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Castle Acre Priory — Attraction in King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Name
Castle Acre Priory
Description
Castle Acre Priory was a Cluniac priory in the village of Castle Acre, Norfolk, England, dedicated to St Mary, St Peter, and St Paul. It is thought to have been founded in 1089 by William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey. The order originated from Burgundy.
Nearby attractions
Castle Acre, Castle & Bailey Gate
Bailey St, Castle Acre, King's Lynn PE32 2XB, United Kingdom
Nearby restaurants
Nearby hotels
The Ostrich Pub at Castle Acre
Stocks Green, Castle Acre, King's Lynn PE32 2AE, United Kingdom
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Castle Acre Priory things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Castle Acre Priory
United KingdomEnglandKing's Lynn and West NorfolkCastle Acre Priory

Basic Info

Castle Acre Priory

Priory Rd, Castle Acre, King's Lynn PE32 2AA, United Kingdom
4.7(667)
Open 24 hours
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Ratings & Description

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Castle Acre Priory was a Cluniac priory in the village of Castle Acre, Norfolk, England, dedicated to St Mary, St Peter, and St Paul. It is thought to have been founded in 1089 by William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey. The order originated from Burgundy.

Cultural
Scenic
Outdoor
Family friendly
attractions: Castle Acre, Castle & Bailey Gate, restaurants:
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Phone
+44 370 333 1181
Website
english-heritage.org.uk

Plan your stay

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Reviews

Nearby attractions of Castle Acre Priory

Castle Acre, Castle & Bailey Gate

Castle Acre, Castle & Bailey Gate

Castle Acre, Castle & Bailey Gate

4.7

(128)

Open 24 hours
Click for details

Things to do nearby

Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight
Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight
Sat, Dec 13 • 7:30 PM
St Margaret's Church, Saturday Market Place, King's Lynn, PE30 5DQ
View details
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Reviews of Castle Acre Priory

4.7
(667)
avatar
5.0
2y

An Enchanting Journey Through Time - A 5-Star Experience at Castle Acre Priory and Castle in Norfolk!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you're looking for a historical adventure that transports you to another era, look no further than Castle Acre Priory and Castle in Norfolk. My recent visit to this magnificent site left me utterly mesmerized, and I can't wait to share my 5-star experience with you.

From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the sheer grandeur of the Castle Acre Priory and Castle. Nestled amidst the picturesque Norfolk countryside, this historical gem has an aura of tranquility that immediately sets the stage for a memorable exploration.

The Priory, with its stunning architecture and well-preserved ruins, offered a glimpse into the lives of medieval monks. Walking through the beautifully landscaped grounds, I could almost hear the echoes of centuries past whispering through the walls. The detailed information boards and audio guides provided by the site added depth to the experience, making me feel like I had a personal guide to unravel the mysteries of the past.

As I made my way to the Castle, I was struck by its formidable presence. The castle's imposing structure stands as a testament to its rich history and strategic significance. I felt like an explorer as I wandered through the towering walls and discovered hidden nooks and crannies, each telling a unique story from the past.

What truly impressed me was the dedication of the staff and volunteers who lovingly maintain the site. Their passion for history and commitment to preserving these treasures shone through as they answered questions and shared fascinating anecdotes about the priory and castle's storied past.

For families, Castle Acre Priory and Castle offer a fantastic day out. Children can let their imaginations run wild as they play knights and princesses amidst the ancient ruins, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Before leaving, I visited the on-site gift shop, where I found an array of unique souvenirs and books on local history. It was a delightful way to take a piece of the experience home with me.

In conclusion, Castle Acre Priory and Castle in Norfolk exceeded all my expectations. This historical site offers a captivating journey through time, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to history enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking an enchanting adventure. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I certainly would. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Castle Acre Priory and Castle – it's an experience you'll...

