Baconsthorpe Castle
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 15th-century fortified manor, once home to the powerful Heydon family of Norfolk.
Baconsthorpe Castle is a moated, ruined 15th-century fortified manor house near the village of Baconsthorpe in Norfolk, England. Built and expanded by the ambitious Heydon family, it began as a defensive residence and later became a grand courtyard house and wool-processing centre. Today, managed by English Heritage, its atmospheric ruins include an inner gatehouse, moat, outer court and the remains of an Elizabethan outer gatehouse, set in peaceful farmland. The site is free to visit during daylight hours and offers a quiet, evocative glimpse into the rise and fall of a powerful local dynasty.
A brief summary to Baconsthorpe Castle
- Castle Lane, Holt, Baconsthorpe, NR25 6LL, GB
- +443703331181
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit Baconsthorpe Castle during daylight hours, as the site is open only during reasonable daylight times and there are no artificial lights.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the ground can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain; paths are gravel and grass with some narrow gates.
- Combine your visit with St Mary’s Church in Baconsthorpe village to see the Heydon family tombs and stained glass, completing the story of the castle’s owners.
- Bring a picnic and enjoy it by the moat; the site is peaceful and well-suited to a quiet lunch surrounded by history.
- Check the English Heritage website before visiting, as the site may occasionally close for conservation work or special events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By car
From Holt, follow the B1149 south towards Norwich, then turn onto local roads towards Baconsthorpe. The castle is signposted off Castle Lane, about 1.6 km from the village. There is an on-site car park with a small fee for non-members; English Heritage members park free.
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By public transport and walk
Take a bus to Holt and then walk about 3 km along country lanes and footpaths to Baconsthorpe Castle. The walk takes around 40 minutes and follows quiet roads and field paths, but surfaces can be uneven and muddy in wet weather.
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By bicycle
Cycle from Holt along the B1149 and then onto local roads to Baconsthorpe. The route is mostly flat but includes some narrow lanes and field paths; allow about 20–25 minutes. There is space to leave bikes near the car park.
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On foot from Baconsthorpe village
From Baconsthorpe village, follow the Heydon Walk signs to the castle. The path is about 1 km long, crossing fields and country lanes, and takes roughly 15–20 minutes. The route is well-marked but can be muddy after rain.
Baconsthorpe Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Baconsthorpe Castle
A Fortress of Ambition
Baconsthorpe Castle began in the mid-15th century as the fortified manor of John Heydon I, a lawyer who rose to prominence in the turbulent years of the Wars of the Roses. Acquiring the site from the Bacon family, he and his father William transformed a modest manor into a tall, defensible residence, complete with a strong inner gatehouse and moat. John’s political connections and enemies made a fortified home essential, and Baconsthorpe was designed to impress as much as to protect. His son Sir Henry Heydon completed and extended the castle, adding a garden court and further fortifications, cementing the family’s status as influential Norfolk landowners.From Wool to Ruin
Over the 16th century, the Heydons became one of East Anglia’s leading families, amassing wealth from sheep farming and the wool trade. Their products reached markets in England and the Netherlands, funding further expansion at Baconsthorpe. Sir John Heydon II finished the north court and converted part of the east range into a wool factory, turning the castle into a working estate as well as a residence. Later, Sir Christopher Heydon I added an ornate outer gatehouse and obtained a licence to crenellate, creating a 300-acre deer park and formal gardens. Yet despite their prosperity, poor estate management led to mounting debts, and by the mid-17th century the family began demolishing the castle to sell off its stone, leaving only the moated inner court, outer court and parts of the gatehouse standing.Atmosphere of the Ruins
Today, Baconsthorpe Castle is a quiet, evocative ruin set in open Norfolk farmland. The moat still encircles the inner court, and the remains of the inner gatehouse, curtain walls and outer court give a clear sense of the castle’s original scale and layout. The Elizabethan outer gatehouse, later converted into a private dwelling known as Baconsthorpe Hall, stood occupied until 1920, when a turret collapsed after a fire. The site feels remote and contemplative, perfect for a slow walk among the grassy mounds and crumbling stonework, with views across fields and hedgerows. English Heritage now manages the ruins, preserving them as a free-to-enter historic site.Exploring the Heydon Legacy
The story of Baconsthorpe is inseparable from that of the Heydon family, whose rise and fall is echoed in the castle’s changing form. Visitors can follow the Heydon Walk, a short historical trail linking the castle to St Mary’s Church in Baconsthorpe village, where family tombs, memorials and stained glass shields from the castle’s banqueting hall can be seen. The church, older than the castle itself, offers deeper insight into the family’s prominence and eventual decline. Together, the ruins and the church form a poignant narrative of ambition, wealth, conflict and decay, set against the quiet rhythms of the Norfolk countryside.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Baconsthorpe Castle
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Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 15th-century fortified manor, once home to the powerful Heydon family of Norfolk.
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The Swan Inn Stalham
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New Inn, Horning
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Kings Arms
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Tucked Away Norfolk
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A Piece Of Cake
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Roys of Wroxham Department store
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Anglia Square
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
