An Orford Guide by Locals: Where to Go, What to Do
Places locals love, and the 'secret' things we love do in and around Orford.
We asked our Orford friends and neighbours to share the things they love to do most in Orford. This is not a list of your usual suspects but rather the ‘secret spots’ - all our favourite recommendations with coordinates included so you can experience Orford like a local.
We’ll be keeping this guide updated throughout the year, adding new ideas as the seasons change. If you’re visiting from autumn through early spring, you can jump to our edit of Things to Do in Orford in Autumn & Winter.
Visit the Post Office Shop
“I LOVE the Post Office shop. It's a treasure trove of foodie bits and not what you expect from a Post Office at all.” - Gemma
Location: 52.09520° N, 1.53418° E (pink.golden.unclaimed)
Pick Blackberries & Sloes
“Pick blackberries and sloes in season (late August and September) ” - Anonymous
Location: Along the river wall or in the hedgerows on footpaths leading back to the village.
Have a Picnic by the River
"I recommend a picnic by the river" - Anonymous
Location: Turn right onto the footpath from the quay, there are many benches and coves.
Swim in the Tidal Lagoon & Fossil Hunt
“Shingle Street, ideally for a swim in the tidal lagoon if it’s full enough. Further down the coast past the Martello Towers to East Lane where you can search for fossilised tree remains and sharks teeth. Tide permitting walk around the headland reaching Bawdsey for a cup of tea in the Riverside cafe. Watch for the foot ferry across the river to Felixstowe Ferry where’s there’s always the option to buy some fresh catch of the day from the old wooden fishing sheds there.” - Anonymous
Location: 52.03253° N, 1.44851° E (boarding.anchors.dictation)
Shingle Street, a 20 minute drive from Orford, is a quiet stretch of coastline with tidal lagoons and windswept cottages.
Watch Boats at The Quay
“The Quay has the most beautiful landscape. The river Ore is a wide expanse banked by wonderful river beds and pathways. You can sit quietly and watch the boats coming in and going out.” - Di Wingfield
“Go very early in the morning when the sun just start to rise. Very quiet but you can hear the animals. It’s amazing.” - Anonymous
Location: 52.09087° N, 1.53928° E (crumbles.image.hatter)
Walk this Pretty Footpath
“The footpath between the Castle and the Rec is pretty.” - Lizzie Pick
Location: 52.09590° N, 1.52966° E (mixers.salutes.threading)
Sit on The Castle Mound
“Sitting on top of the mound at the foot of the castle, watching the sails bob around on the river. We take our Pump Street pastries there with a coffee and hang out. I can relax with a coffee in my hand because the kids busy themselves by rolling down the mounds or disappearing off to make camps in the trees. Everyone's happy!” - Adam
Location: 52.09430° N, 1.53087° E (laces.dreaming.wishing)
Explore the Old Churchyard
“Take a look at the gravestones in Orford Church graveyard for a sense of people and history and if you're lucky, there may be a wedding which always brings a bit of colour and noise to the area!” - Leah
“Explore the ancient churchyard of Orford Church, there are hidden benches and quiet spots to sit and have a picnic or just a quiet moment of solitude!” - Anonymous
Location: 52.09504° N, 1.5346° E (fidget.stilted.clumped)
The old churchyard in Orford village.
Sudbourne Hall Cricket Club
“It’s the most picturesque little cricket ground in Suffolk. Tucked away and tended to by a band of local enthusiasts who also run sessions for youngsters in Orford.” - David Wright
Location: 52.10719° N, 1.52129° E (upstairs.narrowest.earlobe)
Drive through Rendlesham
“The drive through Rendlesham is other-worldly at times. Being surrounded by so much green feels lovely.” - Hannah
Location: 52.13252° N, 1.42784° E (rivals.wooden.contexts)
Visit High House Farm
“Piers at High House Farm that grows from Rhubarb, berries and x4 different types of apples. On the same farm Anna with her ‘B’ Chocolate creations. Supporting Local Producers.” - Nico de Villiers
Location: 52.11949° N, 1.55074° E (guidebook.nanny.notch)
Browse Market Square
“It's a quaint square that hosts the Orford Trinity for foodies — Pump Street, Pinneys of Orford and the Crown & Castle.” - Carole Burman
Location: 52.09481° N, 1.53396° E (otter.wallet.unicorns)
Stop by Pump Street Bakery for fresh bread, pastries, and coffee.
