One of the marvellous things about Orford is that in the midst of unchanging landscapes and absolute tranquillity, there are so many things to do. To the west of the village are Tunstall and Rendlesham forests. It’s impossible to exhaust the wonderful walks these magnificent, ancient woods provide, but if the beauty of 500-year old oak trees does start to pall, there are always the coastal and river paths to explore.

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.

Snape Maltings (home of the Aldeburgh Festival) is also nearby, as is the charming market town of Woodbridge, with its restored tidal mill; Sutton Hoo; and the smart, seaside town of Aldeburgh.

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