Orford Ness, the 12-mile long shingle spit that separates the rivers Alde and Ore from the North Sea, is particularly riveting. Until only 20 years ago, the Ministry of Defence used this desolate place to test nuclear weapons, and the sinister remnants of their work remains scattered across the landscape. On the plus side, the huge security blanket that existed for decades has ensured a natural paradise for a wide variety of sea-faring birds, particularly the rare avocet.

Owned by the National Trust nowadays, visitors can take the ferry across from Orford quay and gaze in wonder at the beautiful, if sometimes eery, scenery. Please note the ferry does not operate during the winter months, only at weekends during the shoulder months, and most of the time during high summer. There are full details of opening hours and ferry crossing times in our guest information folder, but if you are planning a visit to Orford with the sole intent of visiting the Ness, please check with our receptionists that it is possible to go across.