Discover Binham: Priory, Village History and Circular Walk

Binham combines an impressive monastic history with a village where traces of the past remain visible in several places. At its centre stands Binham Priory: the site was founded in 1091 by Peter des Valoines, a nephew of William the Conqueror, and is one of the most complete and impressive monastic ruins in Norfolk. Anyone looking for holiday accommodation in Binham will find a destination that brings together culture, local history and a themed circular walk.

Binham Priory and the history of the village

The precinct of Binham Priory remains largely intact. It also includes the remains of a watermill and fishponds, meaning that the site can be understood not only through its walls but also through its former layout. Priory Church and the north aisle contain a permanent exhibition with graphics and interactive activities. It presents the history of the priory and the lives of its monks. Binham Priory also displays artefacts excavated in its precinct during the 1930s.

Historical details can also be found beyond the priory grounds. Binham Market Cross is one of the best-preserved medieval standing crosses in Norfolk. Westgate Cottage contains reused medieval masonry from Binham Priory, while Abbey House dates from the 16th century. In nearby Cockthorpe stands All Saints’ Church, whose origins date back to the 11th century. These different historical features make Binham particularly interesting for travellers who want to discover not just a single attraction but also gain a closer understanding of the character of a historic village.

A circular walk with an unusual historical theme

The “A Walk of Two Midwives” circular walk begins and ends in the village of Binham. Its subject is the world of Mistress Fiske, a midwife who lived in Binham in the 16th century, and Margaret Burwood, a midwife who lived in Wells in the 16th century. This gives the route a different approach to the past from the monastic ruins: the focus is not only on architectural history and religious institutions, but also on two women and their historical life contexts.

For families, this combination of visible historic buildings, an exhibition with interactive activities and a story-led walk can appeal to a range of interests. You can enjoy a calm, cultural stay or add a more active element with the circular walk without leaving the area’s themes behind. When choosing accommodation in Binham, it is therefore worth considering whether your travel plans are shaped primarily by the priory’s history, the circular walk or a combination of both experiences.

Opening hours and travel planning

The Priory Church of St Mary and the Holy Cross has different daily opening hours depending on the season: in summer it is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and in winter from 10 am to 4 pm. Guided tours of the church and the ruins of Binham Priory, lasting approximately one hour, could be arranged by appointment from May to September. If you would like to plan such a tour, you should arrange it before your visit.

The nearest railway station to Binham Priory Church and Monastic Precinct is Sheringham, 13 miles away. This information is relevant when planning your journey if you want to travel to Binham without your own vehicle. When searching for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Binham, it makes sense to establish your priorities first: are you mainly interested in exploring the village’s history, would you like to include the circular walk, or should Binham form part of a broader trip through the surrounding area?

Other places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare other destinations as well as Binham, you can also include Cromer, Great Snoring, Gayton, West Somerton, Lingwood, Reedham, Narborough and North Burlingham in your search.

For the higher-level travel overview: Norfolk.