Let’s Get In Touch

As a small, family-run riverside destination, our parking is reserved for guests visiting the café, staying with us, or enjoying kayak/paddleboard hire and wellness. There are several nearby public car parks with access to local walks, and our team is happy to guide you. Please note our gates lock at 4pm, and we recommend moving your vehicle to a public car park after your visit if you plan to continue exploring.

No, parking is free for paying guests. For day visitors, parking is included for the length of your kayak/paddleboard hire booking plus one hour. Café table bookings include 2–3 hours of parking. During peak times, takeaway drinks and ice creams from Kingfisher Paddle Hire include parking for the time you are with us, plus one hour.

We do not allow outside food on our site for day visitors. There are takeaway options available in the cafe if you would like to enjoy food on our picnic benches by our kayak/paddleboard hire.

Dogs are very welcome in our outside seating area and covered veranda. Our indoor café space is small, so unfortunately, we are unable to allow dogs inside. You can book a veranda or outdoor table via our website. Just add a note to let us know you’ll be bringing your dog.

Because of our riverside setting and the surrounding wildlife, we ask that all dogs be kept on a lead during your visit. Although we have open space, keeping dogs on leads helps us protect the natural environment and ensure a safe, relaxed experience for everyone.

Yes! You’re very welcome to decorate your table and bring a cake to celebrate. We simply ask that you avoid confetti or very small decorations to help us keep the space clean and enjoyable for everyone.

When booking, simply add a note to let us know you’ll be arriving on foot or by paddle. We always try to be as flexible as possible, but tables are held for 15 minutes. If you’re running early or late, please give us a call so we can do our best to accommodate you.

Yes. Once your booking is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation by email. If you don’t see it, please check your spam folder or get in touch.

Cancellation and amendment policies vary depending on what you’ve booked (accommodation, wellness or events). Full details are provided at the time of booking, but you’re always welcome to contact us directly if you’re unsure.

Walk-ins are always welcome at Constable Park Cafe. We do highly recommend booking a table any day we are open, as we can get busy.

For tables of up to 8 guests, you can book online as usual. For groups of 9 or more, please follow the enquiry instructions within our booking system. Our indoor space can accommodate a single table of 16, and the same applies outside. If you require multiple tables, we’re often able to increase overall capacity. Just get in touch to discuss your plans.

Clear signage will guide you when you arrive on site. If you’re unsure where to go, just ask; we’re happy to help.

As a hire site, we don’t generally encourage self launch and we’re unable to accommodate it on weekends, bank holidays or during school holidays (except for the pizza offer below).

During term time on weekdays, self launch is available for a £10 fee. Please check with us before unloading to make sure we have parking space available.

If you’re arriving by water, you’re welcome to paddle in and tie up free of charge, as long as no parking space is used and you head back out again afterwards. There is also a free public launch point nearby at Cattawade.

On Fridays and most Saturdays, we offer free self launch after 3pm if you’re staying for pizza. You’ll pay the £10 launch fee on arrival, which will then be deducted from your pizza bill. This works well if you’d like to paddle to Flatford and back (around 3 hours) before joining us for a 6pm pizza table.

Pizza tables must be pre-booked and spaces are limited, with many guests choosing our Paddle, Pizza & Prosecco evenings.

If the children are your own, we recommend a maximum of four per parent, assuming they remain within sight at all times and follow instructions on the water.

If they are not your children, a consent form must be signed in advance by their parents, transferring parental responsibility to you while on the river. In this case, we require at least two supervising adults in their own craft, one at the front of the group and one at the back. Supervising adults must be confident paddlers, able to manage behaviour and respond calmly to a capsize if needed.

The person hiring the equipment is responsible for any damages, accidents or incidents. We provide equipment hire only and do not offer lifeguard cover, rescue or first aid as part of standard hire.

If you would prefer additional support, we can provide a DBS-checked, qualified paddlesport instructor for an hourly fee.

From our experience, around half of a typical Year 6 group (aged 10–11) may not yet have the coordination to confidently leave our launch pond. For children with no previous paddling experience, we suggest around age 12 as a good starting point.

We do offer tandem paddleboards and kayaks, so younger children can still get involved alongside an adult and begin building their skills in a safe, supported way.

Yes, this can still be a great option. You’ll be able to enjoy up to three hours on the water, with parking and access to our changing facilities included. We can often help with inflating your board if needed.

Self launch for this offer is available from 3pm. Pizzas are served from 5pm onwards, and tables must be pre-booked. Simply book Paddle, Pizza & Prosecco as normal.

Please make sure your board or kayak is thoroughly cleaned before arrival. We’re keen to protect the River Stour and avoid introducing invasive species from other waterways.

Yes, for corporate or birthday groups, we recommend booking a private evening event for exclusive use.

For corporate bookings, any kayak/paddleboard or team-building activities should be clearly promoted as optional. If activities are taking place during a working day, you may wish to hire a qualified instructor to oversee and risk-manage the water or team-building elements. We’re happy to discuss options to help you plan a safe and enjoyable event.