Burnham Norton Friary
The 14th century gatehouse here is considered to be one of the finest to survive in the country, and the almost intact precinct boundary is a rare sight. The west wall of the Friary church also still stands.
This small, jewel-like site sits just outside Burnham Market where the River Burn estuary once lapped at its walls. It is a quiet corner managed as a hay meadow which supports a wide range of wildlife.
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Burnham Norton Friary
Guide
Download a printable PDF guide here.
Site survey
Download a the geophysical survey as a PDF guide here.
Access and facilities
Although the friary is in Burnham Norton parish, it is actually much closer to Burnham Market than it is to Burnham Norton village. It is located at TF 838 428 (OS Explorer sheet 251).
- by road: from the A149 coast road, south-east of Burnham Norton Village, turn towards Burnham Market and Fakenham on the B1355; then take the first turn on the left (Friar’s Lane). Soon you will reach the Friary gatehouse on the left, opposite the Primary School. From Burnham Market village, drive a short distance westward along the B1155 Overy Road before turning left into Friar’s Lane – from this direction, the Friary is on the right-hand side of the road opposite the school. SatNav: PE31 8JA. There is a roadside parking area to the north of the gatehouse on the bend on the east side of the road. Please do not park directly alongside the gatehouse, and take special care during school hours.
- by bus: the nearest bus stop is on the B1155 between Burnham Market and Burnham Overy Town, at the junction of Overy Road and Friar’s Lane. It is served by the frequent Coastliner service CH2, and by Norfolk Green Service 34 (Wells–Dersingham). For up to date timetable information, please visit http://www.travelineeastanglia.org.uk.
You can visit the site at any reasonable time. There is an interpretation panel near the gatehouse. There are no toilets or other visitor facilities. However, there are pubs and cafes nearby in the centre of Burnham Market. There is also a pub on the A149 Coast Road at Burnham Overy Staithe.
The Trust welcomes responsible dog owners. Dogs must be on leads at all times. Please clear up after your dog.
You can easily combine a visit to the friary with one to another Trust property, the Iron Age fort at Bloodgate Hill, South Creake. This is only 8km south of Burnham Market, a short distance off the road from Burnham to Fakenham. Fiddler’s Hill Barrow is also nearby.
External website
‘Imagined Land’ at Burnham Norton Friary: National Lottery funded project 2018 including test pit reports
