Orford

Orford is a coastal town and civil parish in Suffolk, England, situated on the estuary of the River Ore near the North Sea. It has a long history as a medieval port and retains a compact layout of narrow streets and timber-framed houses. Landmark structures include Orford Castle, a 12th-century fortification built by Henry II, and the parish church of St Bartholomew.

A short distance to the coast lies Orford Ness, a long shingle spit that extends into the North Sea. The Ness hosts Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, managed by Natural England, which protects unique coastal habitats and supports diverse birdlife and invertebrates. The area also has a history of 20th-century military testing; remnants of experiments remain present.

In the present day, Orford is known as a quiet tourist and maritime center offering boat trips, seafood, and a sense of historic atmosphere. It lies within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is part of East Suffolk district.

The name Orford is used for other places as well, including Orford in New Hampshire, United States.