Castle Acre, Norfolk – Village and Priory on the Peddars Way

Stone Ruins, River Meadows, and the First Village on the Trail

Castle Acre is a historic village in West Norfolk on the Peddars Way, set beside the River Nar between Great Cressingham and Great Massingham. After the open heath and farmland of the trail’s southern section, it is the first village the route passes directly through, marking a clear shift from quiet countryside to settled landscape and built streets.

The trail enters the village along field paths and river meadows before joining lanes that lead past Castle Acre Priory. The extensive stone ruins sit immediately beside the route and form a natural landmark for walkers, with the priory walls, earthworks, and open greens creating a distinct historic setting at the centre of the settlement.

Castle Acre provides useful services early in the walk. There are pubs and places to eat and drink within the village, with accommodation in and around the area, making it a practical place to pause, resupply, or stay overnight after the quieter opening miles of the Peddars Way.

Walking beyond Castle Acre, the route continues north along the River Nar and across gently rolling farmland toward Great Massingham. The terrain remains firm and steady underfoot, with hedged fields, woodland edges, and small villages gradually replacing the more open and isolated character of the heathland further south.