Halfway between Norwich and Great Yarmouth, the little market town of Acle changed greatly when the A47 bypass was completed in 1989. Suddenly the traffic that had plagued the place, making the centre noisy and sometimes dangerous, was diverted to the new road. Now the town can be much better appreciated by visitors. In Roman days a great estuary existed this far inland, and there was a trading port here, though now Acle is miles from the sea. Roman artefacts were uncovered during the building of the bypass. The old road to Great Yarmouth was through the Fleggs and Caister, able to cross the Bure over the bridge at Acle built in 1101. In 1831 however the turnpike between Acle and Yarmouth was opened, shortening the journey and providing the unforgettable approach to Great Yarmouth across the marshes, the road called the Acle Straight for a reason. The building dominating Acle is the church, St Edmund’s. This is far grander than might have been expected of a town with a population of just 2,732 in the 2001 census. As with so many English country churches its architecture tells a local version of English history: there is a part of a Saxon tower incorporated; the nave is probably Norman, and there are other Norman elements hidden in the structure; the octagonal stage of the tower is medieval as are the chancel and some of the windows, though others are Tudor and even Victorian; the porch is very early Tudor. Although such a mix could be expected to be jarring, it in fact produces an organic whole of real rural charm. At the northern side of the town, five or ten minutes’ walk from the centre, the bridge provides a good vantage point for viewing the flatlands around the town and the succession of mills dotting the countryside. There was once an Augustinian Priory near the site of the bridge, but this is long gone with few signs of it ever having existed. The bridge is also a good starting point for walks along the Bure and round to the pretty village of Upton, through some pleasant woodland – in Tudor times Acle was famous for providing oak for shipbuilding, and the name is said to be derived from the words oak and lee, that is a settlement protected by oaks. Boats are available for hire here, and with Acle set in the Norfolk Broads National Park this is an option well worth considering. The Bure at Acle Bridge is also a good spot for fishing, pike and perch being especially noted here, but in the summer the cruiser traffic means fishing will have to be either early or late. It is also a place worth fishing just for the sight of the occasional sailing yacht, and with a pub and shop by the bridge it’s easy to make a day of it.
Budget
Travelodge Great Yarmouth Acle *book online*
Cottage
Elm Loft
The Old Reading Room at Anchor Cottage
Dentist
Doctor
Pub and Bar
Bridge Inn
Hermitage Public House & Restaurant
Reba's Riverside Inn
The Kings Head Pub & Restaurant
Restaurant
Grumpy's Cottage Restaurant
Hermitage Public House & Restaurant
Thai Dragon Restaurant
The Cellar
The Kings Head Pub & Restaurant
School
Acle High School
St Edmund VC School
Solicitor
Taxi
1st Acle Cars
A Tolver Taxis
Our Hire
Shops
Carters Family Butchers
Cumpsteys
Bridge Stores
Acle Country Florist
Places to Stay near Acle
The Amber Lodge (0.33 miles)
Check availability and book this hotel online with Active Hotels
Standing in its own grounds of four acres, the former Rectory is a charming family run country hotel. Traditional hospitality, personal service and individual touches ... More
Travelodge Great Yarmouth Acle (0.42 miles)
There are loads of reasons our customers choose to stay at Travelodge. Our great value clean and comfortable rooms with en-suite provide everything needed for a good night's sleep and are close to where people ... More | visit website
School Lodge Country Guesthouse (2.85 miles)
School Lodge Country Guesthouse is ... More | visit website
Horse & Groom Hotel (4.86 miles)
Click for special and substantially discounted rates and booking online or by phoneLocated in the peaceful, rural area of the Norfolk broads, which boasts of 100 miles of waterways. The Horse & Groom ... More
Whispering Reeds (5.17 miles)
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The generous river frontage and private moorings of this very comfortable detached property give on to a quiet waterway leading to the River Bure. A first floor ... More
Innkeeper's Lodge Norfolk Broads (5.48 miles)
Riverside Rentals (5.48 miles)
We offer self catering holiday homes with character in fantastic locations on Grebe Island, Horning, in the Heart of the Norfolk Broads. All are set in their own grounds with river frontage, panoramic views and private mooring. Ideal ... More | visit website
The Hove (5.82 miles)
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Spacious detached bungalow on the main river.
... More | visit websiteOregano at Grove Farm Barns (5.94 miles)
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Tucked away down a country lane in the heart of Broadland, and enjoying glorious views across open fields, a range of handsome barns has been tastefully converted ... More
Glebe Cottage (6.80 miles)
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Situated in the charming hamlet of West Caister near to Caister Castle. Your beautiful garden houses the ruins of St. Edmund's monastery.
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