Orford
Orford is known as a foodie paradise in Suffolk and although it's not the easiest place in the world to reach, 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.
On Saturdays there's a weekly food market in the town hall in the market square where locals sell their produce - you can buy delicious honey truffles, cakes, jams, vegetables, bread....
There are also not one but two smokeries in Orford - both legendry. Richardson smokehouse, just off the market square, specialises in fish & cheese, and Pinneys specialises in Oysters. You'll be spoilt for choice!
Also the local Inns - The Crown and Castle run by the infamous Ruth Watson of Hotel Inspector fame - and the Kings Head Inn both offer fabulous local food so you won't go hungry. See below for more details of these Inns and their accommodation.
Recently opened is a new bakery that is taking Orford and surrounds by storm. The Pump St Bakery at No 1 Pump St, just off the market square, is a grade 2 listed 17th C building that has been converted into a cafe and bakers shop. Chris Brennan, the owner and founder, realised that his bread and pastries were selling very well in Orford's weekly Country Market so he set up the
bakery, and all of the bread and pastries sold in Pump Street Bakery are baked daily (I had a rhurbarb doughnut there recently and can highly recommend it!). Follow the delicious smells to find the bakery!
For those of you who like seek out historical gems, St Bartholomew's Church is a sight to behold. This Grade One listed 14th Century building, with 12th century remains attached, and is open daily to visitors.
Also, there is no finer example of English Heritage than Orford Castle (see below). Built between 1165 and 1173, the castle’s central keep is all that remains – yet this is still an impressive sight both up close and from a distance. It is the perfect place to combine a brisk walk with a step back in time. The unique polygonal towerkeep of Orford Castle stands beside the pretty town and former port which Henry II also developed here in the 1160s.
Orford Castle is open to visitors and is kept by
English Heritage in Suffolk. The circular interior has five floors and includes kitchens and a chapel. For a really stunning view climb up the 27 metre high tower. Visitor’s reaching the very top of the keep will be rewarded with breath-taking views of the village and surrounding countryside, including the River Ore and Orford Ness.
There is a shop onsite, as well as Orford Museum which features exhibits from Anglo-Saxon, Roman and earlier times, plus items associated with Orford's mayor, and the lighthouses & airfield on Orford Ness. Visitors are welcome to bring your own picnic to consume in the grounds. It's a lovely day out.
Nature lovers will not be disappointed by Orford Ness – known as ‘The Island’ – as it is Europe's largest vegetated shingle spit and is fortunately protected for us by the
National Trust in Suffolk. Visitors will discover a huge variety of rare species and habitats of coastal wildlife - 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. The Ness is accessible by ferry, and guided tours & walks are available to visitors with a focus on subjects such as natural history, military history and general interest. There are also events held for children.
Find out more here - Orford Ness Nature reserve
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.
Orford is just 5 miles from Snape Maltings Concert Hall, a converted malt house which is today home to Aldeburgh Music. Concerts of varying musical genres are performed year-round, and should you find yourself in here during the summer, the Aldeburgh Festival is a musical experience not to be missed.
One high-quality Hotel & 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) along with her husband David.
Another excellent sleeping and dining option in Orford comes from The King's Head Inn, a wonderful traditional Inn serving Adnams Ales and top local food, with pet friendly B&B accommodation options.
When out and about in Orford, you will be in need of refreshment - especially during the sunny summer months! Gilliano’s Ice Creams have the Ice-Cream Consession at Orford where you can get a delicious Carte D’Or Artiscoop Ice Cream on a selection of Cones, Walls Impulse Ice Lollies and various soft drinks. Gilliano's is in Orford every weekend and daily during school holiday periods up until October. They are based at the Quay car park. For more information, please visit www.gillianos.co.uk
For more details of Orford visit Orford Website.
For more information on accommodation and eating out options, please see
Orford Hotels.
What's your favourite thing about Orford? Please send all comments and reviews to us at suffolkguides.admin@suffolktouristguide.com.
