The aim of the Orford and Gedgrave Parish Council Website is to
provide a communication link within the Parish to circulate council
minutes and other information as well as to provide a source of
information about the village and the surrounding areas for
visitors who may be interested in spending time in this special
part of Suffolk.
Links are provided throughout the site to take you to areas of
interest as well as a list of links which can be navigated directly
from the links page.
The Parish of Orford and
Gedgrave
A quiet backwater away from the hustle and bustle of modern
life
Orford is an attractive, tranquil Suffolk village situated on
the bank of the River Ore, some 5 miles from the estuary mouth,
relatively untouched by the fast pace of the modern world. It is
surrounded by farm land and many acres of Forestry Commission
property. It lies within the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The village is 20 miles from Ipswich, 12 miles from both
Woodbridge and Aldeburgh, and 5 miles from the famous Snape
Maltings complex, popular for its magnificent Concert Hall and
nearby Galleries and Shops. Orford and its immediate surrounding
area are renowned for culture and good eating.
Orford is steeped in history. The village grew in importance in
the 12th century when Henry II commissioned the Castle to be built.
The Church and the Quay were built by the Normans and, at one time,
Orford was a thriving commercial and fishing seaport until the
growth of Orfordness cut it off from the sea and access was
redirected through the mouth of the River Ore. The Quay is now used
for access to The National Trust site on Orfordness, the R.S.P.B
sanctuary on Havergate Island and the BBC World Service Site
lo
cated on the Ness as
well. It is also used commercially for trips on the river, by
fishermen and yachtsmen.
The Castle is now owned and maintained by English Heritage and
presently houses display cabinets from the Orford Museum. The
magnificent Keep has been a local landmark since the 12th century
and it continues to attract large numbers of visitors.
The village has a population of some 600 full time residents as
well as a number of second home owners. Affordable housing schemes
provide the opportunity for local people to remain in the village
although the cost of houses in general is above both the local and
national level. It has a very good primary school, a doctor’s
surgery with its own pharmacy, a fire station and a very sheltered
housing scheme with a day care centre.
Orford provides much of interest to residents and visitors.
The River Ore, the Salt Marshes and Havergate Island are all
havens for serious bird watchers.
The National Trust Site on the Ness provides a fascinating
insight into some of the activities carried out during the Cold
War, including nuclear detonator test sites.
The River offers good fishing for Cod, Bass, Herring and
Lobster, sailing and general exploring.
The impressive Castle housing the Museum captures the
imagination of thousands of visitors each year.
A well restored Norman Church and a Methodist Chapel provide
opportunities for quiet contemplation away from the hustle and
bustle of the modern world.
Local well marked and varied walks and rides – both for horse
and cycle.
Orford is famous for its local oysters and smokehouses and has
two shops selling a wide range of smoked produce. There is a
garage, a well stocked village shop, a butcher, an antiques shop
with an estate agency, and two gift and craft shops. There is also
an hotel, the world famous Oysterage Restaurant with a wet fish
shop and two pubs. Fresh fish caught by local fishermen are sold on
the foreshore. Orford’s economy is increasingly dependent on its
tourist trade although it continues to be an active and vibrant
community.
Orford has Tennis Courts and a Recreation Sports Ground with its
own Clubhouse and children’s play area. Football is played on the
Recreation Ground, which is also the site of the Annual Flower Show
in August. Other sports and societies thrive including Bowls,
Sailing and
Badminton.