Welcome to Orford
Welcome to Orford, one of the prettiest villages on the Suffolk Heritage Coast and a true historical gem. In the Middle Ages it was a thriving sea port from where Eleanor of Aquitaine set off to ransom her son Richard Coeur de Lion. The gradual silting up of the river has left it a quiet village of brick and timber houses. The 12th century castle built by Henry II and the fine medieval church dominate the skyline.
The rivers Alde and Ore still flow past the quay and are home to fishermen, boats and birds. Across the river is Orford Ness National Trust Nature Reserve, the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe and a former military test site; downstream is Havergate Island an RSPB Bird Sanctuary, famous for the avocet. The village is less than five miles from the Snape Maltings world class concert hall, home to the Aldeburgh Music Festival.
Orford has something to offer to everyone; walkers, sailors, cyclists, bird lovers, music and art lovers, those interested in history and food, or simply wanting to relax. The following pages will tell you in more detail about the village’s many delights.