Climb The Castle Ramparts
“I love Orford castle - the building itself and the location. It is uniquely shaped, full of history and has the most amazing views, especially from the ramparts.” - Gemma
Location: 52.09436° N, 1.53079° E (crowbar.postcard.starlight)
Browse Rowe & Williams Gallery
“We've picked up some beautiful paintings by Suffolk artists at Rowe & Williams gallery in Yoxford. The owners, Matthew and Hilary, have exquisite taste, and they're a pleasure to chat to about art and local goings-on.” - Kate Maxwell
Location: 52.26811° N, 1.50696° E (immune.hikes.wipes)
Make a Secret Camp
“Visiting our kids in their secret camp to see which of our possessions they've ‘borrowed’ to make their camp habitable. Can't tell you where secret camp is though.....for obvious reasons!” - Adam
Location - top secret!
Hunt for Second-Hand Books in the Church
“Hunt for great second hand books in the church.” - Anonymous
Location: 52.09543° N, 1.53365° E (nooks.examples.travel)
Browse the second-hand book stall inside the church.
Crabbing on the Quay
“Crabbing is always fun.” - Lizzie Pick
“Exploring the secrets of Orford Ness National Nature Reserve or crabbing on the quay.” - Carole Burman
Location: 52.09087° N, 1.53928° E (crumbles.image.hatter)
Foraging by the Shoreline
“If you go to the shoreline at the right time of year there are a host of wild sea herbs and vegetables to harvest. Always go with someone who knows their stuff so you don’t end up eating anything poisonous!” - David Wright
Location: Either footpath leading along the river north or south from the quay.
Walk the River Wall
“By walking on the river wall, South, you will see different kinds of wild life. (Bring binoculars) A lovely view of the river and the Havergat Island.” - Nico de Villiers
Location: 52.08938° N, 1.53663° E (alas.obstinate.eggs)
Turn right at Orford Quay and walk along the river wall for views out towards the village.
Discover the Best Places to Stay in Orford
From historic inns to pretty cottages, we’ve written a short guide to our favourite stays in and around the village.
Things to Do in Orford during the Autumn & Winter
Every autumn, the Slow Living Market comes to Orford Town Hall
Pick Pumpkins at Woodbridge Pumpkin Patch
The farm is open between 10am - 4pm for pumpkin picking. There are lots of activities for children like hay bale slides and a barrel train. There’s also the opportunity to have a hot drink and food too with delicious food vendors. A great afternoon activity with children to choose your pumpkin before taking home to carve altogether!
Location: Waldringfield Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Walk the Iken River Path
Take in the fresh air and beautiful scenery at Iken River path. The route runs right next to the River Alde and as it transitions into Autumn, the lovely warm golden colours are on full display.
Sip Hot Chocolate at the Castle Grounds
Visit Pump Street Bakery and get yourselves a rich Pump Street hot chocolate topped with a marshmallow and sit up by the castle, or around the back on the grassy mounds.
Location: Pump Street Bakery & Orford Castle Grounds
Visit the Slow Living Market, Orford
An annual weekend market in Orford Town Hall. Suffolk makers, ceramics, seasonal flowers, preserves, and craft from across the county. The perfect market to find gifts for Christmas and ease you into the festive spirit.
When: November 1st and 2nd. Held every year in Orford Town Hall on the first weekend in November.
Location: Orford Town Hall (@slowlivingmarket)
Join Britten Pears Arts - Mini Music Makers
Friday morning sessions for under-fives with lots of music and play at The Red House in Aldeburgh. Run by Britten Pears Arts. The Red House is just 5 minutes away from Aldeburgh beach and is set in the beautiful grounds of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears home.
When: Fridays at 10am, throughout autumn and winter months. Location: The Kiln, Snape Maltings (Mini Music Makers)
Celebrate Bonfire Night
Watch a beautiful display of light and colour at a celebratory village evening with the bonfire lit around 6pm and fireworks starting at 7pm. Wrap up in some warm clothes and join the community in celebrating bonfire night.
When: 1st November
Location: The field behind Orford Primary School.
Bake Mince Pies at Pump Street Workshop
Join us in November for three hours of pastry, mincemeat, and warm pies straight from the oven. You’ll be hosted by Workshop leader, David Wright. As an experienced baker David will lead you through the stages of making a Mince pie in the style of Pump Street. Hot drinks are provided and you’ll even be able to eat one fresh from the oven.
When: Various November dates. Book Pump Street Mince Pie Workshop.
Location: Pump Street Workshop
Baking & Chocolate Workshops in Orford
Pump Street Workshop offers a range of courses specialising in baking and chocolate making. Attendees can explore, understand and master their chosen craft, guided by expert leaders with decades of industry experience.