Clare combines medieval town heritage with a country park and trails for walking and cycling. The town is one of the four classic Suffolk Wool Towns, which have preserved their medieval town centres. When planning your stay, you can therefore focus on different things: architectural history, a museum, nature trails or a cycle ride starting and ending in Clare.
Architectural history in several locations
Clare Priory was founded in 1248 as the first house of the Augustinians in England. The priory house has 14th-century fabric in its service wing. Clare Priory welcomes day visitors who wish to visit the house, church, grounds and gardens. Check local rules before your visit.
Clare's long history is also evident in specific details elsewhere. At Clare Castle, a fragment of the keep remains on a Saxon motte. At St Peter & St Paul, the west tower has a 13th-century doorway with dog-tooth ornament. The church's peal comprises eight bells and is described as the heaviest in Suffolk. Check the current access arrangements in advance.
The Ancient House is a Grade I listed building and is considered to be of national importance. The west wing probably dates from the 14th century. The Ancient House Museum has a permanent exhibition on Clare's early history and the town's connection with Magna Carta. As the museum's offer may change, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information.
Another piece of railway history is the goods shed at Clare railway station: it is the only surviving example of eleven built to the 1865 standard design, and is now used as a museum. Here too, check the current arrangements before visiting.
Trails in Clare Castle Country Park
Clare Castle Country Park offers a different way to explore the area from its historic buildings. Its trails pass through groups of trees, follow the banks of the River Stour and run alongside a disused railway line. Rivers and ponds with diverse wildlife, as well as a nature trail, add to the parkland. In the visitor centre, an N-gauge model railway depicts Clare railway station in the 1950s. Leaflets are also available there for walks ranging from 2 to 8.5 miles; the materials available may change.
For independent exploration of the town, the Clare Town Trail leaflet can help you discover its historic heritage at your own pace. Another route is the Railway Walk: it begins beneath a viaduct, across which the road leads to the former site of Clare Mill. The mill was destroyed by fire in the 1970s. These trails connect different themes—parkland, railway history and the former mill—without needing to be combined into a single tour.
There is also a clear guide for cycling: signposted circular routes start and end in Clare and are about 20 to 50 miles long. The wide range of distances offers a choice of routes; check route conditions before setting out.
Plan around the market and getting here
Clare Market has more than 20 regular stalls. They sell, among other things, fruit and vegetables, bread, cakes, pies, plants, honey and beer. Many stallholders live in Clare or the surrounding area; what is on offer may vary by market day. This does not mean that all the goods listed are described as locally produced.
The day of the week matters when travelling by bus. From Monday to Saturday, Clare can be reached on route 236 from Haverhill or Sudbury; route 374 also runs from Clare to Bury St Edmunds. There is no bus service in the evenings or on Sundays. If buses are part of your stay, check the current timetable before travelling.
Choose where to stay based on the activities you want to focus on, while keeping bus connections and their time restrictions in mind.
Discover more destinations: Wangford, Southwold, Hopton, Hundon, Shimpling, Denston, Bardwell, Dalham.
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