Castle Acre Priory
Castle Acre Priory
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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See what travellers are saying
- SurreymanWoking, United Kingdom161 contributionsA great half-day'spackageExcellent remains, especially the Prior's lodge. Well worth an hour or two's amble. And don't forget the nearby village leading to the castle at the far end - a great half-day's package! (Tip - the loos are a bit of a walk away, use when going in or out!).Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 11, 2023
- VikinglongboatDerby, United Kingdom167 contributionsExtensive and well preserved ruinsWell preserved and extensive ruins with some enclosed rooms to explore too. Small exhibition room too with artefacts. Car park was small (possibly about 10 cars would fit) and toilet block was pretty grim but other than that it was nice to visit if in the area. It took us about an hour to get round and see what we wanted to see.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten November 23, 2023
- SilicoJackWellington, New Zealand487 contributionsFun bit of historyReally enjoyed walking around here on the day we visited. Some cool history to be read and it really is a bit of an explore-your-own type of thing. It was quite muddy due to weather so might not be accessible to everyone because of this.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten January 16, 2024
- bexy81St. Albans, United Kingdom331 contributionsVery well worth the visit / dog friendly walkAbsolute gem of a place. Firstly it was so nice to be able to take our dog into the priory and surrounding walk. Parking was excellent onsite by the shop, wonderful customer service from the lady who went out of her way to tell us about the priory it's buildings and advice on a walk to a stream. It's a lovely walk and is exposed to the elements, so if like us, it was a lovely hot sunny day, make sure you wear a hat! Lots of pockets of space for picnics which I think would be something I would of done as the views are perfect. After our walk we then took the trail thru the fields towards the church and pub. It's worth the price as the upkeep of the grounds, though if you are a English Heritage member you get in for free.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten June 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
453 reviews
Excellent
307
Very good
124
Average
19
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Chartreusedelight
51 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
An interesting visit, we hadn’t planned to visit so hadn’t got pre booked tickets. On arrival e found that tickets were over £7 per person. Although I completely support the work of English heritage I feel this was excessive especially when you can walk around the priory with full access views using the public footpaths for free. Maybe have a donations box showing how the money is spent. No cost to visit the castle- also English heritage site.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BNA20152015
Bath, UK435 contributions
Oct 2021
Having visited the Castle ( which is free ) and been most impressed we were a little surprised to see the entrance fee for the Priory. To be fair, the remains are impressive and it makes a visit to the village well worth while.
If you enjoy it check out Castle Rising nearby.
If you enjoy it check out Castle Rising nearby.
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann C
Nashville, TN3,329 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Castle Acre Priory could have been a standout experience, but it fell short due to a few notable issues. In my visits to various English Heritage sites, I have never encountered staff as cold and unwelcoming as those at this location. Additionally, the bathrooms were closed at least 35 minutes before the property itself closed, which was inconvenient.
If the entrance fee feels too steep, there is a trail that circles the property. Although the grass along the trail was quite tall and unkempt, it still offers a good vantage point for viewing the site. We noticed other visitors making use of the trail, and it seems to be a worthwhile option for those looking to enjoy the area from the outside.
If the entrance fee feels too steep, there is a trail that circles the property. Although the grass along the trail was quite tall and unkempt, it still offers a good vantage point for viewing the site. We noticed other visitors making use of the trail, and it seems to be a worthwhile option for those looking to enjoy the area from the outside.
Written August 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lord E
Rayleigh, UK657 contributions
Oct 2020
We really enjoyed our visit to Castle Acre Priory. Booking was straightforward although staff were concerned about multiple bookings and not turning up which prevented other visitors attending. Exhibition very interesting, we did not spend a lot of time in the grounds as it had been raining all day, so pictures would not have been as bright as those uploaded by other visitors. Gift shop was open so was able to stock up on curds.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bexy81
St. Albans, UK331 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Absolute gem of a place. Firstly it was so nice to be able to take our dog into the priory and surrounding walk. Parking was excellent onsite by the shop, wonderful customer service from the lady who went out of her way to tell us about the priory it's buildings and advice on a walk to a stream.
It's a lovely walk and is exposed to the elements, so if like us, it was a lovely hot sunny day, make sure you wear a hat! Lots of pockets of space for picnics which I think would be something I would of done as the views are perfect.
After our walk we then took the trail thru the fields towards the church and pub.
It's worth the price as the upkeep of the grounds, though if you are a English Heritage member you get in for free.
It's a lovely walk and is exposed to the elements, so if like us, it was a lovely hot sunny day, make sure you wear a hat! Lots of pockets of space for picnics which I think would be something I would of done as the views are perfect.
After our walk we then took the trail thru the fields towards the church and pub.