   Read more
avatar
5.0
6y

Castle Acre Priory: A Must-See for History Buffs and Nature Lovers

Castle Acre Priory is a stunningly preserved Benedictine monastery ruin in the village of Castle Acre, Norfolk, England. It was founded in 1089 by William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey, and was one of the most important monastic sites in medieval England. The priory was home to over 100 monks at its peak, and its extensive ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into their lives.

One of the most impressive features of Castle Acre Priory is its west end church gable, which is one of the best preserved of its kind in England. The gable is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, and it is a truly awe-inspiring sight. Other notable features of the priory include the prior's lodging, the cloisters, and the refectory.

In addition to its historical significance, Castle Acre Priory is also a beautiful place to visit for its natural beauty. The priory is surrounded by rolling countryside, and there are several walking trails that wind through the grounds. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the priory's herb garden, which is planted with herbs that would have been used by the monks for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Overall, Castle Acre Priory is a wonderful place to visit for people of all ages and interests. It is a valuable historical site, a beautiful natural space, and a great place to learn about medieval life. I highly recommend visiting Castle Acre Priory if you are ever in the Norfolk area.

Here are some additional tips for making the most of your visit to Castle Acre Priory:

Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a fair bit of walking involved. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the herb garden or grounds. If you are visiting on a hot day, be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat. Take your time exploring the ruins and reading the information boards. If you are interested in learning more about the priory, I recommend purchasing the guidebook from the visitor center.

I hope this review has been helpful. Enjoy your visit to Castle...

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avatar
5.0
1y

One of the most iconic and magnificent Monastic sites in the Norfolk and East Anglia Region and lives up to its iconic attraction as it such as a brilliant attraction. The site has the reputation of being one of the best examples of complete ruins of any Cluniac Monastry in the UK and its very easy to agree with that as the ruins are spectacular and outstanding. The best part of the ruins is the Western Front of the Priory as the Architecture is breathtakingly well detailed and the stone carvings and patterns are exquisite and stunning. The Priors Lodgings are also magnificent and you can wander inside the Priors Lodging which is still intact and see the Outer Parlour and The Prior Chamber and again marvel at the wooden roof beams and the spectacular fireplaces, which are stunning. As you wander around the beautiful ruins you can see where the Cloister, The Chapter House, Infirmary, Monk's Dormitory and Refectory once were and there are informative interesting information boards at each feature giving you an idea of how the Monks used and conducted their daily activities. The site also has one of the best examples of near complete latrine block of any Monastic site in the UK. Visitors can also pick up an informative audio guide detailing more interesting and useful facts of the different features of the site and how the Monks used them. You can also admire as you wander around the Priory the picturesque views of the local area giving a tranquil and relaxed feel. There is a small museum on the site giving you an introduction about the how the Priory and Castle of Castle Acre came into being and you can see some wonderful artefacts and also a model of the Priory from the Medieval giving you an idea of what it was like fully intact. There is a gift shop at the site selling a nice range of souvenirs at affordable prices. Overall this is a spectacular and enjoyable day out to see some spectacular ruins and marvel at their beauty is one of the Monastic ruins around and well worth a visit if in...

