Exploring the most Picturesque & Historic parts of England..

Pictures of Orford

in the county of Suffolk

About Orford

Orford lies on the beautiful Suffolk Heritage coast, it is mostly known for its internally important nature reserve which occupies the landscape between the River Alde and the sea - this is the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe, it is renowned for its flora and fauna.

The town has associations with Benjamin Britten, Orford Church was the setting for some of the great composer's works, these include Noye's Fludde in 1958, and at a later date his beautiful Curlew River. Other aspects of the town's 20th century history include the use of the spit for radar experiments during the 1930's.

Orford's early history began at the time of the Doomsday Book when it was naught but a small hamlet, but in less than a century it had become a busy port with a huge defensive castle, built by Henry II. Orford Castle has a remarkable, well documented "Royal" history and is unique in shape, it is the earliest castle for which the entire building documentation still exists, this is kept in the Public Records Office in London. All that is left of the castle is its magnificent keep, which is perfectly preserved and one of the best of its kind in the country.

Visitors to the castle will enjoy exploring the network of passageways, large "airy" rooms, and love the views of the village from the battlements. The castle is in the care of English Heritage, it is open to the public with ample material being available illustrating the life of the castle since its inception so very long ago.

Apart from its historic castle, Orford has an impressive 12th century church which is well worth spending time in. The village spreads out from a wide market place surrounded by attractive properties in a rich array of architectural styles. Orford Quay offers a lively scene where visitors can enjoy plenty of boats and small river-craft.

Orford retains a tranquil atmosphere, it is ideal for people wishing for a relaxing time just messing around in boats, crabbing, walking, bird-watching, or just to sit, soak up the peaceful charm of the place whilst enjoying wonderful views.

A ferry takes you to Orford Ness and to Havergate Island, music lovers can enjoy concerts in the local church or at the nearby Snape Malting's and Aldeburgh, both are just a short drive away.

The area offers an excellent choice of accommodation, plenty of old inns, atmospheric restaurants and cafe's for visitors wishing to make a longer stay to experience the beauty of the Suffolk Heritage Coast and all that Orford has to offer.

Planning a visit to Orford?
Please support the Pictures of England website by booking your Orford hotels & accommodation through this site.

Add town to favourites

History of Orford

Recommended towns & villages near Orford

	Aldeburgh (5.2 miles, 8.3 km, direction NE) Aldeburgh is a seaside retreat with boundless charm. The history of the resort quite possibly reaches back to Saxon times, certainly during the Middle Ages it was a prosperous port and later it became known as a fishing centre... Information \| Pictures (99) \| Hotels \| Holiday Cottages
	Snape (5.4 miles, 8.6 km, direction N) Snape is not simply unique for its beautiful location at the head of the River Alde, it is also unique as a village with an international reputation for music... Information \| Pictures (22) \| Hotels \| Holiday Cottages
	Thorpeness (7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction NE) Thorpeness's quaint village sign gives the visitor some hint of the surprises to come, it depicts the House in the Clouds and Windmill, for which the village is most noted... Information \| Pictures (23) \| Hotels \| Holiday Cottages
	Harwich (15.9 miles, 25.5 km, direction SW) The great seafarers of centuries have left the shores of England, these include Raleigh, Drake, Frobisher and Admiral Lord Nelson, all of whom brought glory for England... Information \| Pictures (107) \| Hotels \| Holiday Cottages
	Ipswich (16.6 miles, 26.7 km, direction W) This is a town that can trace its history back to the Stone-Age, it has been a successive settlement throughout the ages and has been populated by settlers from the Iron-Age,..... Information \| Pictures (98) \| Hotels \| Holiday Cottages

All towns in Suffolk
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near Orford

	Orford Ness Nature Reserve (0.1 miles, 0.2 km) Visitors to this lovely town wishing to see the Nature Reserve have to catch a ferry from Orford Quay. The reserve is the..... Information \| Pictures (9) \| Hotels
	Orford Castle (0.4 miles, 0.7 km) Orford Castle stands guard over the coast from a high vantage position above the River Alde. It was built by Henry II in the..... Information \| Pictures (5) \| Hotels
	The Moot Hall Museum (5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction NE) .. Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels
	Sutton Hoo (8.7 miles, 13.9 km, direction W) Sutton Hoo can be found amongst the marshy creeks and reedy rivers of Suffolk. It is perhaps most famous as the setting of one..... Information \| Pictures (21) \| Hotels
	Leiston Abbey (9.3 miles, 14.9 km, direction N) These are the evocative remains of an abbey founded when the order of the land was God first, followed by King and country. The..... Information \| Pictures (14) \| Hotels

All attractions in Orford
All attractions in Suffolk
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Hotels & Accommodation in Orford

Our Orford pages are sponsored by Your Business Here.

Orford Hotels Orford Cottages Orford Bed & Breakfast

	Crown and Castle Orford, Suffolk, England (0.2 miles, 0.2 km) Situated in Orford, on the beautiful Suffolk Coast, the award-winning Crown and Castle has a lively bistro and elegant rooms with garden views. The hotel is co-owned by Country House Rescue’s Ruth W... More info and book online.. Price from £129.00
	The Brudenell Aldeburgh, Suffolk, England (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction NE) With panoramic views of the Suffolk Coast, The Brudenell is just metres from Aldeburgh Beach. The elegant hotel features an award-winning restaurant and seafront terrace.... More info and book online.. Price from £100.00
	The White Lion Hotel Aldeburgh, Suffolk, England (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction NE) The White Lion is a traditional hotel opposite Aldeburgh’s shingle beach, where wooden huts line the shore. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood, free Wi-Fi, and some of the rooms have far-reaching sea vi... More info and book online.. Price from £76.00
	Wentworth Hotel Aldeburgh, Suffolk, England (5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction NE) Located on the unspoilt Suffolk coast, the Wentworth Hotel is just 20 metres from the beach, and offers free Wi-Fi, private parking and an award-winning restaurant.... More info and book online.. Price from £55.00
	YHA Blaxhall Blaxhall, Suffolk, England (5.6 miles, 9.1 km, direction NW) YHA Blaxhall is situated on the edge of Suffolk Sandlings, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to Britain’s rarest wildlife. Free private parking is on offer, as well as a garden with BBQ... More info and book online.. Price from £13.00

All Accommodation in Orford..

Nearby travel help

Wickham Market Station	(7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction NW)
Melton Station	(8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction W)
Norwich Airport	(41.6 miles, 66.9 km, direction N)
London Stansted Airport	(57.0 miles, 91.8 km, direction W)
M11 Junction 9	(57.6 miles, 92.7 km, direction W)
M11 Junction 8	(59.0 miles, 94.9 km, direction W)
Orford to London	(81.8 miles, 131.7 km, direction SW)