Does the Park have toilets?
Yes, there is a recently refurbished toilet block by the Station Road entrance and play park, which has separate facilities for ladies, gents, disabled visitors and baby changing. There is also a single toilet near the car park at the rear of the Old Goods Shed, which is DDA compliant. Toilets are opened at 9am and closed at 5pm during the summer and dusk during the winter.
How much does it cost to visit the Park?
There is no charge for entry to the Park. Between 9am and 7pm car parking charges during the week are £1 for the first hour, £2 for the second hour, and £3 for a full day. Car parking is free outside those hours.
At weekends the parking charges between 9am and 7pm are £1 for the first hour, £2 for up to two hours, £3 for up to three hours, £4 for up to four hours and £5 for a full day. Parking is free outside those hours.
The proceeds of the car park are the main source of the Park’s income.
How is the Park funded?
The Park receives no government or local authority funding. It is run by a local charitable trust with a small part time staff and a team of committed volunteers. The charity’s income comes from car parking charges, some rental income from buildings within the Park and donations. As well as maintaining its 36 acres (including mixed woodland and waterways) for the benefit of residents, visitors and wildlife, the charity funds the maintenance of the scheduled ancient monument, the complex of listed former railway buildings, the visitor centre and Clare’s public toilets which sit just within the Park boundary.
Is there a café?
Yes, Platform One café in the centre of the Park is open Tuesday to Sunday every week, with occasional changes for bank holidays. Usual opening hours are 9am to 3.30pm in the week and 4pm at weekends. Please note that closing times may vary according to weather/daylight and Park activity. Please call 01787 277850 to check opening times on the day.
Are dogs allowed?
Well behaved dogs are very welcome in the Park and café. Please clean up after your dog and do not allow them to enter the fenced off play area for young children.
Is cycling allowed in the Park?
Cyclists are welcome but are asked to give way to pedestrians within the Park. There are two bike racks near the café (one to the side and one to the front).
What are the facilities for visitors with restricted mobility?
Please see our Accessibility page for full details – and if there’s anything we’ve missed that would be useful to know, please tell us (info@clarecastlecountrypark.co.uk).
How do I contact you?
Please see our Contact Us page for details, including the duty trustee number for emergencies.
Can coaches park here?
We can arrange access to a coach parking area by prior arrangement, in return for a modest donation. Please note that there is no coach parking in the main car park. Contact us at info@clarecastlecountrypark.co.uk or leave a message on our answerphone 01787 277902.
What are your Christmas & New Year opening times?
The Park itself is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The toilets are open daily from 9am until dusk, other than on Christmas and Boxing Day when they are closed.
The café will be open as usual until 3pm on Christmas Eve, then closed for Christmas and Boxing Day.
It reopens on Saturday 27th December and will be open daily until its annual break which is from Wednesday 14th January and will be reopening on Thursday 29th January.
Normal opening hours are 9am to 3.30pm in the week and 4pm at weekends, but please be aware that this may change in the event of bad weather. Please call 01787 277850 to check opening times on the day.
Park Run will take place in the Park every Saturday at 9am.
The regular Tuesday walk will continue every Tuesday.