We have driven past the road to Barrow Common many times, but never got around to stopping. It took Thomas from Brancaster Stays, who knows this corner of Norfolk better than most, to invite us up and show us around properly. We are very glad he did.
In this area, most people head for the coast, but Barrow Common sits just south of Brancaster Staithe. It is 81 acres of gorse, woodland, open grassland, and history, with a viewpoint at the top that is one of the best in Norfolk. It is free to visit, free to park, dogs are very welcome, and it is one of those places that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick look around.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
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What is Barrow Common?
Barrow Common was declared a common in the Brancaster Enclosure Act of 1755 and sits within the North Norfolk Coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is designated a County Wildlife Site and is privately owned as part of the Brancaster Hall Estate. The name itself hints at the common’s ancient past. Barrows are burial mounds, and this area was once used as a place of burial, likely dating back to the Bronze Age.
By the late 1990s the common had fallen into serious disrepair, with many paths becoming impassable through neglect. A group of concerned locals stepped in, and through years of community effort in partnership with Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the paths were reclaimed and the common restored to what you see today. It is a genuinely lovely place to walk around, and the volunteers and committee who look after it deserve a lot of credit.
Barrow Common is also an officially recognised Dark Sky Discovery Site. More on that below.
The Viewpoint and WWII Radar Station
The highlight of Barrow Common is the view from the top. From here you get a sweeping panorama across Brancaster golf course, the salt marshes, the beach, and out to Scolt Head Island. A beacon sits right at the viewpoint, a reminder that this elevated position has been useful to people for a long time.
That history goes back further than you might expect. The old buildings you can see here are the remains of a Second World War radar station, built in 1940 as one of the original Chain Low stations, part of Britain’s first integrated radar defence network. These stations were designed to detect enemy aircraft flying at low altitude and played a critical role in the Battle of Britain.
At its peak the station was staffed by around 80 personnel, working in four six-hour watches. The buildings are in surprisingly complete condition, certainly more so than the Y Station at Beeston Bump, where only the foundations remain.
Standing here looking out over the Wash and the North Sea, it is easy to imagine what that posting felt like: the same extraordinary view, but scanned for something very different. It must have been a strange combination of genuine tension and long stretches of quiet, particularly on winter night shifts. The station closed in 1944 following the D-Day landings.
Wildlife
Barrow Common is a County Wildlife Site, and it earns that designation. We saw a hare bounding across one of the open fields, a muntjac deer moving quietly through the gorse, and a red kite overhead (always a thrill). There were birds everywhere throughout our visit.
The common is also known to be habitat for turtle doves, one of Britain’s most threatened bird species. We did not see any on our visit, but it is worth knowing about if you are a keen birdwatcher and visiting in summer.
For the best wildlife spotting, winter is a strong choice. With the leaves off the trees you can see far more movement, and the open landscape makes it easier to spot deer and birds of prey. That said, late spring has its own appeal. The gorse comes into full yellow bloom and the whole common takes on a warm, golden character that is hard to beat.
If you are interested in birds, Titchwell RSPB is very close by and well worth combining with a visit to the common. It’s one of the best birdwatching spots in Norfolk.
Walking at Barrow Common
There is no single prescribed route at Barrow Common. A minor road, Common Lane, crosses the common from north to south, and there are plenty of paths and tracks to explore freely.
The landscape is genuinely varied: open grassland that is perfect for a picnic, areas of dense gorse, patches of woodland, and the elevated open ground near the viewpoint. It does not feel like a big space on a map, but the diversity of the terrain means you can easily spend an hour or two wandering without covering the same ground twice.
There are also some circular walks that pass through the common if you prefer a more structured route. This 5-mile Brancaster Staithe Circular Walk goes through Barrow Common.
A note on accessibility: The paths at Barrow Common are uneven and in places quite rough underfoot. Unfortunately this means much of the common is not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs.
Dogs: Dogs are very welcome at Barrow Common with no restrictions. It is a brilliant spot for a long off-lead run across the open fields.
Stargazing at Barrow Common
Barrow Common was awarded Dark Sky Discovery Site status in September 2019, recognising it as one of the darkest locations in Norfolk. Its elevated position and open sightlines give a spectacular 180-degree view of the northern horizon.
The official advice is to visit the site in daylight before your evening visit so you are familiar with the terrain, as the ground is uneven and there are rabbit holes and gorse to navigate in the dark. Parking is in the small lay-bys along Common Lane, and it is worth arriving before dark to get settled. The best conditions for stargazing are on a clear night with no moon, between roughly 11pm and 3am.
