Orford
There is a relaxed pace to life in Orford and a visit here is sure to leave you feeling chilled out and as if you can face anything. It isn't the easiest place in the world to reach, but when you're there you won't want to leave, and you might find yourself searching for an estate agent! It is the perfect place for a leisurely weekend break as it is far enough away from it all for relaxation, but with plenty on offer to keep you entertained and, most importantly, well fed.
The unique polygonal towerkeep of Orford Castle, now in the hands of English Heritage, stands beside the pretty town and former port which Henry II also developed here in the 1160s. From the roof there are magnificent views seaward to Orford Ness, the internationally important nature reserve, with a fascinating 20th-century military history.
The town is the perfect place to get back to nature as there are so many things to see and do outdoors. The 12th Century Castle is a prime example. It is the perfect place to combine a brisk walk with a step back in time. The castle is open to visitors and is kept by English Heritage. The circular interior has five floors and includes kitchens and a chapel. For a really stunning view climb up the 27 metre high tower. At the top you will be rewarded with a beautiful vista overlooking Orford Ness and the surrounding countryside. There is a shop at the Castle and you are also welcome to bring your own picnic to consume in the grounds. It's a lovely day out.
See Orford Castle
Orford Ness is a a real treasure and is fortunately protected for us by the National Trust. Known as ‘The Island’, Orford Ness NNR is the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe and an internationally important nature reserve. Here, visitors can see a variety of habitats including shingle, saltmarsh, mudflat, brackish lagoons and grazing marsh. The Reserve provides an important location for breeding and passage birds as well as for the coastal shingle flora and wildlife, including a large number of nationally rare species.
From 1913 until the mid-1980s the Ness was used as a secret military test site and today visitors can walk amongst some of the unusual and intriguing test sites and buildings. For lots more information see Orford Ness, National Trust
Bird lovers will also be drawn to Havergate Island bird sanctuary nearby, which is maintained by the RSPB. See RSPB Havergate Island
The banks of the river Butley provide a perfect breeding ground for Gigas Pacific Oysters. They are harvested from the banks and you can buy them from the Butley Orford Oysterage. There is also a smokehouse alongside the river, selling all manner of local produce. Nearby is the Butley Oyster where you can stop for some well earned refreshment!
For a relaxing trip along the River you could enjoy one of the local cruises. These boats sail all year round and in the Winter months you will be kept warm by a cosy fire on board as you sail the calm waters of the Alde and Ore. The Lady Florence River Cruise even offers a meal as you enjoy your time on the boat.
The best Hotel and Restaurant in Orford is The Crown and Castle, owned by the legendry Ruth Watson (of Hotel Inspector fame, and author of several best selling cookery books) and her husband David
The Crown and Castle
and the best pub food in Orford is The King's Head Inn also owned and operated by Mr and Mrs Watson so you can be sure of excellent food while you while away a Sunday lunch with friends.
For more details of Orford visit Orford Website
The unique polygonal towerkeep of Orford Castle, now in the hands of English Heritage, stands beside the pretty town and former port which Henry II also developed here in the 1160s. From the roof there are magnificent views seaward to Orford Ness, the internationally important nature reserve, with a fascinating 20th-century military history.
The town is the perfect place to get back to nature as there are so many things to see and do outdoors. The 12th Century Castle is a prime example. It is the perfect place to combine a brisk walk with a step back in time. The castle is open to visitors and is kept by English Heritage. The circular interior has five floors and includes kitchens and a chapel. For a really stunning view climb up the 27 metre high tower. At the top you will be rewarded with a beautiful vista overlooking Orford Ness and the surrounding countryside. There is a shop at the Castle and you are also welcome to bring your own picnic to consume in the grounds. It's a lovely day out.
See Orford Castle
Orford Ness is a a real treasure and is fortunately protected for us by the National Trust. Known as ‘The Island’, Orford Ness NNR is the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe and an internationally important nature reserve. Here, visitors can see a variety of habitats including shingle, saltmarsh, mudflat, brackish lagoons and grazing marsh. The Reserve provides an important location for breeding and passage birds as well as for the coastal shingle flora and wildlife, including a large number of nationally rare species.
From 1913 until the mid-1980s the Ness was used as a secret military test site and today visitors can walk amongst some of the unusual and intriguing test sites and buildings. For lots more information see Orford Ness, National Trust
Bird lovers will also be drawn to Havergate Island bird sanctuary nearby, which is maintained by the RSPB. See RSPB Havergate Island
The banks of the river Butley provide a perfect breeding ground for Gigas Pacific Oysters. They are harvested from the banks and you can buy them from the Butley Orford Oysterage. There is also a smokehouse alongside the river, selling all manner of local produce. Nearby is the Butley Oyster where you can stop for some well earned refreshment!
For a relaxing trip along the River you could enjoy one of the local cruises. These boats sail all year round and in the Winter months you will be kept warm by a cosy fire on board as you sail the calm waters of the Alde and Ore. The Lady Florence River Cruise even offers a meal as you enjoy your time on the boat.
The best Hotel and Restaurant in Orford is The Crown and Castle, owned by the legendry Ruth Watson (of Hotel Inspector fame, and author of several best selling cookery books) and her husband David
The Crown and Castle
and the best pub food in Orford is The King's Head Inn also owned and operated by Mr and Mrs Watson so you can be sure of excellent food while you while away a Sunday lunch with friends.
For more details of Orford visit Orford Website
