"One of the finest examples of standing Cluniac architecture in Europe."
"A wonderfully preserved medieval Cluniac abbey."
"One of the largest and best preserved monastic sites in England, the priory dates back to 1090."
"The castle's imposing structure stands as a testament to its rich history and strategic significance."
"This was the most important Cluniac Priory in the country until the Dissolution of the Monasteries."
"The Priory, with its stunning architecture and well-preserved ruins, offered a glimpse into the lives of medieval monks."
"Really impressive site with extensive ruins including four enclosed rooms upstairs that have some wall frescos and roses painted on the roof beams."
Cons:
"Some of the site is currently fenced off for renovation."
"Most of the rest was just bare flint and it was difficult to get any sense of the original building."
"Sadly when we went there was a lot of maintenance / scaffolding being done so we didn't take many photos."
"The ruins should be returned to the rightful owners and compensation paid to them!"
"These ruins show the mercilessness of thwarted Henry VIII, who set about stealing holy buildings from the Catholic Church."
Accessibility & Facilities
Pros:
"The main path and grass surrounds are accessible by people with limited ability."
"Parking is free and is available next to the tickets counter."
"There's toilets on site at the free car park as you enter too."
"There is a tarmac path down to the Abbey buildings suitable for disabled access."
"The priory has toilets located at the entrance, you don't need to pay if you are just walking to use these."
"Dog-friendly too - and there were lots of dogs there when I took mine."
"Plenty of parking space and toilet."
Cons:
"Only downside is the lack of a disabled toilet."
"Take note there ain't much I'm the way of car parking on site, and the toilets were outside of the grounds."
"No signs for us to follow so finally had to give up and used portaloo which had no soap and was very basic indeed."
"Exploring the priory itself requires scrambling over stone-built remains and using narrow spiral staircases - so, of necessity, not accessible to those with mobility limitations."
"Although wheelchair accessible, most areas would prove difficult to master."
"The only access to the upper rooms is via a narrow spiral staircase and there are some short steep steps in some areas."
Value & Experience
Pros:
"Had a pleasant walk round the ruins of the priory listening to complementary audio tour."
"The admission price was crazily reasonable."
"Fantastic heritage site. Stunning earthworks."
"Brilliant English Heritage site. So much to explore and the kids absolutely loved it."
"An excellent audio guide can be downloaded free of charge to both provided information and bring to life what it must have been like in its heyday."
"Great place for a morning out with the kids, the ruins are some of the best I've seen."
"For families, Castle Acre Priory and Castle offer a fantastic day out."
Cons:
"Interesting site. Entry cost excessive but standard charge."
"Viewed Priory from a distance as price seemed too much for our party."
"Day prices for a family can seem a bit high when on a budget."
"I thought the admission price was a little bit expensive."
"Really beautiful ruins fascinating to see, but at £10 a head to get in I cannot recommend, this is an obscene price considering you are just looking at the remains of a building."
"Adult ticket is £14. That’s a lot but you do get a lot at this site."
"Day prices for a family can seem a bit high when on a budget (bit better value if destination and you have time to extend visit to include the free castle ruins too)."
Staff & Services
Pros:
"Staff in the gift shop very friendly and informative about the local area."
"What truly impressed me was the dedication of the staff and volunteers who lovingly maintain the site."
"Staff were very friendly and helpful."
"Friendly staff in the shop/admissions desk too."
"The staff are very knowledgeable, friendly and offer great service."
"The gentleman at the gift/ticket shop was amazing to talk to."
"Visited today, very informative & friendly chap on reception, audio guide available, gift shop, plants, toilets & small museum."
Cons:
"My only disappointment was that there wasn't a cafe."
"Back to receptionist who said they didnt do hot drinks."