Pictures of Castle Acre

in the county of Norfolk

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About Castle Acre

This lovely village is found on the old Peddlers Way which joined Holme-next-the-Sea to the Roman garrison at Colchester. It lies within the old area of Breckland, this consists of around three hundred square miles of landscape which is shared between Norfolk and Suffolk. It is spacious countryside possessing some of the least densely populated areas in the country. These regions were once the home of early settlers, who left behind them many mementoes of life in the days before history was recorded.

Castle Acre is enclosed by the earthworks and ragged remains of a castle built by William de Warenne, son-in-law of William the Conqueror, and Ist Earl of Surrey. A steeply rising main street leads towards an imposing 13th century Bailey Gate, and thus on to what now remains of de Warenne's massive Norman castle. This signifies the long history of the village, which when first established was considered to be one of the finest examples of Norman town planning in the country.

This pretty village is also the home of the romantic ruins of the Cluniac Priory founded by William de Warenne. These splendid remains, set in their beautiful landscape clearly show their original graceful shape. The surviving great west front shows one of the countries finest tiers of Norman arcading. Much of the interest around this picturesque village centre's upon its Norman heritage, this is clearly demonstrated by the village sign which shows the priory as it was in Norman times.

In contrast to the priory ruins is the well preserved Medieval church of St. James, whose impressive 15th century tower can be seen to best advantage from the plateau on which the ancient ruined priory once stood.

A stroll around the village reveals a pleasant mixture of properties from all architectural periods. Of interest to tourist will be the village pubs, at one time there were several, but now only two remain in use - The Ostrich, a former coaching inn and the Albert Victor, previously known as the Dun Cow. Castle Acre's other pubs have been turned into homes or business premises, with one becoming an antique shop. There is also a friendly tea room and restaurants.

This lovely village with its cherished Norman origins makes a pleasant place to visit for an interesting day out, or for a weekend away from the demands of modern life.

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Hotels & Accommodation in Castle Acre

	Best Western The George Hotel, Swaffham Station St, Swaffham, Norfolk, England (4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction S) The Best Western George Hotel, located in Swaffham is a charmingly restored 17th Century coaching inn. With a Georgian facade and a complimentary modern bedroom wing. We are situated in a charming m... More info and book online.. Price from £62.00
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	Broomhall County Hotel Richmond Road, Saham Toney, Thetford, Norfolk, England (10.2 miles, 16.5 km, direction SE) Quiet country house hotel set in traditional English gardens in Norfolk's Breckland countryside. Approached by a winding driveway bordered by mature lime trees, the hotel offers peace and tranquility ... More info and book online.. Price from £65.00
	Sculthorpe Mill Lynn Road, Sculthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk, England (10.3 miles, 16.5 km, direction NE) The Sculthorpe Mill is a charming 18th century mill set in beautiful gardens. A non-smoking restaurant and cosy bar areas offer a bar or à la carte menu, as well as a choice of wines and real ale. ... More info and book online.. Price from £74.00
	Best Western Knights Hill Hotel South Wootton, King's Lynn, Norfolk, England (10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction NW) Knights Hill Hotel, set in 11 acres, is on one of the highest points in West Norfolk, close to historic King's Lynn. The Queen's private residence of Sandringham. The main house known as Rising Lodg... More info and book online.. Price from £47.00

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Nearby travel help

Kings Lynn Station	(12.3 miles, 19.8 km, direction W)
Watlington Station	(13.1 miles, 21.0 km, direction W)
Norwich Airport	(25.2 miles, 40.6 km, direction E)
Cambridge Airport	(40.9 miles, 65.9 km, direction SW)
M11 Junction 14	(42.1 miles, 67.7 km, direction SW)
M11 Junction 13	(42.8 miles, 68.8 km, direction SW)
Castle Acre to London	(89.9 miles, 144.6 km, direction S)