Where to Stay on the Peddars Way
Walking the Peddars Way is shaped by a steady rhythm through rural Norfolk, where self-guided travel, walking routes, open landscapes, and quiet places unfold gradually along the line of the Roman road. Accommodation is spaced across villages just off or close to the route, allowing the walk to be completed comfortably over several days.
Staying Along the Route
Unlike more mountainous or remote trails, the Peddars Way passes through accessible countryside, with villages positioned at regular intervals. Many walkers choose to break the route into sections of 10–15 miles, aligning overnight stops with places such as Great Cressingham, Castle Acre, Great Massingham, and Ringstead, before completing the journey at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Staying along the route often involves short detours into nearby villages, where inns and accommodation sit within the landscape rather than directly on the trail.
Southern Section: Knettishall Heath to Castle Acre
The early part of the route passes through Breckland, where accommodation options are limited directly at the start but increase as the trail approaches its first villages.
Great Cressingham
A short distance from the trail, Great Cressingham offers one of the first convenient stopping points, with an inn well placed for walkers beginning the route.
- The Olde Windmill Inn
A traditional village inn close to the Peddars Way, offering rooms and food for those starting or completing an early section of the walk.
Mid-Route: Castle Acre and Surroundings
Castle Acre
One of the most established stopping points along the Peddars Way, with a strong sense of history and a natural place to pause.
The village sits directly on the route and offers access to food, rest, and accommodation, making it a common overnight stop. Staying here also provides the opportunity to spend time exploring Castle Acre Priory, a significant historic site managed by English Heritage, located just beside the trail.
- The Ostrich Inn
A traditional village inn set within the centre of Castle Acre, offering rooms and food for walkers staying directly on the route.
Nearby:
Great Massingham
Located around a mile from the trail, this village provides additional accommodation and a quieter setting away from the main route.
- The Dabbling Duck
A well-known village inn offering rooms, food, and a comfortable stop within easy reach of the Peddars Way.
Northern Section: Approaching the Coast
As the route moves north towards the coast, accommodation becomes more closely linked with both the Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coast Path.
Ringstead
A useful stopping point just inland from the coast, positioned near the final section of the Peddars Way.
- The Gin Trap Inn
A village inn close to where the Peddars Way meets the Norfolk Coast Path, offering a natural place to stay before or after reaching the coast.
At the northern end, Holme-next-the-Sea marks the meeting point of inland and coastal routes, with additional accommodation options nearby.
Planning Your Stay
Accommodation along the Peddars Way is best planned in advance, particularly during spring and summer when demand increases.
When planning your route, consider:
- Distance between villages
- Availability of accommodation close to the trail
- Short detours required to reach overnight stops
- The pace at which you prefer to walk
The route’s gentle terrain allows flexibility, making it possible to adapt each day’s distance depending on available places to stay.
