Orford Nest National Nature Reserve

Orford Nest National Nature Reserve is owned by the National Trust. It can be found in Orford near Woodbridge, Suffolk. It is an internationally important coastal nature reserve with a fascinating 20th-century military history.

Things to do at Orford Nest National Nature Reserve

Your visit will start on board their ferry the Octavia. The nature reserve is only accessible on foot via a 16-mile walk or via a ferry across the River Ore. Make sure you keep your eye out for wildlife as harbour porpoises and seals can sometimes be spotted. It is worth booking your ticket in advance as space across on their ferry is limited.

Orford Nest is one of a few sites in the UK with purpose-built facilities for testing the components of nuclear weapons. There are six labs which form an impressive backdrop. Lab 1 is open to the public. There is also the 1933 Bomb Ballistics building whose roof now provides a panoramic viewing platform with views across the entire site.

In their Radar Receiver building, you can see an exhibition that tells the 80 years of top secret research that once took place on ‘the island’. There is another exhibition in the Black Beacon building. Around the nature reserve, you will hopefully spot numerous wetlands and wading birds. Plus you may spot Chinese water deer, hares and their rare breed flock of sheep.

They offer guided tours around the site which can finish with a seven-course tasting menu at The Crown and Castle in Orford Village. There are three self-guided trails you can take around Orford Ness; the Red Route which is 5 miles long and mainly on tarmac roads and the Blue Route which is open seasonally and is a 0.5-mile extension to the Red Route. Plus the green route which is a 3-mile extension of the red route and can only be taken when the breeding season is over. For somewhere else to visit nearby why not pay a visit to Orford Castle?

Further Information

Is there food and drink available?

There is no on-site cafe. You are welcome to picnic outdoors.

What are the main things to do?

Historic nature reserve with a ferry ride over the river, one of a few sites in the UK with purpose-built facilities for testing the components of nuclear weapons. There are toilets.

What are the ticket prices?

The reserve is free to visit. There is a charge for their ferry which you will need to book. Members – Adults are £4.50 and children are £2.25. Non-members – Adults are £12, children are £6 and children aged under 5 are free.

Is there parking?

There is parking and charges apply.

When are they open?

The reserve is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends in spring and summer. It closes over winter. For up-to-date opening times and dates please visit their website.