Attractions

Orford is a pretty village on the river Ore known today to sailors and lovers of smoked salmon. It was once a borough sending two members to Parliament, a busy port and a royal stronghold.  The keep of Henry II’s castle is still standing  and is in the care of English Heritage.

Orford Castle  c 1810

Orford Museum Opening

In April 2005, English Heritage, the guardians of Orford Castle, granted a licence for Orford Museum to house its collection within the upper hall. Owing to lack of space, the museum is limited in how much of the collection can be displayed, but funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Coastal District Council ,The New Orford Town Trust and the Scarfe Charitable Trust has enabled the museum trustees to purchase high quality state-of-the-art display cases in which to exhibit some of the finest items in the collection. The display includes some of the Orford Borough Regalia which it has not formerly been possible to exhibit, the Constable's coat, the oyster legends and the punchbowl case. Other important items relating to the former borough and the surrounding area are displayed for the first time, including rare coins, brooches and pottery dating from Roman and Anglo-Saxon times. The display is supplemented by six graphics panels featuring maps, charters, pictures and photographs illustrating fascinating aspects of the Orford story from earliest times until the present day. Admission to Orford Museum is free but English Heritage admission charges apply to get into Orford Castle.   Opening times for 2008-9  Castle and Museum 21 March to 30 September 10am - 6pm daily 1 October 2008 to 31 March 2009 10am - 4pm Thursday to Monday (ie closed Tues & Wed in winter)   Admission charges: English Heritage members:  Free Non-members: Adults £4.90  Concessions £3.90 Children under 16  £2.50  under 5  Free Family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) £12.30 Orford Museum is staffed and stewarded entirely by volunteers.

However	Steep steps at the castle mean no wheelchair access and problems for people who find stairs difficult. A touch-screen kiosk providing a virtual tour of the museum is situated in the north aisle of St Bartholomew's church. Changing exhibitions are held also in the parish church, which is accessible to all.
NEW Exhibition	Water colour paintings and drawings of Orford and the surrounding area in the late 19th century by Emmeline Rope.
Open	Daily, all day, in the north aisle of St Bartholomew’s Church, Orford.  May occasionally be closed for short periods because of concerts or other events.
For further information	See Contacts page