Clare & Suffolk

Please note, due to building work the antiques centre and tea room will be closed until Spring 2023.

Clare and the surrounding area is in the forefront of tourism in the South Suffolk/Essex borders and has become internationally recognised as an area for the antiques trade. The popular television series Lovejoy was filmed in the antique district surrounding Clare, Cavendish and Long Melford and there is plenty to see in these areas today.

Clare Castle Country Park is directly opposite Clare Antiques and Interiors. It is a beautiful area for walks, picnics and play. Nature and history trails are provided with information boards and the River Stour runs alongside. The remains of Clare Railway Station and track line built in 1865 by the Great Eastern Railway can also be seen. The goods yard operated for over 100 years, the goods shed is now open to show displays and information and a railway goods van can be seen on a stretch of track. Long or short walks may be taken along the Stour Valley Path.

Here also are the remains of Clare Castle, an 11th Century earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded by Richard Fitz Gilbert. The 70ft high motte overlooks the town and can be climbed by steps and a circular path.

A path in front of the Warehouse leads directly past two 16th Century cottages and across the River Stour with its bank-side walks and on to a gated pathway leading into Clare Priory grounds, which are open to the public. This is the motherhouse of the Augustinian Friars founded in 1248.

st peter and pauls church

Watching over the centre of Clare itself, can be found St Peter and St Paul's Church, a good example of one of England's best mediaeval town churches.

Nearby, the Ancient House Museum tells the history of Clare.

Clare Park Lake Golf Club is open to the public and has a beautiful lakeside 9-hole course. The brand new Club House serves breakfast and lunch.

Clare Antiques & Interiors, The Mill, Malting Lane, Clare, Suffolk, CO10 8NW © Clare Antiques & Interiors