Castle Acre, Norfolk - A Village Guide

Castle Acre Castle

The castle was founded soon after the Norman conquest of 1066 by William de Warenne and was initially a stone 'country house'.

During the first half of the 12th-century, however, more disturbed conditions prompted its progressive conversion into a strong keep, further defended by stone walls and an immense system of ditched earthworks.

Still impressively visible, these are perhaps the finest village earthworks in England.
Opening times:
Free entry, open all year.

Castle Acre Priory

Castle Acre Priory was inspired by the monastery at Cluny in France and was home to a community of monks until 1537, when Henry VIII disbanded all monastic houses.

The priory's ruins span seven centuries and include a beautiful 12th-century church with an elaborately decorated west front, still rising to its full height, a 15th-century gatehouse and a porch, and prior's lodging still fit to live in.

The recreated herb garden situated next to the visitor centre grows herbs that the monks would have used for medicinal, strewing, culinary and decorative purposes.
Opening times:
Visit the English Heritage website for opening times and prices.

The Bailey Gate

By the early 13th-century Castle Acre castle boasted extensive walls built on raised earthworks in the lower ward below the keep, as well as a west and east gate, protected by an outer defence known as a barbican.

The Bailey Gate still survives, the former north gateway to the 'planned' walled town newly created outside the fortress.

Today the main road into the village still runs between its towers.

Oxburgh Hall

Location:
Oxborough, Norfolk PE33 9PS
Oxburgh Hall is a 15th-century moated manor.

Attractions at Oxburgh include; Secret doors and priest's hole, Mary Queen of Scots embroideries, The Bedingfeld family still in residence after 500yrs, Magnificent Tudor gatehouse, French parterre, Woodland walks and trails.
Website:
Visit the Oxburgh Hall website.

Houghton Hall

Location:
Houghton Hall, Norfolk, PE31 6UE
Houghton Hall was built by England's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.

Attractions at Houghton include; a five-acre walled garden, stables, rare white deer, soldier museum, church, summer concerts & organic farm produce.
Website:
Visit the Houghton Hall website.

Holkham Hall

Location:
Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB
Holkham Hall, home of the Coke family and the Earls of Leicester, was built between 1734 and 1764 by Thomas Coke, the first Earl of Leicester.

There is plenty to see and do at Holkham including: the hall, the grounds, café, tearooms, pottery, shops, Bygones museum, history of farming exhibition, lake cruises, summer plays & cricket matches.
Website:
Visit the Holkham Hall website.

Bircham Windmill

Location:
Great Bircham, Norfolk PE31 6SJ
The only windmill in working order in the area open to the public, visitors can climb the five floors up to the fan stage and, when possible, on windy days, visitors can also see the sails and the milling machinery turning.

There are many items of interest to see in the tearooms, bakery and grounds.

Bicycle hire also available.
Website:
Visit the Bircham Windmill website.

The Wells & Walsingham Light Railway

Location:
Wells Next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1Q
Visit the longest 10¼" narrow gauge steam railway in the world and see the unique Garratt locomotive "Norfolk Hero" which was especially built for this line.

A great adventure for all the family in the delightful countryside of the North Norfolk coast.
Website:
Visit the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway website.

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