Historic Holiday Cottage to Rent in Castle Acre, West Norfolk
Countryside Retreat
Enjoy a restful countryside staycation in a traditional self-catering holiday cottage.
Historic Village
Explore the rich history of Castle Acre, with the Priory ruins just a short walk away.
Dog Friendly
Dogs are welcome to stay at no extra charge, for a memorable family holiday.
While Norfolk is famous for being flat, the Heritage Village of Castle Acre is defined by the dramatic hilltop ruins of a Norman Castle and the 1,000-year-old Priory, with a gentle sweep down into the beautiful Nar Valley.
A Trusted Village Retreat
Priory Cottage is a family-owned holiday home in Castle Acre, West Norfolk. Available to rent as holiday accommodation for over 20 years, it offers a trusted self-catering retreat to enjoy the historic village of Castle Acre and a perfect base for exploring the wider beauty of Norfolk and East Anglia.
Surrounded by Heritage
The holiday cottage stands at the peaceful edge of the village with wonderful views of the open countryside; the River Nar winds through the fields in the distance to the front, the ancient Priory ruins are to the side, and the 14th-century St James the Great Church rests quietly behind.
Explore the Norfolk Countryside
An exceptional network of footpaths and public-access fields start right from the doorstep, including beautiful walks along the Nar Valley and historic trails like the Peddars Way. You can enjoy everything from a gentle stroll to a longer hike through the rolling landscape, all beginning the moment you step outside the holiday cottage.
Stroll to the Heart of the Village
Every village convenience is also just a short stroll away. A picturesque walk through the churchyard leads you into the heart of the village, home to a fantastic local pub with great food, a tea room/cafe, a fish & chip shop, and a well-stocked convenience store and post office.
Dog friendly accommodation in Castle Acre
Living Room
The front door opens into a cosy living room, where solid oak flooring and an open fireplace set the scene for relaxing evenings. Furnished with two sofas, a reading chair, and a large rug, it offers a true “home-from-home” feel, complete with a TV for quiet nights in.
Relax by the open fire after a day out exploring the Norfolk countryside Relax by the open fire after a day out exploring the Norfolk countryside Relax by the open fire after a day out exploring the Norfolk countryside Relax by the open fire after a day out exploring the Norfolk countryside Relax by the open fire after a day out exploring the Norfolk countryside
Kitchen & Dining Room
The ground floor features an open-plan layout, creating a bright and social atmosphere. A single step leads up from the living room into the dining area, which retains its original character with a traditional larder and an exposed brick chimney breast.
This space then flows seamlessly into the kitchen, which has a butler’s sink and a dresser, blending period features with all the modern essentials needed for a self-catering stay. The original stone wash-house is just outside the back door, where you’ll find the laundry facilities.
A door from the dining room leads into a small lobby, which provides access to the bathroom and the stairs to the bedrooms.
Bathroom
Finished with pine panelling and tiling, the bathroom includes a WC, hand basin and a bath with a dual-outlet shower. You have the choice of a large rainfall head or a handheld spray, set behind a glass screen with a sturdy handrail for support. Traditional taps are at the other end of the bath for those who fancy a soak, and a heated towel rail and dual-voltage shaver socket are also provided.
When night falls, climb our Norfolk winder staircase to the peaceful bedrooms. It is incredibly quiet here, offering the perfect night’s sleep steeped in centuries of history.
Bedrooms
The holiday cottage has two bedrooms on the first floor, both featuring original floorboards and rugs.
Front bedroom with a double bed & a single bed
Gaze out over the rolling fields to the quiet River Nar winding through the Norfolk countryside, all from the comfort of the double bed in the front bedroom.
View from our holiday cottage
Garden
The garden is located along a short path separate from the house, a layout fairly typical of traditional Norfolk country cottages. It provides a large, fully enclosed lawn with established borders, complete with table and chairs. The spacious area is ideal for children, dogs and the whole family.
To the front of the holiday cottage is a narrow patio with a bench, perfectly positioned for admiring the views and enjoying the fresh country air.
A lovely spot to relax with a glass of wine in the evening while watching the sun go down over the open fields.
Drone Footage
Parking on the verge outside the holiday cottage
Check-out: By 10:30 AM
(Flexible times available if there is no adjacent booking)
Accessibility Note
The cottage has a traditional Norfolk winder staircase, which is a classic feature of older homes in the area. We know that steep stairs can be a concern when booking a historic holiday cottage, so we’ve included these photos to show you the layout.
As you can see, the flight is straight at the top with a turn at the bottom. While they are steeper than a modern house, they are easier to navigate than some original Norfolk winders you might find elsewhere. The stairs are fully carpeted and include handrails for support.
Since everyone’s mobility is different, we hope these photos help you decide if our holiday accommodation is a good fit for your stay. If you have any specific questions about accessibility at Priory Cottage, please do get in touch.
What our guests say
Recent entries from our guestbook
Flexible Self-Catering Accommodation
Whether you are planning a relaxing UK staycation or visiting from overseas to experience a traditional English holiday cottage in a rural Norfolk village, our self-catering cottage in Castle Acre is a tranquil retreat. While we love welcoming holidaymakers, we are also a popular choice for those looking to rent short-term accommodation while attending local weddings, visiting family, working in the area or moving house.
Dog Friendly Holiday Cottage
Well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay downstairs at the cottage at no extra charge and enjoy our fully enclosed garden.
Castle Acre is a fantastic staycation destination for dog owners. There are plenty of beautiful circular walks right from the front door of the holiday cottage, including the peaceful riverside trails of the Nar Valley Way.
