Skip to content
Skip to content

Cold War Heritage Day

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

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Discover more about Orford Ness’ fascinating history on Thursday 21 May, as we take part in National Cold War Heritage Week.

Meet volunteers and researchers from IRGON (International Research Group Orford Ness), join in on a guided walk and visit our Island of Secrets exhibition to discover more about the secret military experiments that took place on Orford Ness from the First World War until the late 1980s – including detail about the six large test cells that were built to carry out environmental tests on the atomic bomb.

Find out more about ongoing research into the site’s secret past and learn more about why this precious stretch of vegetated shingle is so internationally important.

Please note: This event is free but normal admission applies. To attend, please purchase a ticket to visit Orford Ness as normal.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting point

This event will be happening across Orford Ness.

What to bring and wear

Orford Ness is an exposed coastal location. Please dress suitably for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Accessibility

Access to the ferry is via a set of steep, sometimes slippery, steps. Accessible vehicles are available for the walking routes - please call the Orford Ness office on 01394 450900 to book in advance.

Other

To attend this event, please book a standard admission ticket.

Upcoming events

Walk with Us on Orford Ness 

Whether you are looking to get active, enjoy being out and about in nature or meet new friends, our free guided trails are for you.

Event summary

on
28 Apr 2026
at 10:30 to 13:00

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

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

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.

Event summary

on
18 Jul to 15 Aug 2026
at 09:30 to 12:30+ 2 other dates or times