What to do in Orford
There is a surprising variety of things to do in this lovely village.
The 12th century Castle, of which only the central keep remains, is now protected by English Heritage and attracts many visitors; it is also home to the local Orford Museum. The fascinating Orford Ness Nature Reserve is managed by the National Trust. Havergate Island an RSPB Bird sanctuary is a breeding ground for the rare avocet. There are river trips on the Ore estuary, sailing, wonderful walks and world class music both in the village church and at the Snape Maltings Concert Hall run by Aldeburgh Music. Suffolk is a haven for artists and there are many exhibitions in the village and nearby. You can eat superbly as you will find under the Where to Eat section or you can go crabbing on the quay or just sit in the sun and watch the boats. Some of the attractions are listed below.
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Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant The Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant provides fine dining whilst cruising the calm waters of the rivers Alde and Ore, all year round (including Christmas Day) with a cosy coal fire in winter. The cruises includea 3-course American-style brunch, a la carte lunch or a la carte dinner, and there is an informative commentary. All cruises circumnavigate RSPB’s Havergate Island and pass close to Aldeburgh. Most cover the full 10 mile length of National Trust’s Orford Ness. With a maximum of 12 passengers on a spacious 50ft vessel, customers are assured of a high standard of personal attention. Tel: 07831 698 298 info@lady-florence.co.uk www.lady-florence.co.uk |
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Orford Castle Orford Castle / English Heritage Louise Meek, 01394 450 472, loiuse.meek@english-heritage.org.uk www.english-heritage.org.uk/orford Photo © National Trust |
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Orford Museum Visit Orford Museum in Orford Castle. See exhibits from Anglo-Saxon, Roman and earlier times, items associated with Orford's mayor and corporation, the lighthouses and airfield on Orford Ness. Read the story of the Wild Man. Or take a 'virtual tour' on the touch-screen kiosk in St Bartholomew's church. Go to www.orfordmuseum.org.uk for more details. |
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Orford Ness National Nature Reserve (National Trust) Internationally important nature reserve, with a fascinating 20th-century military history. This wild and remote extremity of eastern England is the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe and supports internationally important flora and fauna. Site of secret Cold War military testing and a poignant symbol of 20th-century warfare. |
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River Trips on Regardless Regardless is a 25ft wooden clinker open launch boat of the traditional style for this area. She carries three tickets MCA Class V Passenger, S.C.D.C. Passenger and Category VI Passenger and does river trips for everyone and for different occasions. Trips for adults with commentary and trips for children with activity. Peter Merrin, 01394 450 169, 07900 230 579 www.orfordrivertrips.co.uk |
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RSPB Santuary, Havergate Island Havergate Island nature reserve lies in the Ore estuary, south of Orford village. The island consists of saline (saltwater) lagoons, marsh and mudflats. It is famous for it waders and seabirds. It is a great place to get up close to brown hares at any time of year. From late summer, many migrating wading birds stop off at Havergate to feed and roost. In autumn and winter the island provides a haven for large numbers of ducks and wading birds. Open dates: April-Aug: first and third weekends of the month and every Thursday |
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St Bartholomew's Church Grade One listed/Simon Jenkins' 1000 best churches - 14th Century building The Revd David Murdoch (Team Rector of the Wilford Peninsula) The Rectory 01394 450336 or Murdochs4@btinternet.com |
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Suffolk Underwater Exhibition Suffolk Underwater Exhibition, above Orford Crafts, Front Street, Orford, IP12 2LN Covering the Suffolk Coastline. Showing underwater exploration of medieval Dunwich and major marine sites. Stuart Bacon, 01394 450678
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