You’ll find lots of open fields, public footpaths and common land nearby where dogs have plenty of space to roam and explore off the lead, with opportunities to paddle in the ford or jump in the River Nar from the riverbank just a 5 minute walk from the holiday cottage.
Floor Plan
Castle Acre Holiday Cottage Map
Castle Acre Holiday Cottage StreetView
Directions to Priory Cottage AKA Castle Acre Holiday Cottage
The accommodation is situated just a short distance from the A1065, which provides quick access to Swaffham (7 minutes away) and the A47.
Location: Chimney Street, Castle Acre, Norfolk, East Anglia, England, UK
Postcode: PE32 2AB
what3words: ///homelands.stopped.shuttle
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Explore Historic Castle Acre
Step back in time in one of England's rarest and most complete Norman settlements. From the grand ruins of the Priory to the peaceful banks of the River Nar, everything in this heritage village is within easy reach of your front door. The local shop, pub, café, and fish & chip shop are all just a gentle amble through the churchyard. While Castle Acre is a popular destination, the local school and thriving community ensure it remains a vibrant, living village with a character all its own.
The Priory
Discover one of the largest and best-preserved monastic ruins in England, famous for its stunning 12th-century decorated west front. The site includes the grand prior’s lodgings and a beautiful vaulted cloister that captures the essence of medieval life. It remains a peaceful, iconic landmark that perfectly defines the unique historic character and charm of the village.
The Castle
Explore the 11th-century earthworks of this Norman motte-and-bailey fortress, once a powerful stronghold of the de Warenne family. The impressive flint ruins and steep, rolling ramparts provide a fascinating glimpse into the village's fortified past and medieval scale. It is a wonderful, atmospheric spot for a quiet walk through the ancient, leafy heart of the settlement.
The Bailey Gate
As the former north gateway to the medieval town, this iconic 13th-century flint monument spans the main road today, serving as a dramatic entrance to Castle Acre. The impressive twin stone towers offer a fascinating glimpse into the scale of the village's original defensive walls. It stands as a rare and remarkably well-preserved example of early town fortifications in the UK.
The Ford
A picturesque riverside spot where the ancient Peddars Way trail crosses the clear, shallow waters of the River Nar. Just a five minute wander down the hill from the holiday cottage, the ford is a favourite place for local families to paddle on summer days. A short walk along the riverbank leads to deeper sections, where both people and dogs can enjoy a refreshing dip.
Castle Acre Village Stores (Budgens)
The local shop & post office. Remarkably well-stocked for a village shop, offering everything from daily essentials to local Norfolk produce. Owners Rash and Sam provide a friendly welcome and generous opening hours to see you through your stay.
The Ostrich
The local pub. A traditional coaching inn serving excellent food and ales. It features a large beer garden for the summer and a roaring open fire for chillier days. It is a warm, dog-friendly spot in the heart of the village, open from noon-11pm every day.
Wittles
The village café. A charming tea room offering "brunch, lunch & everything in between". Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a takeaway coffee, it’s a local favourite for home-baked cakes and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Castle Acre Fish & Chips
The local chippy. Located just a short stroll from the village green, they offer delicious traditional fish and chips alongside a wide range of takeaway favourites. It’s the perfect choice for an easy night in, or for a casual supper outdoors on the green or by the Castle ruins.
George & Dragon
A nearby village pub. Located just a mile away in Newton by Castle Acre. A welcoming, dog-friendly spot offering home-cooked food and a quiet atmosphere; a great alternative for a meal or a drink during your stay.
The Stag
The West Acre village pub. A welcoming, dog-friendly spot known for its local ales and quality food. For those who enjoy walking, it is a scenic 2.5 mile journey from Castle Acre along the Nar Valley Way - a beautiful, car-free trail that avoids the busy main roads.
Much more just a short drive away...
A large Waitrose and Tesco superstore are just a 7 minute drive away in Swaffham, along with various other shops and places to eat. You’ll also find several other traditional country pubs in the surrounding villages well worth a visit.
Playing Field, Playground & Sports Facilities
Located just across the road from the village shop, Castle Acre Playing Field is a large open space for the public to enjoy. Within the field, you'll find a modern, fenced-in playground with equipment for all ages, including a zip-wire and skate ramp. Ideal for families looking for some outdoor fun during their stay. For more details and photos of the playground's facilities, visit Norfolk Play Parks or Google StreetView.
For those feeling active, the playing field also features a state of the art all-weather Multi-Use Games Area. Visitors can book the court for a game of tennis or pickleball for a small fee via the Castle Acre Tennis and Pickleball Club's online booking system.
Located 5 miles away (a 7-minute drive) in Weasenham Woods, exTREEme ADVENTURE provides guided quad bike safaris (minimum age 16) through private woodland and fields. The experience includes training followed by a 1-hour trek. For those preferring a slower pace, you can explore their woodland walk (small fee applies) which winds through the oldest continuous cover forest in the British Isles. Pre-booking is essential for all activities.
Traditional Weekly Markets
Swaffham Market is held every Saturday and is great for fresh local produce, plants and household goods. Fakenham Market takes place every Thursday morning and features a bustling charter market alongside a flea market and a popular weekly auction of antiques and used goods.
Exploring Norfolk
While there is plenty to see and do right here in Castle Acre and the surrounding area, we are perfectly positioned for exploring the very best of Norfolk. From bustling market towns to the stunning North Norfolk coast.
Enjoy a tranquil staycation in the English countryside
Book your stay at our self-catering holiday cottage in Castle Acre, West Norfolk
Peaceful. Historic. Unforgettable.
The Finer Details
Phone/Text/WhatsApp
Address
Priory Cottages, Chimney Street, Castle Acre, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 2AB