The village of Castle Acre overlooks the ancient Peddars Way where it crosses the River Nar. This idyllic chalk river valley holds an extraordinary wealth of history. Walk down sunken hedge lined lanes, across grazing marshes and along the river to discover a remarkable example of town planning, Norman style. The complete survival of a fortified Norman settlement is rare, but that’s what you’ll find at Castle Acre. It includes a castle (of course!), a parish church and one of the best-preserved monastic sites in Britain.
As well as historical gems, Castle Acre has natural treasure to explore. Chalk rivers are habitats of international importance and these winding upper stretches of the beautiful River Nar seem largely to have escaped the historic human compulsion to straighten everything in sight! Here crystal-clear water flows over gleaming stones, around gnarled roots. You might glimpse a trout peering up from shallow water or see an otter, though you’ll need to be patient and wait quietly.
By now you’ll be so relaxed it’d be a shame to leave. So settle in for the night and book a room at The Ostrich, a cosy 16th century inn on Stocks Green right in the middle of the village. The local food, great drinks menu and friendly welcome are exceptional.
Before you leave the area, fancy taking home a Castle Acre speciality? Head to nearby Swaffham for a Castle Acre sausage, made to a top secret heritage recipe by the local butcher. It’s a banger!
