Orford, Suffolk – Estuary Village on the Suffolk Coast Path

Sea walls, shingle shore, and open estuary ground beside the River Ore

Orford sits on the River Ore estuary on the Suffolk coast, directly on the Suffolk Coast Path within the Suffolk Coast & Heaths National Landscape. The route follows the sea wall and riverside paths through the village before continuing north toward Aldeburgh or south toward Shingle Street and the lower estuary.

The settlement lies on slightly raised ground beside tidal marsh and shingle spit. Walking here is largely level, with firm sea-wall paths, gravel tracks, and short paved sections through the village. Beyond the village, the landscape opens into wide estuary views, reedbeds, and exposed coastal ground.

Orford provides cafés, pubs, small shops, and places to stay, making it a practical stopping point along this stretch of the route. The village remains smaller and quieter than Aldeburgh, with a more enclosed estuary setting.

From the centre, the Suffolk Coast Path continues north along the sea wall toward Aldeburgh or south across open estuary ground toward Shingle Street, following long, straight embankments with wide views across the marsh.