Castles · East of England
Orford Castle
Also known as: Castell Orford
In or near Snape.
Orford Castle — Grade I listed historic house museum in Suffolk Coastal, United Kingdom.
Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence
Plan your visit
- Typical visit
- 1.5 h–3 h
- Paid entry
- Family-friendly
- Limited wheelchair access
Getting there & planning your visit
Orford Castle is located in Suffolk, with the postcode IP12 2NF. Entry to the castle is paid, and wheelchair accessibility is limited.
About
Orford Castle is a castle in the United Kingdom — fortified architecture from the medieval, Tudor, or Victorian-revival period. Records date its origin to 1165. Designed by Alnoth. Constructed primarily of Caen stone. Heritage designation: Grade I listed building. Owned by Richard I of England. Managed by English Heritage. Part of Orford Castle with adjoining quarry and remains of 20th century look-out post. Wikidata describes it as: "Grade I listed historic house museum in Suffolk Coastal, United Kingdom". Coordinates: 52.0942°, 1.5307°.
Photo gallery
Heritage listing
Orford Castle is a castle in Orford in the English county of Suffolk, 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Ipswich, with views over Orford Ness. It was built between 1165 and 1173 by Henry II of England to consolidate royal power in the region. The well-preserved keep, described by historian R. Allen Brown as "one of the most remarkable keeps in England", is of a unique design and probably based on Byzantine architecture.
From the Historic England List Entry under OGL v3.
Summary from the official site
Orford Castle is a historic site featuring a unique polygonal tower-keep built from local mudstone. Visitors can explore the castle's chambers, chapel, and kitchen, as well as enjoy multimedia guides and exhibitions, including the story of the 'Wild Man of Orford'. The castle also offers stunning views of Orford Ness and the sea from its roof.
Read more on the official property page.
Protected designations
- Site of Special Scientific Interest: Alde-Ore Estuary SSSI
- Site of Special Scientific Interest: Sandlings Forest SSSI
- National Nature Reserve: ORFORDNESS-HAVERGATE
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Suffolk Coast & Heaths
Designations sourced from Natural England open data under OGL v3.
From the Wikipedia article
Orford Castle is a castle in Orford in the English county of Suffolk, 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Ipswich, with views over Orford Ness. It was built between 1165 and 1173 by Henry II of England to consolidate royal power in the region. The well-preserved keep, described by historian R. Allen Brown as "one of the most remarkable keeps in England", is of a unique design and probably based on Byzantine architecture. The keep stands within the earth-bank remains of the castle's outer fortifications.
Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.
- Coordinates
- 52.0942, 1.5307
- County
- Suffolk
- District
- East Suffolk
- Parish
- Orford
- Postcode
- IP12 2NF
- Parliamentary constituency
- Suffolk Coastal
- Phone
- 01394 450472
- Established
- 1165
- Opening
- Daily 10am–5pm; last entry at 4.30pm
- Official site
- www.english-heritage.org.uk
Sources
- wikidata: Q1964047 (CC0)
- wikipedia: Orford Castle (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- commons: Orford Castle - geograph.org.uk - 1755708.jpg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Orford Ness National Nature Reserve (National Trust)
Wildlife reserves · 2.3 km
Orford Ness
Lighthouses · 2.4 km
Havergate Island Nature Reserve (RSPB)
Forests & woodlands · 2.5 km
Havergate Island
Islands · 2.6 km
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Orford Castle?
- Orford Castle is in Suffolk, East of England, United Kingdom (postcode IP12 2NF), in the parish of Orford.
- What is Orford Castle?
- Orford Castle — Grade I listed historic house museum in Suffolk Coastal, United Kingdom.
- How do I get to Orford Castle?
- Drivers can use postcode IP12 2NF.
- When was Orford Castle built?
- Built or established in 1165. Designed by Alnoth.
- Who owns Orford Castle?
- Orford Castle is owned by Richard I of England and operated by English Heritage.
- Is Orford Castle a listed building?
- Orford Castle is officially recognised as Grade I listed building listed.
- Is Orford Castle a protected site?
- Yes — Orford Castle is part of the Alde-Ore Estuary SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest and the Sandlings Forest SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest.
- Does Orford Castle charge admission?
- Orford Castle typically charges admission. Check the official site for current ticket prices and opening hours.