This is also a great reason to combine Barrow Common with a stay in the area rather than a day visit.
Practical Information
Getting there: From the A149, turn south at the Jolly Sailors pub in Brancaster Staithe onto Common Lane. The common is approximately 1km along the lane. It is about a 1km walk from Brancaster Staithe village if you prefer to arrive on foot.
Parking: Free parking in several small lay-bys along Common Lane. There is no formal car park.
Facilities: None. There are no toilets, café, or visitor facilities on site. The nearest facilities are in Brancaster Staithe village.
Admission: Free.
Accessibility: The paths are uneven with rough terrain, gorse, and rabbit holes. Most of the common is not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs.
Dogs: Welcome with no restrictions.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you want to make the most of Barrow Common, particularly for an early morning wildlife walk or an evening of stargazing, it is worth staying close by.
Thomas, who first showed us around the common, runs Brancaster Stays, two self-catering holiday apartments within easy reach of the common. Just steps from the Norfolk Coast Path and a short walk from two gastro pubs, it is a lovely base for exploring this stretch of the North Norfolk coast.
For a wider range of accommodation in the Brancaster area, including everything from B&Bs to self-catering cottages:
Things to Do Nearby
Barrow Common sits in one of the richest parts of the Norfolk coast for things to do. Once you have explored the common, these are all within easy reach:
- Scolt Head Island: a National Nature Reserve accessible by ferry from Burnham Overy Staithe, with important tern colonies and wonderful walking
- Titchwell RSPB: one of Norfolk’s best birdwatching reserves, just a few minutes’ drive west along the A149
- Brancaster Beach: a wide, unspoilt sandy beach just a short drive north, with beach huts hidden in the dunes facing the golf course
- Brancaster White Horse: a brilliant spot for lunch or dinner with views over the marshes
What to Bring
Barrow Common does not require much kit, but a few things will make your visit better:
- Binoculars. Essential for the viewpoint and for wildlife spotting. A decent pair makes a real difference when scanning the marshes for birds or watching deer in the gorse.
- Walking boots or sturdy shoes. The paths are rough and uneven in places. Trainers will do on a dry day, but boots are worth it if the ground is wet.
- A red-light torch if stargazing. Red light preserves your night vision far better than white light, and it is kinder to other visitors too. If you don’t already have one, you can get one here.
- A star map or app. Something like the Sky Map app is free and makes identifying constellations much easier.
Tips for Your Visit
- Go in late spring if you can. The gorse is at its best in May and transforms the whole common with a wash of yellow.
- Winter mornings are excellent for wildlife. Bare trees and low light make spotting deer and birds of prey much easier.
- If you are planning to stargaze, check the moon phase before you go. A new moon means darker skies and far more to see.
- If you are visiting in the evening for stargazing, do a daytime recce first. The terrain is uneven and the lay-bys can be easy to miss in the dark.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Yes, without hesitation. Barrow Common is one of those places that does not shout about itself, and is all the better for it. The view from the top is genuinely one of the best on the North Norfolk coast. The radar station is a real surprise. The wildlife is excellent. And the fact that it is completely free, completely open, and almost never crowded makes it feel like a proper local secret.
We came away wishing we had stopped years ago. You probably will too.
FAQs
How do I get to Barrow Common?
From the A149, turn south at the Jolly Sailors pub in Brancaster Staithe and follow Common Lane for approximately 1km. If you are coming by foot from Brancaster Staithe, it is about a 1km walk from the village. There is no public transport directly to the common. The nearest bus stop is on the A149 in Brancaster Staithe, from where you can walk.
Is there parking at Barrow Common?
Yes. There are several small free lay-bys along Common Lane. There is no formal car park, so spaces are limited, but in our experience it is rarely a problem.
Are there toilets at Barrow Common?
No. There are no facilities on site. Plan accordingly, and use the facilities in Brancaster Staithe or Brancaster before you arrive.
What activities can you do at Barrow Common?
Walking, wildlife spotting, birdwatching, exploring the WWII radar station, picnicking, and stargazing. The common is free and open all year round.
Is Barrow Common suitable for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately not. The paths are uneven with rough terrain, gorse, and rabbit holes. We would not want to mislead anyone planning a visit with a wheelchair user or pushchair.
Are dogs allowed at Barrow Common?
Yes, with no restrictions. Dogs are very welcome across the whole common.
When is the best time to visit Barrow Common?
It is worth visiting at any time of year. Late spring (particularly May) is our top recommendation for the gorse in full yellow bloom. Winter is excellent for wildlife spotting. For stargazing, aim for a clear night with no moon. The darker the better.