Getting here & local facilities…

By foot/bike: Suffolk Coast Path passes Orford Quay and National Cycle Network bike routes connect with Orford as they meander through the Suffolk countryside.

By bus: regular bus service, Orford-Ipswich, passing through Woodbridge and Melton

By car: on the Suffolk coast, 12 miles E of Woodbridge q, 10 miles E of Melton q and 9 miles SE of Wickham Market q. It is the final destination of the B1084, 12 miles E of the A12

 

Please note: Access to Orford Ness is only via a National Trust ferry from Orford Quay in Orford village, therefore this walk is only available on a normal open day. A ferry charge applies to all visitors, including NT members. Non-members pay an additional admission charge. Check our website, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/orfordness or call 01728 648024 for further details.

 

Military history

From 1913 until the mid 1980s Orford Ness was a secret military testing site. There are several historic military buildings, some of which were used in the development of atomic weapons.

Directions…

• Take the Octavia ferry to the Ness and hand your ticket to a warden on arrival.

• Follow the red arrows. As you approach the Information Building, look around you at the First World War airfields and later firing ranges. These are now used by breeding waders and wintering wildfowl.

• Visit the information displays in the former site HQ to find out more about the Ness’ ecology and history. Exit the buildings and return to the marked red trail. Pass the WCs on your left and at the ‘gate’ the track climbs upwards to the right towards the bridge.

• Cross the Bailey bridge, taking you over Stony Ditch, and follow the red arrows ahead taking the left fork.

• On reaching the Bomb Ballistics Building, climb to the top for superb views over the shingle and marsh. It was once a control centre for the bombing ranges.

• Continue following the red arrows to the working lighthouse, owned by Trinity House. It was built in the late 18th century. From here, drop down onto the beach and turn right along the shore to reach the Police Tower. Turn inland and follow the red arrows.

• Take a look at the information displays at the Black Beacon and Power House. Return to the main roadway turning left to walk to the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment site

• Laboratory No.1. The first experiment on an atomic bomb at Orford Ness took place here. Return to the Black Beacon, then turn left back to the bridge. Cross it and follow the red arrows to your start point.