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Paul PowersPaul Powers
An Enchanting Journey Through Time - A 5-Star Experience at Castle Acre Priory and Castle in Norfolk! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you're looking for a historical adventure that transports you to another era, look no further than Castle Acre Priory and Castle in Norfolk. My recent visit to this magnificent site left me utterly mesmerized, and I can't wait to share my 5-star experience with you. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the sheer grandeur of the Castle Acre Priory and Castle. Nestled amidst the picturesque Norfolk countryside, this historical gem has an aura of tranquility that immediately sets the stage for a memorable exploration. The Priory, with its stunning architecture and well-preserved ruins, offered a glimpse into the lives of medieval monks. Walking through the beautifully landscaped grounds, I could almost hear the echoes of centuries past whispering through the walls. The detailed information boards and audio guides provided by the site added depth to the experience, making me feel like I had a personal guide to unravel the mysteries of the past. As I made my way to the Castle, I was struck by its formidable presence. The castle's imposing structure stands as a testament to its rich history and strategic significance. I felt like an explorer as I wandered through the towering walls and discovered hidden nooks and crannies, each telling a unique story from the past. What truly impressed me was the dedication of the staff and volunteers who lovingly maintain the site. Their passion for history and commitment to preserving these treasures shone through as they answered questions and shared fascinating anecdotes about the priory and castle's storied past. For families, Castle Acre Priory and Castle offer a fantastic day out. Children can let their imaginations run wild as they play knights and princesses amidst the ancient ruins, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Before leaving, I visited the on-site gift shop, where I found an array of unique souvenirs and books on local history. It was a delightful way to take a piece of the experience home with me. In conclusion, Castle Acre Priory and Castle in Norfolk exceeded all my expectations. This historical site offers a captivating journey through time, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to history enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking an enchanting adventure. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I certainly would. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Castle Acre Priory and Castle – it's an experience you'll cherish forever!
Marcus HurleyMarcus Hurley
We arrived about 20 minutes late at Castle Acre Priory after driving through some beautiful Norfolk villages on a typical English summer day with glaring sun and lashing rain in the space of ten minutes. Being an English Heritage site everything was well organised although the car park was small and a lot of visitors seemed to park in the village and walk. There was a marked one way route through the grounds of the priory so we set off to explore. Built in the decade after the Norman Conquest the priory was of the Clunaic Order and was built alongside the nearby castle. The prior's lodging was one of the last buildings to be completed and also the only one that survived almost intact. Sadly for our visit, the building is currently surrounded by scaffolding so we couldn't go inside or see anything of the exterior. After Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530's much of the priory was sold and demolished. The priory must have been impressively large in its heyday but now almost all the stonework had been looted and there was only one with with some splendid carvings and designs. Most of the rest was just bare flint and it was difficult to get any sense of the original building. Perhaps the best preserved element was the latrines, a 2 story building built over a stream that was probably quite sophisticated for its time and almost equalled Roman hygiene from 1200 years earlier! The kitchen garden was lovely to see and it was fascinating watching the bees on the lavender, although I did learn how ridiculously hard they are to photograph and I obviously need a new camera lens! There was also an exhibition on the castle and priory (we didn't visit the castle this time) including a reconstruction of the priory which really helped put the ruins in context.
Kitty KatKitty Kat
Mind blown! Why have I never heard of this place before? Maybe it’s because it’s a little off the beaten track for tourists. If that’s the case, it’s well worth a detour. The gentleman at the front desk where we paid gave us a quick rundown on what we would be experiencing. The admission price was crazily reasonable. This place is totally awe-inspiring. The ruins themselves seem to have a life of their own, and the history here is distant but tangible. But when the man suggested we tackle the narrow stone spiral staircase in the intact part of the priory, I was doubtful. I have a mild physical disability and thought there was no way I could manage. And yes, coming down was pretty scary. But if you can manage it …. do!!! No imagination required! It blew me away to think rooms of this age could still be so solid and enclosed. Ok so I’m a bit of a history nerd and this was always going to be my bailiwick, but I’ll admit to being quite emotionally overwhelmed at times at this site. If you’re in the neighbourhood pop in: and if you’re not, make the effort. The book about the priory was inexpensive at £4, and a wonderful accessory during the walk around, and a memento for afterwards.
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An Enchanting Journey Through Time - A 5-Star Experience at Castle Acre Priory and Castle in Norfolk! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you're looking for a historical adventure that transports you to another era, look no further than Castle Acre Priory and Castle in Norfolk. My recent visit to this magnificent site left me utterly mesmerized, and I can't wait to share my 5-star experience with you. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the sheer grandeur of the Castle Acre Priory and Castle. Nestled amidst the picturesque Norfolk countryside, this historical gem has an aura of tranquility that immediately sets the stage for a memorable exploration. The Priory, with its stunning architecture and well-preserved ruins, offered a glimpse into the lives of medieval monks. Walking through the beautifully landscaped grounds, I could almost hear the echoes of centuries past whispering through the walls. The detailed information boards and audio guides provided by the site added depth to the experience, making me feel like I had a personal guide to unravel the mysteries of the past. As I made my way to the Castle, I was struck by its formidable presence. The castle's imposing structure stands as a testament to its rich history and strategic significance. I felt like an explorer as I wandered through the towering walls and discovered hidden nooks and crannies, each telling a unique story from the past. What truly impressed me was the dedication of the staff and volunteers who lovingly maintain the site. Their passion for history and commitment to preserving these treasures shone through as they answered questions and shared fascinating anecdotes about the priory and castle's storied past. For families, Castle Acre Priory and Castle offer a fantastic day out. Children can let their imaginations run wild as they play knights and princesses amidst the ancient ruins, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Before leaving, I visited the on-site gift shop, where I found an array of unique souvenirs and books on local history. It was a delightful way to take a piece of the experience home with me. In conclusion, Castle Acre Priory and Castle in Norfolk exceeded all my expectations. This historical site offers a captivating journey through time, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to history enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking an enchanting adventure. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I certainly would. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Castle Acre Priory and Castle – it's an experience you'll cherish forever!
Paul Powers

