With Valentine’s Day on the way, the perfect day trip could be found along the Suffolk coast, where you can enjoy fresh oysters that have been cultivated for generations in a nearby creek and enjoy romantic riverside walks. 

Orford in Suffolk was recently named one of the UK’s prettiest villages by the Telegraph, which praised its food scene, river walks, and historic sights. The village sits on the River Alde and, centuries ago, was a thriving port town. Nowadays, it’s a lot more peaceful, but many of the reminders of its past remain, from a medieval castle to a historic lighthouse.

Orford Castle has loomed large over the village since the 12th century. Built from local mudstone, it crumbled for a while but was luckily saved by a major renovation project. Inside the castle, visitors can explore the many levels until they reach the top of the keep. Here, you can enjoy views across the sea on one side and the Suffolk countryside on the other. 

On the banks of the river is Orford Quay, and along the water, little fishing boats are heading out to find the catch of the day. There has been a quay here since the 12th century, though it has changed significantly since then. From here you can enjoy riverfront walks or go sailing.

In the summer months, the National Trust runs a boat service to Orford Ness National Nature Reserve from the quay, an extremely popular service that books up well in advance. It’s worth seeing if you can get tickets, as it’s a great way to explore this remote nature habitat.

Orford Ness runs along a 10-mile coast of shingle beach, and in addition to its wildlife habitats, it’s known for its military history. From 1913 until the 1980s, the site was used to test bombs and military equipment throughout both world wars and the Cold War. 

The site was even used for atomic testing, and although it has been reported that no nuclear material was used in the tests, a failure of the bomb’s initiator could have been extremely bad news for the village. Nowadays, the site is open on limited dates, and there are safe paths to follow. While some buildings are still off limits, you can see the pagodas used during the secretive testing of early nuclear weapons. 

Back in the village, things are decidedly more quaint and you’ll find rows of pretty cottages and a handful of independent shops. One of the village’s best-known businesses is the Butley Orford Oysterage. This simple, homely restaurant has a menu full of local seafood, with daily specials that change with what has been caught. 

Perhaps its most beloved dish is its oysters, freshly harvested from nearby Butley Creek by Pinneys of Orford. This family-run enterprise has been growing oysters in the creek since the 1950s, and in addition to offering them in the local restaurant, it has a small shop by the quay where you can take fresh products home.

Another business that cements the village’s reputation as a foodie spot is Pump Street Chocolate and Bakery. It has a small chocolate factory that creates limited batches of high-quality chocolate, and a cosy bakery serving freshly baked bread and treats.

Among the village’s historic buildings is the Jolly Sailor at Orford, a 400-year-old pub with a red-brick exterior and cosy wood-panelled interior. The Kings Head also has traditional pub vibes and a menu of British classics. If you’re planning to stay in Orford overnight, it has four rooms that are basic but well-located at the heart of the village.

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