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Castle Acre Castle

4.6
·1k reviews·Castle Acre, United Kingdom

Explore the magnificent, free-to-access ruins of Castle Acre Castle and wander through a charming medieval village in Norfolk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Castle Acre Castle - Image 1

Castle Acre Castle

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the magnificent, free-to-access ruins of Castle Acre Castle and wander through a charming medieval village in Norfolk.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A truly impressive scale of ruins, you get a good idea of what it was once like."

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TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Castle Acre Castle Ruins

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 Priory

Castle Acre

Wander through the atmospheric remains of this historic priory, a testament to medieval monastic life.

Baileys Gate

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 Village Green

Castle Acre

Enjoy a picnic or relax on the village green, a central hub with seating and a charming atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Ruins & Village Charm

Castle Acre offers a captivating blend of medieval ruins and a picturesque village. While the castle itself is free to explore, the nearby priory has an admission fee. Plan for a relaxing day with picnic spots and dog-friendly paths.

Public Transport & Accessibility

Accessible via public transport, Castle Acre is a great day trip from London for those without a car. Be prepared for potentially steep paths within the castle ruins, though steps and bridges aid access for most.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Enjoy picnics on the green
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🎫 Priory Admission Fee

Note that Castle Acre Priory has an admission fee, but English Heritage members get free entry. Reddit

reddit.com

Castle Acre Castle - One of England's BEST Medieval Castles

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the village green, a lovely spot for a relaxing lunch. Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🎫 Priory Admission Fee

Note that Castle Acre Priory has an admission fee, but English Heritage members get free entry. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Dog-Friendly Exploration

Bring your furry friends along! Castle Acre Castle is dog-friendly, perfect for a walk. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the village green, a lovely spot for a relaxing lunch. Reddit

👟 Steep Paths Alert

Be aware of steep paths within the castle ruins; steps and bridges are available for easier access. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

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

Impressive castle ruins
Free entry to castle
Charming village

What People Dislike

Priory admission fee
Steep paths

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. Reddit

Yes, free parking is available at Castle Acre, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Absolutely! Castle Acre is a fantastic day trip destination for those interested in ruins and medieval villages, especially if you don't drive. Reddit

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. Reddit

There are no specific travel restrictions mentioned for visiting Castle Acre. Standard travel advice for historical sites applies. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Castle Acre Castle ruins are completely free to enter and explore, offering great value for visitors. Reddit

Yes, there is an admission fee for Castle Acre Priory. However, if you are an English Heritage member, you can enter for free. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, if you have an English Heritage membership, you can gain free entry to Castle Acre Priory. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

Yes, Castle Acre is suitable for families. Children can enjoy running around the open spaces of the castle ruins and the village green. Reddit

Yes, Castle Acre Castle is dog-friendly, so you can bring your canine companions along for your visit. Reddit

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. Reddit

Castle Acre holds significant historical importance as a former fortress and noble residence, with its ruins offering insights into medieval life and architecture. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Yes, the village green in Castle Acre is a perfect spot for a picnic, with seating available. Reddit

The Ostrich and The George and Dragon are recommended pubs in Castle Acre, with one review noting excellent food at a pub. Reddit

Yes, there is a cafe mentioned in Castle Acre, providing another option for refreshments. Reddit

While there isn't a restaurant directly at the castle, the village of Castle Acre offers several dining options, including pubs and a cafe. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Yes, Castle Acre is a very photogenic location, especially the castle and priory ruins, offering a picturesque and historic atmosphere. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the atmosphere and textures of the ruins, making them ideal for photography. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Castle Acre is a great spot for families looking for an engaging and active day out. The free-to-explore castle ruins provide ample space for children to run around and let their imaginations soar as they pretend to be knights and royalty. Reddit The village green is also a perfect place for a picnic lunch or a game of tag. While some paths within the castle can be steep, the addition of steps and bridges makes it manageable for most children. Reddit

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

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, Castle Acre offers a rich and accessible experience. The free entry to the castle ruins allows for unhurried exploration, letting you delve into the history and architecture at your own pace. Reddit The village itself is charming and provides a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Reddit

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

Castle Acre is a fantastic destination for dog owners. The castle ruins and surrounding grounds are dog-friendly, offering plenty of space for your canine companions to explore and enjoy a good walk. Reddit Remember to keep your dog on a lead where appropriate, especially around the historical structures. The village green also provides a pleasant area for dogs to relax after their adventures. Reddit

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

Castle Acre Castle, a free-to-enter site, offers a substantial glimpse into Norman military architecture. Its impressive scale allows visitors to wander through the remains of the keep, curtain walls, and baileys. The site is known for its steep paths, but thankfully, steps and bridges have been incorporated to make most areas accessible for those with average mobility. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Charm of Castle Acre Village

Beyond the castle, the village of Castle Acre itself is a delightful place to spend time. It's a picturesque setting with a village green that serves as a central gathering point, perfect for picnics. Reddit The village boasts a few traditional pubs, such as The Ostrich and The George and Dragon, offering a chance to sample local fare and ales. There's also a cafe and a fish and chip shop for more casual dining options. Reddit

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. Reddit

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