Castle Acre Castle was built shortly after the Battle of Hastings by the first William de Warenne, a close associate of William the Conqueror. It's an extraordinarily well-preserved example of a motte-and-bailey castle and is hailed as one of the country's most impressive Norman earthworks. The site is owned by English Heritage and is free to enter.

Tom Rambler

June 3, 2018

Hiking

The castle site may date from the Iron Age, but the Normans added the mound. The 11th century castle was built by William de Warren, the first Earl of Surrey, who also built the extensive Priory for the Cluniac order. Of the castle, which was rebuilt in the 1140ies, the massive earthworks and the Bailey gate are the most substantial survivors. ENGLISH HERITAGE site, no admission fee.

Hilly

June 13, 2020

Hiking

Small car park, get there early to get a space.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Nearby routes

Best routes near Castle Acre Castle and Bailey Gate

4.8

(49)

241

hikers

#1.

Castle Acre Circular (Long)

10.2km

02:41

80m

Hike the moderate 6.4-mile Castle Acre Circular (Long) through historic ruins, woodlands, and along the River Nar in Norfolk.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.3

(6)

hikers

#2.

View of Castle Acre Priory – Castle Acre Priory loop from West Acre

11.7km

03:03

80m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(6)

hikers

#3.

Castle Acre Priory – Castle Acre Bailey Gate loop from Newton by Castle Acre

2.73km

00:43

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 80 m

During daylight hours

Free

Contacts

Pye’s Lane, Castle Acre, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 2XB

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castle-acre-castle-and-bailey-gate

Good to know

Family Friendly

yes

Dog Friendly

yes

Weather

Tuesday 5 May

12°C

4°C

58 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Castle Acre, King'S Lynn And West Norfolk, Norfolk, East Of England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

St George's Church, South Acre

Castle Acre Castle Ruins

Castle Acre Priory

Drymere Plantation

Litcham Deli

King's Avenue, Sandringham Estate

Godwick Church Tower and Lost Medieval Village

View of Castle Acre Priory

River Nar Bridge

Leafy Forest

Peddars Way

The Stag, West Acre

Castle Acre Castle and Bailey Gate

#1.

Castle Acre Circular (Long)

#2.

View of Castle Acre Priory – Castle Acre Priory loop from West Acre

#3.

Castle Acre Priory – Castle Acre Bailey Gate loop from Newton by Castle Acre

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️