It's worth the price as the upkeep of the grounds, though if you are a English Heritage member you get in for free.
Written June 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrissyP
5 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We are members and visited on the way home from a holiday on the coast. We had a very warm welcome at reception and an informative description of the Priory and Castle.
The site is fascinating and gives a real insight into life in the Priory at the time. Very atmospheric. Well worth the visit.
The village is a reasonable walk away and has a cafe and a pub, but the Priory site itself would surely benefit from a cafe. We feel EH are missing a trick here. The toilets are also located well away from the site. They are unisex, which we (and a number of other people, judging by the look on their faces) are really uncomfortable with.
The site is fascinating and gives a real insight into life in the Priory at the time. Very atmospheric. Well worth the visit.
The village is a reasonable walk away and has a cafe and a pub, but the Priory site itself would surely benefit from a cafe. We feel EH are missing a trick here. The toilets are also located well away from the site. They are unisex, which we (and a number of other people, judging by the look on their faces) are really uncomfortable with.
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fluffievelluto
Henlow, UK1,016 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Received a warm welcome at the ticket office on what was to be a more blustery and stormy day than originally forecast.
However, we still enjoyed a lunchtime picnic before wandering the ruins.
Was in awe at the remaining decorative frontage and loved that you can access the Prior’s Lodgings. However the highlight was realising we'd walked through the latrine gulley!
However, we still enjoyed a lunchtime picnic before wandering the ruins.
Was in awe at the remaining decorative frontage and loved that you can access the Prior’s Lodgings. However the highlight was realising we'd walked through the latrine gulley!
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher B
Harringay, UK12 contributions
Oct 2022
A very interesting English Heritage site. Has a free audio guide included in the entrance fee. It’s a large site and good for a picnic. Has a very small shop and basic but clean toilets. No cafe but it’s a short walk to the Ostrich pub which serves excellent food or just a coffee. The next door cafe was closed on our visit. Also the Castle (free entrance) can be visit either by way of a pleasant short walk or it has its own car park.
Well worth the trip
Well worth the trip
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonymerlin111
Manchester, UK338 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The priory is a real gem - we arrived just after opening and had the place to ourselves for the first hour or so. Some parts are very well preserved when compared to other abbeys/priories (as many photos show) and there are plenty of small plaques giving information - the guide book (bought at the EH shop) is very useful too, however. Lovely peaceful place, and well worth a visit
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony W
Cambridge, UK446 contributions
Jul 2020
Went on a pre-booked visit, using our EH membership. Its a fairly small site, but interesting & somehow very "atmospheric". With the explanations & a bit of imagination there are sufficient ruins remaining to picture what it must have looked like in the past.
There was a small gift shop which also sold good quality plants.
On its own this visit only occupies an hour or two - but walk down to the castle and/or take a circular walk around the local footpaths and there is easily a full days entertainment here.
There was a small gift shop which also sold good quality plants.
On its own this visit only occupies an hour or two - but walk down to the castle and/or take a circular walk around the local footpaths and there is easily a full days entertainment here.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, could you please tell me what time of the day is it best to visit the Priory as I'd like to have the sunlight on the facade?
Thanks a lot!
SC
Written August 14, 2019
Hello. Just wandering if would be possible having a photoshoot done in Castle Acre. We are looking for nice places in King's Lynn and around for a wedding photoshoot. This one catched my eye:) any info would be helpful. Thanks a lot.
Written July 4, 2017
Julie E
Castle Acre, United Kingdom
Hi
Please contact the site for more information
Thank you
Written September 27, 2017
Is this wheelchair friendly? Thinking about taking Mum to the West Acre gardens and then here.
Written March 19, 2017
So sorry I can't remember if the visitors' centre/entrance has steps. You could ring 0370 333 1181 to check. The (outside) loos are not wheelchair friendly but on the above no you can check if there's an adapted one inside. The path to the priory is gravelled but the ground around the priory itself is pretty rough. With assistance tho a chair user could get round the main body of the church and the path around the other areas. Some will be hard to reach but you can see outlines of rooms etc from the path and get a good idea of layout . There is a great view of the whole west end and priors house from a reachable shaded picnic area. Wish I could remember more! Nell Scotland West
Written March 20, 2017
How do you get to Castle Acre Priory by public transport from Kings Lynn (and back again) at the weekend? There only seems to be 1 bus a day on Tuesdays /Friday but no return journeys later that day.
Written January 29, 2015
The only bus service iis designed for locals to take a shoopping trip into Kings Lynn. Other wise you need to cycle or use a car.. If you like walking then you can take the X1 Dreham bus towards Norwich to Swaffham and it is about a 5 mile walk to Castle Acre. Check it out on Google Earth.
Written March 20, 2017
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