Internationally important coastal nature reserve, with a fascinating 20th-century military history Take a short boat trip to this wild and remote shingle spit, the largest in Europe. Follow trails through a stunning landscape and a history that will both delight and intrigue. Discover an internationally important nature reserve littered with debris and unusual, often forbidding, buildings from a sometimes disturbing past. Please note: Access is only via the National Trust ferry Octavia from Orford Ness. There is no access on foot or by vehicle via Slaughden. There is a charge for ferry to Orford Ness (including members). Tickets are limited and must be booked in advance. No bikes or dogs (assistance dogs welcome) allowed.
Orford Ness is an amazing place to visit. We have been twice, and there is still plenty to find out about what the military did there during both world wars. A lot of the original buildings are no longer there, and a lot of the others you don't have access to for safety reasons, but it is still fascinating. We are looking at going again next year to book on one of the guided walks, so there is someone that has more knowledge and is able to answer any questions you might have. You are better off checking the national trust website to see what they have going on as you need to book in advance anyway. You can only gain access via the national trust boat, booked in advance. They have different time slots, and the boats back are every twenty minutes . There is no cafe there or shop so you are better off taking a packed lunch. There are, however, tea and coffee making facilities in the second-hand book shop where you make your own for a donation of a least a pound, which is very cheap for a drink.
Tickets cost PS4.50 for national trust members and you need to book in advance. The cost covers the ferry ride over. The car park also costs PS4.50. You get to explore the nature reserve at your own pace with a map. There is a blue route and red route you have to follow and you're not allowed to stray off the path because of unexplored ordnance. There are buildings and bunkers to explore and a few mini museums. There is also a tea shop and toilets. Expect to walk 7-13 KM on the site to explore everything.
An excellent Nature Reserve to visit, and fascinating wartime and Vold War history. Beautiful isolated location packed with wildlife, and the boat ride across is a bonus. Just pay attention (unlike some visitors) to the 'danger, do not enter' signs as there are still unexploded bombs.
Amazing place to engage with history and nature! Lots of spots preserved in time, with so much information about the importance of the Orford Island in the war. Something really important to stress is, to see anything there is a lot of walking! (Like 7k round trip to the buildings on the shingle - see map in pics) Everything is very spread out, but it's over beautiful landscapes. On the day we visited, it went from blue skies and sun to torrential rain, as seen in the last 2 pictures (apparently this happens alot, so take a rain coat). The volunteers on the island were friendly, passionate and knowledgeable. There is also nowhere to buy food or cold drinks on the island (the book shop has a kettle and tea and instant coffee available for a small donation). Next time we visit we will take a picnic and make a day of it. The Ferry service was smooth, on time and the captain was friendly. For anyone who likes rambling and walking in nature or world war history (or ideally both) this place is a must-see.
I recently visited Orford Ness, and I can say that it is both fascinating and bleak in equal measure. Orford Ness is managed by National Trust, and now they've stopped testing weapons, it's a popular destination for birdwatchers, walkers, and history buffs. Once you've checked in with the site office, you take a short trip in a boat across to the spit. Upon disembarking, you're met by a guide who explains a bit about the history of the site. You are then free to explore the site at your own pace. The landscape is eerie and atmospheric, with crumbling ruins, abandoned buildings, and rusty military equipment scattered throughout. It has interesting history, and has been used for military purposes for centuries. During World War II, it was home to a number of secret military installations, including radar stations and experimental weapons testing facilities. I would argue that National Trust have done a fantastic job of preserving this site, and not turning into a high footfall tourist attraction - there are no cafes or tourist gift shops to be found. There are a couple of small museums which are put together very well and packed full of information. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a unique and atmospheric place to visit, Orford Ness is certainly not one to be missed - photos really don't do it justice!
