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.
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.