Acle: River Bure, walks and history

Acle lies on the River Bure in the Broads National Park. Its river landscape, walking routes and historic sites offer different starting points for planning a trip. If you’re looking for a hotel in Acle, you could first consider whether you want to focus on the water, a walk or the town’s history. Acle Bridge is a prominent landmark: it is the only bridge over the River Bure between Great Yarmouth and Wroxham.

River Bure, Acle Bridge and walks

About a mile from the centre, you can hire boats at Acle Bridge. It also offers excellent views of the River Bure. Check boat hire availability before your trip. A sailing regatta is held west of the bridge every year, with sailboats from across the Broads taking part. You should also check the event dates before your trip.

The 3.5-mile circular route Wherry Lines Walks: Acle starts at Acle railway station. There are also pleasant riverside paths from Acle to Upton. The circular route has a specified length and starting point, while the riverside paths focus on following the river to Upton. This gives you two different walking options to consider when planning your trip. Conditions on the circular route may change; check them before setting out.

Landscape and nature around Acle

Much of the parish of Acle lies on low-lying land. It was once on the edge of a large estuary; the estuary later silted up and became marshland in the early Middle Ages. In Roman times, Acle was a port at the head of the large Gariensis estuary. The town’s history is therefore closely connected to the development of its river and marshland landscape.

The ditches of Damgate Wood are another local natural feature: water voles live there, and water soldier also grows there. Together with the River Bure and the riverside paths, they contribute to a landscape in which waterways, marshland and habitats play an important role.

The church and the town’s history

The Church of St Edmund in Acle is a Grade I listed building. Its fabric dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The year 1253 is also significant in the town’s history: Acle was granted permission to hold a market that year. This medieval market charter and the church’s earlier history give the town centre a historical context.

Another monument is the Acle War Memorial. Dating from 1921, it commemorates the First World War; additions commemorating the Second World War were made later. Four Second World War bunkers survive around Acle, including three Type 22 bunkers. Acle’s surviving Second World War defences are of national importance. In the centre, a camouflaged bunker is attached to the eastern gable of The Manor House. Three concrete platforms also survive on the south side of the River Bure at Acle Bridge.

Getting there and planning your trip

Acle is easy to reach from Norwich and Great Yarmouth by bus or train. The railway station is on the Wherry Line between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Check timetables before you travel. When planning your trip, you can combine your journey with a circular walk from the station, riverside paths to Upton or a focus on Acle’s history. Whichever option you choose will give your search for a hotel in Acle a clear direction, without presuming any particular accommodation features.

Discover more destinations: Little Plumstead, Northrepps, Banham, Hockering, Weybourne, Gimingham, Great Dunham, Norwich.

For the wider travel overview: Norfolk.