Book your visit
Please note you need to book tickets to Orford Ness. You can book for today up until 8am. Every Thursday time slots will be available for the next 14 days.
Orford Ness is now closed for the 2024 visitor season and will re-open to visitors in April 2025.
Orford Ness is now closed for the 2024 visitor season and will re-open in April 2025.
Due to boat capacity, you will need to book your visit to Orford Ness in advance. If you arrive without a booking, you'll unfortunately be turned away. Tickets go on sale via the website each Thursday, releasing an extra week's tickets on a rolling basis to maintain roughly a two-week advance booking period.
Tickets are in very high demand and frequently sell out quickly and so we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are for a timed outbound ferry from Orford Quay to Orford Ness but once on the island you are free to stay as long as you like as long as you don’t miss the last ferry back to the mainland at 5pm. Tickets are to book the ferry fare and for admission to Orford Ness.
If you set up an account when you made your booking, you will be able to amend the date/time of your booking online up to 24 hours before the date of your visit, or by calling 0344 249 1895
If you are a member and can no longer attend, please let us know by giving us a call on 0344 249 1895
There is no parking on Orford Quay. Please use the main Riverside car park. The car park is not owned by the National Trust so you will need to buy a ticket. The pay and display machines accept coins and cards (£4 for up to eight hours).
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your ferry and check in at the office on Orford Quay. Please have your booked ticket ready to show our staff, either on your phone or a printed copy. If you’re a member, you’ll also need to show your membership card.
In order to manage capacity, please arrive within your timeslot. Sadly, if you arrive after the departure time of your ferry, we won’t be able to guarantee your entry.
We recommend allowing at least three to four hours for your visit.
Orford Ness is an exposed coastal location, so please dress for all weathers. Our boat runs in all weathers unless high winds make it unsafe to operate.
Please note you need to book tickets to Orford Ness. You can book for today up until 8am. Every Thursday time slots will be available for the next 14 days.
Find out what you'll discover inside the many fascinating military buildings you'll see as you walk through Orford Ness.
Orford Ness has created over 10 miles of coastline and over 2,000 acres of land. Visit the rich and varied habitats on this internationally significant nature reserve.
From a military testing site to an internationally significant nature reserve, discover the history of Orford Ness from the 16th century to the present day.