Bacton heritage walk
Enjoy a peaceful walk along an old pilgrim route to find the ruins of Bromholm Priory. The route includes a wander on the beautiful sands of Bacton beach.
The Paston family had close connections with Bromholm Priory, which was a major pilgrim destination in their day. Use our audio guide, narrated by Agnes Paston, to discover more and explore a 3D reconstruction of the magnificent priory.
Good for
Scenic enjoyment and photography in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB).
Wellbeing through meditation and mindfulness activities
Long distance: can extend walk to Paston and to North Walsham or Cromer via the Paston Way. Can connect to the Norfolk Coastal Path.
Walk details
Length: 3.5m miles (5.6K).
Download a walk map or follow the walk overview on your phone
Terrain: mostly even with some gentle rises.
Park: at Bacton Local Authority car park (pay and display).
Facilities: cafe and toilets in Bacton.
Bacton walk overview
From the car park, take the footpath onto the beach and walk along the beach front
Walk along the beach or path for about half a mile. When you come to a bench looking out to sea walk up the sandy embankment and take the path across the green space behind the holiday camp.
At the end of the path turn left onto the coast road and then turn right up Abbey Street to the Priory Gate
You unfortunately can't go through the archway as it is private land.
Facing the ruined archway, turn left along a narrow byway at Priory Gate that runs along the field and the back of houses. You'll be able to see further glimpses of the priory ruins through gaps in the hedgerow as you walk along the byway.
Virtually explore a 3D reconstruction of Bronholm Priory
Imagine what life was like when the Pastons visited this impressive priory.
At the end of the footpath pause for the best view of the ruins.
Walk down Priory Road and turn left onto the coast (Walcott) road.
Walk down the coast road past the primary school on your left
Turn right at the junction signposted to Bacton.
Take the first left up Church Road
Walk up past the quiet lanes - you'll see Bacton church in the distance. Walk up the lane until you reach the church and enter the churchyard.
Bacton church was important in medieval times for being close to the pilgrimage site of Bromholm Priory. Inside the church is a grand late medieval font with rich carvings which show you how significant (and wealthy) Bacton was in the time of the Pastons.
Leave Bacton churchyard from the far exit and follow the Paston Way back towards the beach
You can either walk back through the village or via the beach to the car park.
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Things to do nearby
Bacton beach
Beach, cafe, ice cream.
Mundesley beach
Family friendly blue flag sandy beach lined with colourful beach huts and beach cafe overlooking the sea with wind breaks and deck chairs hire and ice cream.
Norfolk Coastal Path
The Norfolk Coastal Path runs for 84 miles and much of this walking trail runs through the damatic landscape of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Beauty. It can be joined at Bacton.
Happisburgh
Quiet sandy beach in an area known for dramatic cliff erosion. Visit also for views of the iconic red and white lighthouse.
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