Weybourne Priory

Scattered stones and earthworks mark where Augustinian canons once prayed in this windswept corner of Norfolk. Weybourne Priory, founded in the 13th century, won't impress you with towering walls or intact arches - what remains is subtle, requiring a bit of imagination to picture the religious community that thrived here for centuries.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the site's quiet atmosphere, though families with young children might find the fragmentary ruins a hard sell. The priory's position near the coast meant it faced regular raids, and dissolution under Henry VIII finished what Viking attacks had started. Walking among the foundations, you can still trace the outline of the church and domestic buildings.

It's a free visit - no entrance fees or formal opening hours - making it an easy addition to a North Norfolk coastal trip. Allow half an hour unless you're particularly keen on medieval archaeology. The site sits just outside Holt, so it pairs well with exploring that proper Georgian town.

For families staying at nearby holiday parks like Kelling Heath or Beeston Regis, it's worth combining with the more dramatic Weybourne beach or Sheringham Park. The ruins themselves are modest, but the peaceful setting and glimpse into Norfolk's monastic past make it a worthwhile detour for those interested in the county's deeper history.