Orford, Suffolk
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- redirect [[Template:Infobox England place]]
Like many Suffolk coastal towns it was of some importance as a port and fishing village in the Middle Ages. It still has a fine mediaeval castle, built to dominate the River Ore.
The main geographical feature is Orford Ness, a long, wide spit at the mouth of the Ore. Orford Ness has variously been used as an airstrip testing facility and nature sanctuary over the years. It is reached by ferry from Orford's quay.
In the early 1970s Orford Ness was the site of a very powerful radar station as part of the Cold War defences against low flying attacking aircraft.
Orford now mainly exists on tourism and as a weekend and holiday home. It has grown significantly in the last 20 years with an increasing new build to accommodate second home-owners; its population greatly increases during the summer months due to its flourishing sailing club. As well as the Castle, Orford's attractions include river cruises, a number of pubs and hotels, and two good restaurants; the Butley-Orford Oysterage and the [Crown and Castle Hotel].
See also
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