Orford

Castle, quay and mystery

  • For the Kids
  • Orford Flavours
  • Places to Stay
  • What's on in Orford


    • About Orford

    Orford is undoubtedly one of the most charming and interesting of all coastal villages in Suffolk. It is separated from the sea by the shingle bank of Orford Ness – the largest shingle spit in the UK – and a meandering river.

    In summer the quayside is alive with yachts and pleasure craft, with boats taking visitors to Orford Ness (National Trust) and Havergate Island (RSPB) as well as on river cruises, at low water the mudflats are awash with wading birds and wildfowl, the quayside with crabbers, whilst toddlers build sand castles on the tiny beach by the quay. A picture postcard village with something for everyone

    In and around Orford...


    History

    Where ever you are in Orford you will be able to see the ruins of Orford Castle (English Heritage), one of the most important castles in medieval England. The keep – all that remains of the original building commissioned by Henry II in 1165 – has walls 90 feet high and 10 feet deep, its rooms and passages are remarkably preserved. A climb up the spiral staircase to the top provides splendid views over the surrounding countryside and to the sea.

    Equally stunning is St Bartholomew’s Church, the present church built in the 14th century is a wonderful sight especially when floodlit. The church is a regular venue for concerts and recitals, and many of Benjamin Britten’s works had their first performances here.

    Music is ever present along the Suffolk coast and Orford plays host by concerts and recitals throughout the Aldeburgh Festival as well as being a venue of choice for excellent local choirs and orchestras including The Aldeburgh Music Club.

    JMW Turner’s paintings and sketchbooks of Orford are very well known.  The stunning Suffolk landscapes and skies continues to draw famous and amateur artists to Orford.

    For The Family

     


    Foodie heaven!

    Orford Stores sells everything from cleaning materials to locally produced fruit and veg, and includes a post office and tea room.  Next door, the Pump Street Bakery has a great choice of fresh bread and cakes.  There are two smokeries in the village offering an excellent choice of smoked fish, hams and cheeses and its restaurants from The Crown and Castle to the bar at The Kings Head have a great reputation for both food and ambience.


    Take to water

    With this stunning river on your doorstep why not take a boat trip on The Lady Florence.  Trips range from 2 to 4 hours and include a fully catered meal.  The on board commentary is both interesting and informal and really does open your eyes to the delights and mysteries of Orford and its surrounds.

    Children will love The Regardless, a chance for everyone to see a lobster close up – take one home for tea.


    Orford Walking!

    Enjoy a circular walk along the river bank from Orford Quay

    There are endless variations to these walks from a 2.5 mile stroll to a 10 mile hike.  The going is gentle although a bit rough in places – watch your feet – it is worth taking waterproof boots in winter.  The views are outstanding so it is well worth taking a camera as well as binoculars.
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