Capturing Orford’s Rich History
Orford is a historical gem with its Norman castle, ancient church, and internationally important coastal nature reserve at Orford Ness.
Orford Museum CIO is a volunteer-led museum based within the village of Orford, Suffolk. Our aim is to promote the history of the six parishes of Orford and Gedgrave, Sudbourne, Iken, Chillesford, Butley and Tunstall.
Orford Castle
Explore the history of Orford Castle, built by Henry II to curtail the power of Hugh Bigod of nearby Framlingham Castle.
Orford Church
Discover the history of The Church of St Bartholomew, built at approximately the same time as the castle c. 1165-1173
Orford Ness
Learn about Orford Ness as an important coastal nature reserve, with a fascinating 20th century military history
Orford Museum visitor information
Some of our collection is displayed on the first floor of Orford Castle. The six cases contain some of the Orford Borough Regalia as well as archaeological finds from the surrounding area. These include rare coins, brooches and pottery dating from Roman and Anglo-Saxon times.
Entry to the Museum area is included with admission to the Castle. Friends of Orford Museum have free entry to the Castle on presentation of their membership card.
English Heritage Castle Entrance Prices
Opening times
April – October: Open every day 10am to 5pm
November – March: Open on Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 5pm
Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
We also have an office/store in the Potkins Craft Centre, Potkins Lane, Orford, where we care for the many artefacts, textiles, maps, photographs and documents of all kinds that we are unable to exhibit in the Castle cases.
Members of the public are always welcome to access this archive by contacting the Curator at info@orfordmuseum.org.uk or by telephoning 01394 459477. The office is manned on Thursdays and Fridays.
Become a Friend
Help us support the work of the Museum by becoming a Friend of Orford Museum. Membership offers many benefits including free entry to Orford Castle, history talks, our annual journal of local history, The Orford Historian and much more.
