Orford Hotels

With something to offer just about everyone from walkers to cyclists, bird lovers to music lovers, foodies to historians, Orford is the perfect place to visit. Whether you are staying for a few days or using the town as a base for exploring further afield, we have Orford hotels to suit all.

Things to do

One cannot visit Orford and miss the impressive polygonal castle keep, which stands proudly between the town and former port. Built between 1165 and 1173 by Henry II, the outer fortifications have long since crumbled, but the keep still stands strong inside. Visitors can explore from the basement upwards, through the lower and upper halls to the roof, and enjoy magnificent views of Orford Ness. Around each of the rooms is a maze of passages which lead to the chapel, kitchen and other chambers in the turrets.

Whilst visiting the castle keep, also visit Orford Museum which is located in the upper hall. It collects and displays historical material relating to the area roughly between the Butley River and the River Alde. The displays include a collection of Bronze Age artefacts found at Butley, material from Orford Ness and also from the nearby lighthouse which may soon be washed into the sea forever.

Nature lovers will delight in The River Ore, the Salt Marshes and Havergate Island which are all havens for bird watchers. The Ore is a great spot for fishing, with cod, bass, herring and lobster. It's also a popular sailing river.

Food and drink

Orford is famous the country over for its delicious oysters and its smokehouses, with two shops selling the smoked produce. There is also a monthly farmers' market where visitors can browse and sample the fine local produce used in many local eateries. Visit the world-famous Oysterage Restaurant for a scrumptious freshly caught seafood supper, or perhaps cosy up with a warming home-cooked meal in The Kings Head pub.