Skip to content
Skip to content

Orford Ness half-day trailer tour

Take a leisurely guided tour of the Ness in our 24-seat passenger trailer, including access to the Cold War Atomic Weapons Research Establishment area which is normally 'off-limits' to visitors.

  • Booking essential

Our trailer tour of Orford Ness stops at key points across the site and includes access to the area around the AWRE - the former Cold War weapons testing site.

Internal access to the AWRE testing labs is no longer possible for safety reasons but this tour will pass through the area normally off limits to visitors and as close to the buildings as possible.

Lasting around three hours, our expert guides will give you a fascinating insight into Suffolk's secret coast.

Please note that while this is predominantly a trailer tour, some walking is required including to and from the trailer. Please contact us if you would like more information.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All Member£25.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 2491895

Meeting point

Meet at the National Trust office on Orford Quay at 9.15am to check in for a 9.30am ferry crossing.

What to bring and wear

Orford Ness is a coastal location with exposed conditions, please wear suitable clothing and comfortable shoes. There are no catering facilities on site so bring food and drink if needed.

Accessibility

Access to Orford Ness involves a ferry crossing of the River Ore, and the ferry is accessed by steep and sometimes slippery steps. The tour is a driven tour but some walking may be required to visit buildings.

Contact info

Central Booking Office

Upcoming events

Cold War Heritage Day 

Join us on Thursday 21 May, as we mark National Cold War Heritage Week.

Event summary

on
21 May 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00

Overnight stargazing on Orford Ness 

Join us for an overnight stay to gaze at the stars from Orford Ness.

Event summary

on
30 May 2026
at 17:00 to 23:55

Birds and Beasts walk 

Join one of our rangers on a guided walk around Orford Ness and discover how nature has taken over this once top-secret military testing site.

Event summary

on
10 Jun to 9 Sep 2026
at 09:30 to 12:30+ 3 other dates or times

Island of Secrets Walk 

Join us on a walk behind the usual 'no entry' signs into the heart of the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (AWRE) area and learn more about Orford Ness' fascinating military past.

Event summary

on
13 Jun to 12 Sep 2026
at 09:30 to 12:30+ 5 other dates or times