Castle Acre: Castle Acre Priory
King's Lynn, Norfolk
The best preserved monastic ruins in East Anglia, with flat extensive grass for your dog and castle earthworks at the other end of the village.
Castle Acre Priory is the most complete monastic site in East Anglia and unusually rewarding to walk. The 12th century church carries elaborate decoration on its west front, and behind it lie extensive remains of the cloister and the monks' quarters. The west range is virtually intact, and the prior's lodging still has a ceiling painted with Tudor roses. The detail everybody remembers is the reredorter: a two storey, 24 seater toilet block.
Whilst you follow the audio tour, built around a 15th century chant from a Castle Acre songbook, and take in the recreated herb garden, your dog gets flat, extensive mown grass with a lot of ruin to weave through. The village and the castle earthworks nearby extend it into a proper walk.
Dogs on leads are allowed. Parking is free outside the site with more free parking in the village. There is a café, shop, toilets, exhibition and picnic seating. Combine it with the castle earthworks at the other end of the village, which are free and open.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- On-lead in the grounds
- Dogs on leads allowed.
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- £10.20 adult
- £5.10 child · £25.50 family
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Café / restaurant, Exhibition, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
- Telephone
- 01760 755394
- Parking
- Free parking outside site. Additional free parking in the village.
English Heritage Membership
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Entry here is £10.20 for an adult. English Heritage Membership covers it, along with free entry to 170+ dog friendly attractions across England.
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Planning Your Visit
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday
- 10:00 - 17:00
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Castle Acre: Castle Acre Priory dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Castle Acre Priory and are allowed throughout the site on leads. Your dog will have plenty to enjoy too — there's flat, extensively mown grass and a good amount of ruin to weave through, making it a genuinely enjoyable visit for both of you.
Are dogs allowed at Castle Acre: Castle Acre Priory year round?
The listing confirms dogs are allowed at Castle Acre Priory, though it doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions. It's worth checking directly with the site or English Heritage before visiting, particularly if you're planning a trip outside the main season.
What should I know before visiting Castle Acre: Castle Acre Priory with my dog?
Dogs must be kept on leads throughout the site, so make sure you bring one along. Parking is free both outside the site and in the village, and there's a café, shop, toilets, and picnic seating on site if you need a break. You can also extend the outing by walking to the castle earthworks at the other end of the village, which are free and open — a great way to give your dog a fuller run of the area.
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