Clare – Wool Town, Culture and Walks along the River Stour

Clare combines medieval urban heritage with routes through natural and riverside landscapes. The town is one of the four classic Suffolk Wool Towns that have preserved their medieval town centres. This makes Clare an interesting base for a trip combining historical discoveries, walks and cycling excursions.

Historic places with a character of their own

One of the area’s most notable historic landmarks is Clare Priory. The house was founded in 1248 as the first Augustinian house in England. Its priory house has 14th-century fabric in the service wing. Day visitors are welcome to visit the house, church, grounds and gardens. Clare Priory therefore offers a distinct focus for a culture-oriented day out.

A fragment of the keep of Clare Castle remains on a Saxon mound. The former railway station also tells the story of the town: the goods shed at Clare station is the only surviving example of eleven built to the 1865 standard design, and is now used as a museum. Anyone interested in the history of technology and transport will find there a different way to explore the town’s development from that offered by its ecclesiastical and medieval buildings.

The Ancient House is listed as a Grade I building and is considered to be of national importance. The west wing probably dates from the 14th century. The Ancient House Museum also has a permanent exhibition on Clare’s early history and its connection with Magna Carta. St Peter & Paul is open to visitors; the west tower has a 13th-century door with dog-tooth ornament. The peal of eight bells is considered the heaviest in Suffolk.

Walking routes, riverbanks and circular trails

Clare Castle Country Park complements the historic attractions with paths through groups of trees, along the banks of the River Stour and beside the disused railway line. Rivers and ponds with diverse wildlife, as well as a nature trail, characterise this area. The visitor centre houses an N-gauge model railway recreating Clare station in the 1950s. You can also obtain leaflets there for walks ranging from 2 to 8.5 miles.

For an independent exploration of the historic heritage, there is the Clare Town Trail leaflet. Another option is the Railway Walk: it begins beneath a viaduct crossed by the road to the former site of Clare Mill. The mill was destroyed by fire in the 1970s. If you would like to explore Clare by bicycle, the signposted circular cycle routes begin and end in the town and are approximately 20 to 50 miles long. The different route lengths help you tailor your day to your preferred focus.

Clare as a base for your accommodation search

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Clare, you can first consider which of the town’s aspects you want to shape your trip: historic buildings and museums, walks along the River Stour or longer cycling tours. Bus connections should also form part of your planning. From Monday to Saturday, Clare can be reached by bus from Haverhill or Sudbury via route 236; route 374 also runs from Clare to Bury St Edmunds. There is no bus service in the evenings or on Sundays.

The Clare Market, with more than 20 regular stalls, is part of the town’s local character. Products include fruit, vegetables, bread, cakes, pies, plants, honey and beer. Many stallholders live in Clare or the surrounding area. For other destinations to compare during your search, Kettleburgh, Assington, Carlton Colville, Denston, Hessett, Westleton, Haverhill and Tuddenham are also available.

For the wider travel overview: Suffolk.