Free Entry
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours
Address:
Burnham Road, North Creake, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 9LF
Set in tranquil countryside, the flint-walled ruins of this Augustinian abbey church tells a sad story of monastic disaster. After a devastating 15th-century fire, it was drastically reduced in size, with arches and windows blocked. Then plague struck, the last abbot died alone, and in 1506 the abbey closed.
Read more about the history of the abbey.
Before You Go
Parking: There is a grassed area for parking, accessed via the left fork on the main drive, signposted 'Abbey Ruins'.
Access: The abbey is accessed via a gate that is suitable for wheelchair users.
Facilities: English Heritage has no facilities at the abbey but it is next to a courtyard with a café, some locally-owned shops and services, and accessible toilets. In addition, on the first Saturday of most months, the courtyard and adjacent barns host an award-winning farmers' market. The courtyard is accessed via the right fork on the main drive, signposted 'Shops & Café'. Visit Creake Abbey's website for more details. and to check opening hours for the café and shops.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Plan a Great Day Out
If you would like to explore more Norman places in North Norfolk, why not visit the delightful village of Castle Acre, 20 miles to the south of the abbey. It is a one of the finest surving examples of a Norman planned settlement in the country and has an extraordinary wealth of history to delve into. The village is dominated by the monumental ruins of two of the three sites in our care there - the atmospheric Cluniac Priory and the impressive motte-and-bailey Castle and its extensive earthworks. The third site is the Bailey Gate - the surviving north gate of medieval fortifications, under which the road through the village passes.
