Name: Clare Castle Country Park
Rating: 5.0

Clare Castle Country Park

Malting Lane, Clare, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 8NW, England

1-90 Years

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Description

Clare Castle Country Park is a beautiful historic park in Suffolk set on the site of a medieval castle and former railway station. It offers a mix of heritage, nature, and outdoor activities, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages. Open all year round, the park provides a peaceful setting with scenic views and plenty to explore.

Visitors can explore the remains of Clare Castle, including a 60ft high Norman motte with views across the countryside. The park also features Victorian railway buildings, a visitor centre with a model railway, rivers and ponds, children’s play areas, and walking and cycling routes. It is also a starting point for scenic walks ranging from 1 to 8.5 miles, with wildlife and historic information displayed throughout the park.

Entry to the park is completely free of charge. Event and venue hire options are available, including spaces like the Old Goods Shed and Muddy Boots Centre for group activities.

Clare Castle Country Park offers a relaxing and enriching outdoor experience combining history and nature. With its open spaces, historic landmarks, and family-friendly facilities, it is ideal for a day out. It is perfect for walking, picnics, and exploring Suffolk’s heritage in a scenic environment.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

The Railway at Clar: The railway was at Clare for a century and is a fascinating part of the town’s much varied history. Clare station is believed to be the only one in the world built within the bailey of a castle. The buildings are Grade II listed and were one of approximately 30 ‘Great Eastern Railway 1865 type’ stations built to a standard design. This type had complete architectural uniformity for all the station buildings, which even extended to the joinery and brickwork.
Clare Castle: “Lamentable ruins upon a most beautiful situation” was the description of Clare Castle in the 1618 Breviary of Suffolk, and both the ruins and the beauty remain to this day. The Park exists on the site of a grand castle that was home to one of the wealthiest people in England. Much of the castle has now gone, but we still have the 60 foot high Norman motte, one of the tallest in the country, with the remains of a flint keep at its summit.
The River Stour and Ponds: The river Stour has its source in Cambridgeshire, flows east to the North Sea and, for much of its length, forms the county border between Suffolk and Essex. The lower reaches have been immortalised by John Constable who used the river for many of his most celebrated paintings. The Chilton Stream, which flows along most of the eastern boundary of the Park joins the New Cut just before the sluice gates. Together with the moat and two large ponds these areas of water form a tranquil home for a wide variety of wildlife including swans and ducks.
Clare Circular Walks: The Park is the starting point for a range of scenic circular walks from 2 to 7 miles long. Each walk has a distinct character and offers lovely views of Clare and its surroundings. The walks are all rated as intermediate because there are occasional stiles to climb or cultivated fields to cross. Walks leaflets are available from the visitor centre and cafe. They can also be downloaded here.
Cycle Routes: Take advantage of the wonderful Suffolk countryside and enjoy some of our suggested cycling routes. Each circular route begins and ends in Clare and comes highly recommended by our local cyclists. Our routes vary from about 20 to 50 miles and take you on glorious journeys through the surrounding towns and villages of Clare. Why not take your cycling to new levels this summer and sign up for the Love to Ride Suffolk, Ride it Out Challenge. Make sure that you stay safe whilst cycling around the countryside and follow the guidance given by Cycling UK.
The Playground: The playground is very popular with children and is surrounded by grass and plenty of space for family picnics. The Platform One Café is only a short walk away where you can purchase refreshments for the whole family (and the dog!). Stationed along the cattle dock between the café and the Old Goods Shed, the play train is modelled on the GER Class T18 Steam Locomotive and has plenty of space for exploration and play.

Facilities

Parking: Parking available.
Food & Drinks: Open 6 days a week, Platform One cafe offers delicious home made food and drinks from the former station booking hall.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Host an event with a difference within the unique and beautiful setting of Clare Castle Country Park. Whether it’s the fully refurbished, grade II listed former railway Goods Shed or the muddy boots centre in the heart of the Park, hiring one of our buildings places the whole of the Park on your doorstep.

The Old Goods Shed

A characterful space for up to 94 people in the shadow of a medieval motte.
Stunning views of the motte and Victorian former railway buildings
Use of projector and speaker system with internet access
Modern kitchen facilities with separate handwash and craft areas
Display boards and hanging wires for displaying artwork
Disabled access throughout
Close proximity to car park (view charges here)
Onsite café (“Platform One“)
Half day: £90
Full day: £135
Evening, Sunday to Thursday: £90
Evening, Friday and Saturday: £135
2 to 4 consecutive days: £120 per day
5 to 9 consecutive days: £110 per day
10 or more consecutive days: £96 per day

Muddy Boots Centre

A very affordable option for smaller workshops in the heart of the Park.
The building offers a range of opportunities for people of all ages.
It has a study room equipped with tables and chairs, a kitchenette and toilet facilities suitable for wheelchair users.
Hire costs are only £30 for a half day or £40 for a full day.
The café is in close proximity and there is limited parking for hirers and blue badge holders opposite the building, as well as the main car park approximately 100m away.

Open 24 hours a day.

Address: Malting Lane, Clare, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 8NW, England

Post Code: CO10 8NW

Council: West Suffolk

County: Suffolk