Name: Clare Castle Country Park
Type: Park / Woods
Country: England
State/Province/County: Suffolk
City/Town/Village: Clare
Opening times: Open all the time
Entry fee: Free
Parking available: Yes
Parking fee: Pay and display
Address: Malting Lane, Clare, Sudbury, C010 8NW
Map
I have spent countless hours in this park. Whether on my own simply taking a time out from life and enjoying the tranquillity the park has to offer, always armed with my camera as every visit has something new to offer. The park has something to offer for everyone. A popular location for dog walkers. It contains paths lined by trees, a river running through it, a large pond with an abundance of water birds.
It truly is a great day out for the entire family.
Things to do and see
Open green spaces
The park contains two large open green spaces which are always well maintained and provide an ideal area for a picnic, ball games or just catching the rays on a summers day.
The Stour River (pronounced Stoor or Stowr) which runs through the park. The river Stour has been immortalised by painter John Constable in many of his most celebrated works.
The motte, at approximately 60 feet is one of the highest in England. It now contains a small section of a previous shell keep of at least two stories. It is well worth the climb to the top of the motte for a truly inspiring view over the town of Clare.
If you have little ones, they will love the playground at Clare Castle Country Park. With many pieces of play equipment available, it's sure to keep your youngsters entertained for an hour or two.
Clare has the ONLY railway station built within the bailey of a castle!! The railway buildings are Grade 2 listed and are the only surviving examples of those built to the 1865 design.
Is located in the original 1865 bookings hall of the now disused Clare Railway station and serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, light lunches and snacks.
Conclusion
As stated, this is one of my favourite parks for a reason! Each season has it's own unique beauty. If you're a photographer looking for some great nature images, it comes highly recommended. Bring a tripod along for some long exposure shots of the river and ponds.
The ponds can get rather green in the autumn and winter months.
Oh, and keep an eye out on the resident swans. They are absolutely stunning birds, but can be a little temperamental when chicks are around.
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