Eating & shopping
Picnics allowed
Don't forget to bring your picnic hamper
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Orford Ness is a special place. In keeping with its character there are no catering facilities, so please bring your own food and drink. Take a rest at the lighthouse and picnic on the beach - see if you can spot a porpoise passing as you gaze out to sea.
Likewise there is no National Trust shop, but guidebooks are available in the ticket office on the quay and from the volunteers caravan once on the 'Island'. Please remember not to leave any litter behind.
You can learn more about the amazing hidden history of Orford Ness from volunteer Paddy Heazel's book Most Secret: the Hidden History of Orford Ness. Pick one up when you visit, or read up before you arrive.
Where to eat and buy
You can buy fragrant kippers behind the seafood restaurant
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Orford village is remarkably well served with shops and places to eat. In the market square there's a bakers, village shop and cafe, plus the paper shop and antiques.
The craft shop sells wicker and other wares whilst local Suffolk meats can be found in the butchers opposite.
Behind the seafood restaurant you'll find one of two local smokehouses selling fragrant kippers, meats and cheeses.
Produce from the other smokery is available at the quay, as is fish fresh off the boat and refreshment in the tearoom.
Two pubs, one on the quayside, one by the church, offer alternative bevarages and food, and the village hotel boasts a fine restaurant.
Take home...
... a taste of the coast from local smokehouses, or freshly caught fish straight off the quay.
Discover Suffolk's well earned reputation for fine local food, and carry the flavours of the countryside home with you.