Visitors to Castle Acre are entranced by the special atmosphere of this medieval walled town which lies within the outer bailey of an 11th century castle close to ruins of an ancient Cluniac Priory.
Castle Acre is on the Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coastal Path, an ancient track and long distance path. The Old Red Lion, a former pub, is in the centre of the village and carries on the tradition of serving travellers who seek refreshment and repose. Guests sleep in fully made up beds in private rooms. There is a well equipped kitchen and large dining space exclusively for guests' use. The self-service complimentary breakfast includes organic wholefoods, fresh fruits, toast and spreads. Guests are invited to make a packed lunch from the breakfast provisions.
Quiet areas include the snug and a small sitting room with wood-burner and books. There are two large areas, the Cellar and the Garden Room, which are perfect for groups, classes, courses, workshops, retreats, yoga and celebrations. Please enquire for exclusive use booking of the whole hostel. Off-road parking is available, there is no curfew and dogs are welcome by arrangement.
In Castle Acre there are two English Heritage sites: the Cluniac Priory Ruins (booking necessary) and the Castle Earthworks (open at all times) both 11th century. There is a local shop (open until 8pm), a fish & chip shop and a pub.
The medieval walled town of Castle Acre is on the Peddars Way ancient track/long distance path. This former pub, continues to serve travellers who seek refreshment and repose. Stay in private rooms and enjoy a quiet communal snug or 2 large areas suitable for group activities.
Visitors to Castle Acre are entranced by the special atmosphere of this medieval walled town which lies within the outer bailey of an 11th century castle close to ruins of an ancient Cluniac Priory.
Castle Acre is on the Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coastal Path, an ancient track and long distance path. The Old Red Lion, a former pub, is in the centre of the village and carries on the tradition of serving travellers who seek refreshment and repose. Guests sleep in fully made up beds in private rooms. There is a well equipped kitchen and large dining space exclusively for guests' use. The self-service complimentary breakfast includes organic wholefoods, fresh fruits, toast and spreads. Guests are invited to make a packed lunch from the breakfast provisions.
Quiet areas include the snug and a small sitting room with wood-burner and books. There are two large areas, the Cellar and the Garden Room, which are perfect for groups, classes, courses, workshops, retreats, yoga and celebrations. Please enquire for exclusive use booking of the whole hostel. Off-road parking is available, there is no curfew and dogs are welcome by arrangement.
In Castle Acre there are two English Heritage sites: the Cluniac Priory Ruins (booking necessary) and the Castle Earthworks (open at all times) both 11th century. There is a local shop (open until 8pm), a fish & chip shop and a pub.
Double ensuite £80. Double room £70. Twin room £60. Family room with 6 single beds, £35 per bed. All prices include self-service breakfast and packed lunch. Enquire for sole use.
Booking:
Useful but not essential.
Directions:
GR 818151. Castle Acre is 3.5 miles north of Swaffham (A47) on the A1065. The hostel is on left, 75yds down from Bailey Gate in village centre.
Public Transport :
Trains at King's Lynn & Downham Market . Peterborough to Lowestoft X1 bus by Excell stops at Swaffham. Daily National Express coach between London Victoria & Swaffham. Norfolk Bus 0500 626116.
Initially operating under the YHA Enterprise scheme, it became fully independent in 1990. The Old Red Lion joined the Independent Hostel network in 1993 and was one of the hostels featured in the 1st edition (1993) of The Independent Hostel Guide.
News
Old Red Lion, Castle Acre perfect for a retreat
August 29th 2018
Next to an ancient castle in an historic walled village, the Old Red Lion carries on the tradition of serving travelers who seek refreshment and repose. Ideal for yoga, music, arts, education and drama events, the Old Red Lion can be hired for sole occupancy for courses and retreats. Regular weekly yoga classes are held at the hostel.
Guests can stay in private rooms or dormitories where all bedding and linen is provided. The snug, the converted flint walled cellar and the garden room/studio are flexible spaces ideal for group activity, exhibitions and performance, as well as meeting other guests. These facilities are particularly suitable for yoga, music, arts, education and drama events. The Old Red Lion can be hired for sole occupancy for courses and retreats. Regular weekly yoga classes are held at the hostel.
We had a few days on the Broads ahead of us but before we climbed into canoes and set sail we visited The Old Red Lion in Castle Acre and we’re glad we did. The landscape of Norfolk is ancient and very different to the never ending hills of our base in the Peak District, but our wonderful host Alison made us feel right at home nonetheless.