Paul Powers

hotel
Find your stay

Affordable Hotels in King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Get the Appoverlay
Get the AppOne tap to find yournext favorite spots!
We arrived about 20 minutes late at Castle Acre Priory after driving through some beautiful Norfolk villages on a typical English summer day with glaring sun and lashing rain in the space of ten minutes. Being an English Heritage site everything was well organised although the car park was small and a lot of visitors seemed to park in the village and walk. There was a marked one way route through the grounds of the priory so we set off to explore. Built in the decade after the Norman Conquest the priory was of the Clunaic Order and was built alongside the nearby castle. The prior's lodging was one of the last buildings to be completed and also the only one that survived almost intact. Sadly for our visit, the building is currently surrounded by scaffolding so we couldn't go inside or see anything of the exterior. After Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530's much of the priory was sold and demolished. The priory must have been impressively large in its heyday but now almost all the stonework had been looted and there was only one with with some splendid carvings and designs. Most of the rest was just bare flint and it was difficult to get any sense of the original building. Perhaps the best preserved element was the latrines, a 2 story building built over a stream that was probably quite sophisticated for its time and almost equalled Roman hygiene from 1200 years earlier! The kitchen garden was lovely to see and it was fascinating watching the bees on the lavender, although I did learn how ridiculously hard they are to photograph and I obviously need a new camera lens! There was also an exhibition on the castle and priory (we didn't visit the castle this time) including a reconstruction of the priory which really helped put the ruins in context.
Marcus Hurley

Marcus Hurley

hotel
Find your stay

The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

hotel
Find your stay

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Mind blown! Why have I never heard of this place before? Maybe it’s because it’s a little off the beaten track for tourists. If that’s the case, it’s well worth a detour. The gentleman at the front desk where we paid gave us a quick rundown on what we would be experiencing. The admission price was crazily reasonable. This place is totally awe-inspiring. The ruins themselves seem to have a life of their own, and the history here is distant but tangible. But when the man suggested we tackle the narrow stone spiral staircase in the intact part of the priory, I was doubtful. I have a mild physical disability and thought there was no way I could manage. And yes, coming down was pretty scary. But if you can manage it …. do!!! No imagination required! It blew me away to think rooms of this age could still be so solid and enclosed. Ok so I’m a bit of a history nerd and this was always going to be my bailiwick, but I’ll admit to being quite emotionally overwhelmed at times at this site. If you’re in the neighbourhood pop in: and if you’re not, make the effort. The book about the priory was inexpensive at £4, and a wonderful accessory during the walk around, and a memento for afterwards.
Kitty Kat

Kitty Kat

See more posts
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