The small, quiet, ancient village of West Acre lies on the north side of the River Nar in a heavily wooded valley. Close to the villages church are the remains of a Priory which was founded for the monks of the Cluniac Order in about the year 1200.

The monks of West Acre surrendered the priory at the time of the reformation by Henry VIII and in return received pensions for life. As with the monks at Castle Acre, who used to receive a good revenue from charging pilgrims to view holy relics, the convent at West Acre claimed that they had a piece of St. Andrew's finger which was set in silver. 

Not much remains of this Priory, unlike the ruins at the larger village of Castle Acre and they are located on private land.

For holiday accommodation in West Acre or closeby - self catering - bed and breakfast - camping and caravan - hotel - inns - guest house look at our accommodation pages.

One mile from West Acre is the West Acre Garden's Nursery a specialist plant nursery with display gardens set in an unusual o-shaped walled garden.

The gardens are full of interesting and unusual plants from around the world, many rarely seen, with colour all year round. As well as the usual herbaceous/shrubs beds, there are grasses, bamboos and shade areas. Seats are situated around the gardens, so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.

The market town of Swaffham with its famous open air market and good range of shops is close by.  Swaffham was a fashionable place in Georgian times and much of the architecture you see in the town comes from that period, though the town is much older than that.

Here is also the Eco Tech centre located on the edge of town with one of the largest wind turbines in the country.  Also the church of St. Peter and St. Paul with its magnificent hammer beam roof complete with carved winged angels.