About Us

Open 365 days a year with parking, onsite toilets, a café, Victorian railway buildings, the remains of a castle keep on a 60ft high motte overlooking the town, children’s play areas, trails, rivers and ponds and a part-time visitor centre.

Information boards tell the story of the railway and castle and the wildlife to be seen along the water’s edge.

The Park is the starting point for a number of walks from 1 to 8.5 miles and cycle routes, as well as the fascinating Clare town trail.  Further information is available from the visitor centre: printed maps and booklets are available from the visitor centre and café.

Volunteer - There is something for everyone at Clare Castle Country Park. Whether you’re looking to volunteer once a week, once a month or at a one-off event, we would love to hear from you.

Park Amenities

• Visitor Centre
  Signed from the centre of the Park, this listed Victorian building was in use as Clare station’s south platform waiting room until the 1960s. 
• Platform One Café 
  Platform One is an atmospheric café in the heart of the Park. Whether it’s a coffee, afternoon tea or light
  lunch, you can always be sure of a warm welcome.
• Historic Railway Buildings
  The only surviving set of the "1865 type" of Victorian railway buildings can be found here, along with information about Clare's railway history.
• Castle Remains
  A ruin now, but once home to one of the country's wealthiest families. Climb the 60 foot motte for stunning views of Clare.
• Rivers and ponds
  With rivers and ponds, the Park is blessed with an array of wildlife as well as beautiful walks. Follow our nature trail to learn more.
• Parks trails & Walks
  A hub for walks from short, wheelchair accessible trails to longer walks of up to 8.5 miles: visit the Park to find out more.
  
• Cycle Routes
  A selection of cycle routes from 20 to 50 miles begin and end at the Park, all recommended by local cyclists.
• Play Areas
  Families are well catered for with a dedicated fully fenced play area with picnic benches, a popular play train and a variety of trails and activities.
  

Careers

The Park Office, located in the old railway booking office, is in the heart of the Park both geographically and literally.  Our two part time members of staff, supported by a group of dedicated volunteers, deal with the management of the Park’s buildings and habitats, our two hire venues, visitor centre and small retail outlet, a range of free and fund raising activities throughout the year, and all the usual administrative tasks involved in the running of a business or charity. 

As a small charity we keep bureaucracy to the minimum: we can’t offer plush offices or glamour, but we can offer the opportunity to learn skills that will stand you in good stead for a future career in either the charitable or commercial sectors, plenty of variety and the chance to make a difference within the local community.

If you may be interested in working/volunteering with us, please email or call for an informal chat to find out more.

Volunteering

There is something for everyone at Clare Castle Country Park. Whether you’re looking to volunteer once a week, once a month or at a one-off event, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteering opportunities include working outdoors with our “greenspace” working parties who meet on a Friday morning to tackle jobs from weeding the butterfly garden to scrub clearance along the old railway line; stewarding at our visitor centre in the former South platform waiting room; taking photos in the Park; helping to maintain our social media; and helping out at exhibitions and events.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering please email info@clarecastlecountrypark.co.uk or call the Park Office on 01787 27790