A very interesting place. Really enjoyed all the history and wildlife displays. There is lots of information about the testing at the site plus you get to see wildlife as you go round. We saw lots of different birds, a hare , Chinese water dear and a stout plus loads of butterflies. Please note its a long walk between everything. I borrowed a tramper to get around the site because I have a walking disability. This was great and meant I could access the majority of the site. You have to be able to walk down steps and access a boat to get to the island either on your own or with help from your companion.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Public toilet
Getting tickets in advance recommended
Good for kids
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Orford Ness is an amazing place to visit. We have been twice, and there is still plenty to find out about what the military did there during both world wars. A lot of the original buildings are no longer there, and a lot of the others you don't have access to for safety reasons, but it is still fascinating. We are looking at going again next year to book on one of the guided walks, so there is someone that has more knowledge and is able to answer any questions you might have. You are better off checking the national trust website to see what they have going on as you need to book in advance anyway. You can only gain access via the national trust boat, booked in advance. They have different time slots, and the boats back are every twenty minutes . There is no cafe there or shop so you are better off taking a packed lunch. There are, however, tea and coffee making facilities in the second-hand book shop where you make your own for a donation of a least a pound, which is very cheap for a drink.
Tickets cost PS4.50 for national trust members and you need to book in advance. The cost covers the ferry ride over. The car park also costs PS4.50. You get to explore the nature reserve at your own pace with a map. There is a blue route and red route you have to follow and you're not allowed to stray off the path because of unexplored ordnance. There are buildings and bunkers to explore and a few mini museums. There is also a tea shop and toilets. Expect to walk 7-13 KM on the site to explore everything.
An excellent Nature Reserve to visit, and fascinating wartime and Vold War history. Beautiful isolated location packed with wildlife, and the boat ride across is a bonus. Just pay attention (unlike some visitors) to the 'danger, do not enter' signs as there are still unexploded bombs.
Amazing place to engage with history and nature! Lots of spots preserved in time, with so much information about the importance of the Orford Island in the war. Something really important to stress is, to see anything there is a lot of walking! (Like 7k round trip to the buildings on the shingle - see map in pics) Everything is very spread out, but it's over beautiful landscapes. On the day we visited, it went from blue skies and sun to torrential rain, as seen in the last 2 pictures (apparently this happens alot, so take a rain coat). The volunteers on the island were friendly, passionate and knowledgeable. There is also nowhere to buy food or cold drinks on the island (the book shop has a kettle and tea and instant coffee available for a small donation). Next time we visit we will take a picnic and make a day of it. The Ferry service was smooth, on time and the captain was friendly. For anyone who likes rambling and walking in nature or world war history (or ideally both) this place is a must-see.
I recently visited Orford Ness, and I can say that it is both fascinating and bleak in equal measure. Orford Ness is managed by National Trust, and now they've stopped testing weapons, it's a popular destination for birdwatchers, walkers, and history buffs. Once you've checked in with the site office, you take a short trip in a boat across to the spit. Upon disembarking, you're met by a guide who explains a bit about the history of the site. You are then free to explore the site at your own pace. The landscape is eerie and atmospheric, with crumbling ruins, abandoned buildings, and rusty military equipment scattered throughout. It has interesting history, and has been used for military purposes for centuries. During World War II, it was home to a number of secret military installations, including radar stations and experimental weapons testing facilities. I would argue that National Trust have done a fantastic job of preserving this site, and not turning into a high footfall tourist attraction - there are no cafes or tourist gift shops to be found. There are a couple of small museums which are put together very well and packed full of information. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a unique and atmospheric place to visit, Orford Ness is certainly not one to be missed - photos really don't do it justice!
A very interesting place. Really enjoyed all the history and wildlife displays. There is lots of information about the testing at the site plus you get to see wildlife as you go round. We saw lots of different birds, a hare , Chinese water dear and a stout plus loads of butterflies. Please note its a long walk between everything. I borrowed a tramper to get around the site because I have a walking disability. This was great and meant I could access the majority of the site. You have to be able to walk down steps and access a boat to get to the island either on your own or with help from your companion.
