Name: Burgh Castle Roman Fort
Rating: 5.0

Burgh Castle Roman Fort

Butt Lane, Burgh Castle, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 9QB, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Burgh Castle Roman Fort, the late 3rd century 'Saxon Shore' fort at Burgh Castle was built as part of the Roman network of coastal defences, and probably abandoned just over a hundred years later. The land around the fort is a wildlife haven and offers panoramic views over Breydon Water.

Three of its imposing stone walls survive, almost to their original height, making this one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Britain. The fourth wall collapsed into the surrounding marshes a long time ago.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

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Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Roman sites at Burgh and at nearby Caister-on-Sea were part of a string of forts along what is known today as the Saxon Shore, extending between the Solent and the Wash. These ‘Saxon Shore forts’ are thought to have acted as a defensive system against seaborne raiders, as naval bases and as defended trading centres. Extensive cropmarks at Burgh Castle do indicate an extensive vicus (civilian settlement) outside the fort walls.
The Count of the Saxon Shore: According to a late Roman document, the Notitia Dignitatum, listing all military and civil service commands in the Roman empire, these forts were under the authority of ‘the Count of the Saxon Shore’. It also tells us that Burgh’s garrison was the Stablesian cavalry unit. While this information may be correct, the date of compilation of that part of the Notitia covering the western empire in the later 4th or earlier 5th centuries is uncertain, so when and for how long these details applied is not known.
Burgh Castle Roman Fort is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the country. Built in the late 3rd century AD on a low cliff above the Waveney estuary, its substantial walls are an impressive sight. Today the main route into the fort is the eastern gate. The west wall has long since tumbled into the marshes, with the result that the drama of entering the fort is increased by the panoramic view across Breydon Water.

Facilities

Parking: Car and coach park on Butts Lane (not managed by English Heritage). Please note that the car park is opened at 8 p.m. and locked at 6 p.m. daily. Car park charges are £1.50 for 2 hours, £2 for 4 hours or £4 all day. For any car parking enquiries please contact Napier Parking.
Food & Drinks: The site is in an exposed location but there are two small open-sided structures in the car park area, housing interpretation panels, which offer some shelter from bad weather. Sometimes there are displays in the village church. The Burgh Castle village pub (the Queen's Head) is nearby, at the junction of Church Road and Back Lane.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome. Please clear up after your dog – there are dog waste bins at the fort.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/burgh-castle/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Butt Lane, Burgh Castle, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 9QB, UK

Post Code: NR31 9QB

Council: Great Yarmouth

County: Norfolk

Road Access: The site is 5km west of Gorleston-on-Sea. Leave the main A12 (Yarmouth-Lowestoft) road at the junction with the A143 (Diss and Beccles). Follow signs to Burgh Castle and Gorleston as you leave the A12. At the first roundabout that you encounter after leaving the A12 take the first exit, signed to Burgh Castle and Bradwell. Follow this road out of the built-up area; when nearing Burgh Castle village, give way and turn right at a T junction where it joins Mill Road (following the brown sign and finger post indicating Burgh Castle). Shortly after passing the Queen’s Head pub on the right, turn left into Butt Lane. A very short distance along this road, you will see the Burgh Castle Roman Fort car and coach park on the right-hand side.
Bus Access: First 5 or 7 from Great Yarmouth then a short walk.
Train Access: Great Yarmouth 5 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: Car and coach park on Butts Lane (not managed by English Heritage). Please note that the car park is opened at 8 p.m. and locked at 6 p.m. daily. Car park charges are £1.50 for 2 hours, £2 for 4 hours or £4 all day. For any car parking enquiries please contact Napier Parking.