The village-sized town of Orford was once an important port, its castle built by Henry II to stamp his authority on a rebellious region, and defend his realm from sea-borne attack. Henry built innovatively and with an eye very firmly on costs. The whole castle came in at £1,413 10s and 10d, partly through its clever design (three towers not four), and partly through the use of local limestone for most of the building, although the quoins were of tougher Northamptonshire stone, and key pieces were sourced in Normandy. Only the keep remains, 90 feet high, with walls 10 feet thick, looking like it should be the setting for a sword and sourcery movie. The castle, thanks to sand deposited by the sea over centuries, is no longer by the sea. But Orford is still tied to the sea, its population swelled in summer by the yachting fraternity. Less exclusive boating can be had from Orford Quay - worth a visit anyway for its pretty Georgian cottages - with trips to enjoy the best views of the settlement from the water, and a ferry out to Orford Ness, until recently a secret military area. Nearby is Havergate Island RSPB sanctuary, famous for its sea-birds, particularly avocets. Suffolk composer Benjamin Britten previewed both Noyye’s Fludde and Curlew River in St Bartholemew’s church in Orford, whose fortress aspect and strategically high position can cause it to be mistaken for the castle. Orford these days has another string to its tourist bow, high quality food. Local oysters can be enjoyed in its Oysterage; there is a smokehouse; and Ruth Watson, whose writings will be known to many foodies, owns the Crown and Castle Hotel.
Attraction
Cottage
Doctor
Inn
Market
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
Butley Orford Oysterage
Jolly Sailor Inn
Kings Head
School
Activities
Lady Florence River Cruises(Boat Trips and Cruises)
Places to Stay near Orford
Crown & Castle Hotel (0.08 miles)
Jolly Sailor Inn (0.24 miles)
Butley Priory (2.93 miles)
Deep in the wooded heathlands of Suffolk's Heritage Coast lies Butley Priory, all that remains of the Augustinian monastery founded in 1171. Set in its own 7 acres, within an ... More
Brudenell Hotel (4.64 miles)
This newly refurbished award winning hotel is located right on the beach in the delightful Edwardian town of Aldeburgh. The 44 spacious bedrooms enjoy sea, river or marshland views. Unrivalled views can also be enjoyed ... More | visit website
White Lion Hotel (5.10 miles)
3 Star AA Hotel
Established in 1563, the White Lion Hotel was voted Highly Commended in the 2001 Hotel of the year awards. Enjoying a premier location on the sea front, the White Lion offers a ... More | visit website
Wentworth Hotel (5.15 miles)
The Ship Inn (5.46 miles)
We offer a ... More | visit website
Fernlea (5.78 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Set down a quiet lane leading to Rendlesham Forest, just ½ mile from a walking and cycling route, this charming 18th century cottage has been painstakingly restored ... More
Swiss Cottage (6.59 miles)
Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club (6.71 miles)
The Hours Fly by Where Time Stood Still....... A genuine seaside 'hidden gem' near fashionable Aldeburgh, unique amongst holiday villages. Located adjacent to the Meare and gardens this hotel offers 30 large, well-decorated en-suite bedrooms, ... More | visit website
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