Immerse yourself in Nature at Orford Ness in Suffolk

If you’re making a trip to Suffolk, then you’re already on your way to escaping the city, being surrounded by beautiful British countryside. However, if you want to get even further into nature, then look no further than Orford Ness Nature Reserve – this internationally important costal nature reserve is wild, remote and the largest of its kind in Europe with a fascinating military history. Follow peaceful trails through a stunning landscape and an intriguing history that makes for a fantastic trip out in nature!

Orford Ness has been host to a fascinating series of historical events. From a home to smugglers to the site of naval with war with the Dutch and French, airfields used in World War I to site of the development of atomic bombs, it has seen a bit of everything! On your walk through the reserve, you’ll encounter a number of buildings and structures that were home to some of this history – explore the Radar Receiver building, which houses an exhibition detailing it’s role in the World Wars, as well as bomb ballistics, beacons, a laboratory and more scattered across the reserve.

Choose from a number of waymarked trails through this curious landscape. Whether you’re interested in military history, or just want to immerse yourself in nature, there’s a variety of routes to take throughout the seasons. Orford Ness is home to a range of habitats that are havens for wildlife, from marshes to mud flats and rivers. Admire beautiful and precious plants that are rare to see in Britain, and catch a glimpse of incredible wildlife, from Chinese water deer, birds of prey and owls to hares.

Discover the secrets of Orford Ness, enjoy atmospheric landscape and delve into a fascinating past in a fantastic trip out in Suffolk!

• Orford Ness is only open on select days, from 10:00-17:00 – check their calendar here for more details.
• You can only reach Orford Ness via the National Trust ferry Octavia, from Orford Quay (tickets must be booked in advance).
• Accessible for wheelchair users.
• Ferry tickets cost £12.