The Nar Valley Benefice sits just west of the town of Swaffham in Norfolk. It is made up of six village parishes: Pentney, Narborough with Narford, West Acre, South Acre, Castle Acre, and Newton.
Long ago, the Nar Valley was seen as a holy place. There was a string of abbeys and churches along the River Nar, with monks, pilgrims (and even lepers seeking healing) passing through our villages.
Nowadays the old abbeys are mainly ruins, and the monks - and lepers - are long gone. The pilgrims have been replaced by walkers, cyclists and holiday-makers. But the ancient churches are still there, serving their local communities and their visitors, just as they have for hundreds of years.
Each Nar Valley church has its own character. The sturdy Saxon church in Newton, the medieval splendour of Castle Acre, the quirky carvings in South Acre; all our churches are worth a visit.
The Nar Valley churches are open every day (except Narford) and all are dog-friendly.
Do come along. We look forward to meeting you.
Our Benefice is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops' guidance and policies. Each church has its own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Their contact details are available in our churches.
Our Diocese’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact a PSO or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.
