along! Castle Acre Castle is dog-friendly, perfect for a walk.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the village green, a lovely spot for a relaxing lunch.
👟 Steep Paths Alert
Be aware of steep paths within the castle ruins; steps and bridges are available for easier access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Castle Acre for its impressive, free-to-access castle ruins and charming village atmosphere, making it a great day out. While the priory has an entry fee, the overall experience is highly regarded for its historical significance and relaxing ambiance. Some note the steep paths within the castle, but accessibility is generally good.
"Castle Acre is a small village on the Peddars Way, with a castle (free) Baileys Gate (Free) and a priory (charge - but English Heritage so free to members and a charge) - there is a great church Castle Acre has one pub( The Ostrich) Budgens food store and fish and chip shop. Seating is on the village green"
ANN LIGHT
"Lovely Village to spend a relaxing day with areas to sit down and have picnics or walk walk the dog or let the children run around. Also nice pubs and coffee houses but the only problem is when you go to the priory you have to pay £13 each as of August 2024 to enter as it's an English heritage site. However the castle, which is astounding, is a free place to Roam"
Mark Jones
"Such a beautiful village with a ruined Abbey and castle. Nice cafe and a lovely old pub where the food was excellent. Perfect day out"
Sue Lockwood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castle Acre is accessible by public transport, making it a viable day trip from London. While specific routes may vary, research bus services connecting to the village. Be prepared for potentially longer travel times if you're relying solely on public transport.
Yes, free parking is available at Castle Acre, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Castle Acre is a fantastic day trip destination for those interested in ruins and medieval villages, especially if you don't drive.
For solo travelers, public transport is a good option, though it might involve longer travel days. The village is known for its ruins and medieval charm, making the journey worthwhile.
There are no specific travel restrictions mentioned for visiting Castle Acre. Standard travel advice for historical sites applies.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Castle Acre Castle ruins are completely free to enter and explore, offering great value for visitors.
Yes, there is an admission fee for Castle Acre Priory. However, if you are an English Heritage member, you can enter for free.
While the castle ruins are generally accessible, specific opening hours for the Priory should be checked with English Heritage. It's advisable to confirm these details before your visit.
Yes, if you have an English Heritage membership, you can gain free entry to Castle Acre Priory.
The primary discount for Castle Acre Priory is through an English Heritage membership. It's always worth checking their official website for any other potential offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Castle Acre Castle, you can explore the impressive ruins, walk around the grounds, and imagine its historical significance. It's a great spot for history enthusiasts and offers a sense of scale.
Yes, Castle Acre is suitable for families. Children can enjoy running around the open spaces of the castle ruins and the village green.
Yes, Castle Acre Castle is dog-friendly, so you can bring your canine companions along for your visit.
The terrain at Castle Acre Castle can be steep in places. However, steps and bridges have been installed to help with access for most able-bodied individuals.
Castle Acre holds significant historical importance as a former fortress and noble residence, with its ruins offering insights into medieval life and architecture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Castle Acre village has a few options, including pubs like The Ostrich and The George and Dragon, as well as a fish and chip shop. There's also a cafe mentioned.
Yes, the village green in Castle Acre is a perfect spot for a picnic, with seating available.
The Ostrich and The George and Dragon are recommended pubs in Castle Acre, with one review noting excellent food at a pub.
Yes, there is a cafe mentioned in Castle Acre, providing another option for refreshments.
While there isn't a restaurant directly at the castle, the village of Castle Acre offers several dining options, including pubs and a cafe.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photography spots at Castle Acre Castle are from various vantage points within the ruins, capturing the scale and textures of the stonework. The Baileys Gate also makes for a striking photo.
Yes, Castle Acre is a very photogenic location, especially the castle and priory ruins, offering a picturesque and historic atmosphere.
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the atmosphere and textures of the ruins, making them ideal for photography.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography regulations for Castle Acre. It's advisable to check local bylaws or English Heritage guidelines if considering drone use.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing the beauty of Castle Acre. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities within the immediate castle site are limited. The nearby village offers pubs and a fish and chip shop for convenient meal options. It's a destination that combines historical exploration with plenty of room for kids to be kids.
🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs
As Castle Acre is accessible by public transport, it's a viable option for those without a car. You can easily spend a day here, combining the castle and priory (if you choose to pay the entry fee) with a stroll through the village and a meal at one of the local pubs. The relatively compact nature of the site makes it easy to navigate independently.
🐶 Dog Owners
Most of the village amenities, including pubs, are generally welcoming to dogs, but it's always a good idea to check in advance. The open spaces and historical intrigue make it a rewarding outing for both you and your pet.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Castle Acre Ruins
History buffs will appreciate the opportunity to visualize the fortress as it once stood. The ruins provide a tangible connection to the past, making it a compelling visit for anyone interested in medieval history. The free access makes it an excellent value, allowing for extended exploration without time constraints.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you navigate the uneven terrain. The open nature of the site means it's also a great place for dogs to explore, provided they are kept under control.
The Charm of Castle Acre Village
For those interested in religious history, the Castle Acre Priory is a significant site, though it does require an admission fee. However, the overall atmosphere of the village, combined with the free access to the castle ruins, makes it a wonderfully relaxing destination for a day out.
Social
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