The Paddock

Why stay here ...

Catley Cross House is perfect for all your touring needs. Set in a tranquil lakeside location, it caters for art, history and golf lovers, or those who simply want to enjoy the stunning Essex-Suffolk sea and riverside walks or bike rides.

The CL owner's breed and train show-jumpers but their land is also the home to fallow deer, foxes, barn owls and rabbits. The lake supports a variety of resident and visiting birds, plus Koi and Ghost carp. The village pub and farm shop, with cafe, are both within easy walking distance.

Four miles from Sudbury, through which the River Stour meanders via water meadows. Hire a rowing boat, or take a steamboat trip from the theatre or cinema to gain another perspective upon this beautiful town, which was the birthplace of Gainsborough. The Sudbury Flyer is the train to take to get to see more of this beautiful countryside as it takes a scenic 20-minute trip including crossing one of England's largest viaducts to Marls Tey where you can connect to Colchester (15 minutes), Walton on the Naze (45 minutes) or maybe London (55 minutes).

Steam fans have another treat in store nearby with two rail preservation societies, both offering insights into on-going projects and rides. Golfers are spoilt for choice, the nearest course being 6 miles away.

The small medieval towns of Castle Hedingham, Clare, Lavenham and Long Melford are all less than half an hour’s drive. The ancient wool and weaving trades funded their castle, timbered houses and the stately homes of Kentwell and Melford Halls.

Settled on the River Colne, Colchester, the walled Roman capital of Britain is 14 miles away and offers a Norman castle, museums, fine dining and shopping. Another seven miles on is the Essex coast with its sailing heritage, boasting the breeding ground of many of our Olympic gold sailors. Call in to Mersea Island and sample the famous Colchester oysters, fresh from the water in front of the beachside shack. A day could disappear at Colchester Zoo, which boasts an international reputation for its environment and conservation work.

‘Constable Country’ is 20 miles away and features, virtually unchanged, the landscapes depicted in the artist’s Hay Wain and Flatford Mill. You can explore the Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its own Michelin Starred restaurant, either on foot or rowing boat.

We are pleased to announce that a local fishing club has leased the lake adjoining the CL and so those who stay can benefit from fishing it on a day ticket basis. The lake has been stocked with roach, rudd, perch, bream,common (5 x 20 lb), mirror and crucian carp.We believe we may have a record breaking crucian already in there!  

The only regret you will have from your visit to Catley Cross House is that you didn’t have more time!