On Saturdays there's a weekly food market in the town hall in the market square where locals sell their produce - you can buy delicious honey truffles, cakes, jams, vegetables, bread....
There are also not one but two smokeries in Orford - both legendry. Richardson smokehouse, just off the market square, specialises in fish & cheese, and Pinneys specialises in Oysters. You'll be spoilt for choice!
Also the local Inns - The Crown and Castle run by the infamous Ruth Watson of Hotel Inspector fame - and the Kings Head Inn both offer fabulous local food so you won't go hungry. See below for more details of these Inns and their accommodation.
Recently opened is a new bakery that is taking Orford and surrounds by storm. The Pump St Bakery at No 1 Pump St, just off the market square, is a grade 2 listed 17th C building that has been converted into a cafe and bakers shop. Chris Brennan, the owner and founder, realised that his bread and pastries were selling very well in Orford's weekly Country Market so he set up the
bakery, and all of the bread and pastries sold in Pump Street Bakery are baked daily (I had a rhurbarb doughnut there recently and can highly recommend it!). Follow the delicious smells to find the bakery!
For those of you who like seek out historical gems, St Bartholomew's Church is a sight to behold. This Grade One listed 14th Century building, with 12th century remains attached, and is open daily to visitors.
Also, there is no finer example of English Heritage than Orford Castle (see below). Built between 1165 and 1173, the castle’s central keep is all that remains – yet this is still an impressive sight both up close and from a distance. It is the perfect place to combine a brisk walk with a step back in time. The unique polygonal towerkeep of Orford Castle stands beside the pretty town and former port which Henry II also developed here in the 1160s.
Orford Castle is open to visitors and is kept by
English Heritage in Suffolk. The circular interior has five floors and includes kitchens and a chapel. For a really stunning view climb up the 27 metre high tower. Visitor’s reaching the very top of the keep will be rewarded with breath-taking views of the village and surrounding countryside, including the River Ore and Orford Ness.
There is a shop onsite, as well as Orford Museum which features exhibits from Anglo-Saxon, Roman and earlier times, plus items associated with Orford's mayor, and the lighthouses & airfield on Orford Ness. Visitors are welcome to bring your own picnic to consume in the grounds. It's a lovely day out.
Nature lovers will not be disappointed by Orford Ness – known as ‘The Island’ – as it is Europe's largest vegetated shingle spit and is fortunately protected for us by the
National Trust in Suffolk. Visitors will discover a huge variety of rare species and habitats of coastal wildlife - 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. The Ness is accessible by ferry, and guided tours & walks are available to visitors with a focus on subjects such as natural history, military history and general interest. There are also events held for children.
Find out more here - Orford Ness Nature reserve
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.
Orford is just 5 miles from Snape Maltings Concert Hall, a converted malt house which is today home to Aldeburgh Music. Concerts of varying musical genres are performed year-round, and should you find yourself in here during the summer, the Aldeburgh Festival is a musical experience not to be missed.
One high-quality Hotel & 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) along with her husband David.
Another excellent sleeping and dining option in Orford comes from The King's Head Inn, a wonderful traditional Inn serving Adnams Ales and top local food, with pet friendly B&B accommodation options.
When out and about in Orford, you will be in need of refreshment - especially during the sunny summer months! Gilliano’s Ice Creams have the Ice-Cream Consession at Orford where you can get a delicious Carte D’Or Artiscoop Ice Cream on a selection of Cones, Walls Impulse Ice Lollies and various soft drinks. Gilliano's is in Orford every weekend and daily during school holiday periods up until October. They are based at the Quay car park. For more information, please visit www.gillianos.co.uk
For more details of Orford visit Orford Website.
For more information on accommodation and eating out options, please see
Orford Hotels.
What's your favourite thing about Orford? Please send all comments and reviews to us at suffolkguides.admin@suffolktouristguide.com.
