The Suffolk River Trips Orford boat as seen Aug. 15, 2023. The Orford Ness boat ride is an hour long and comes with funny and interesting commentary from the ship captain. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
One aspect of my native country’s culture that has become noticeable to me during my overseas posting is the penchant Americans have for being workaholics.
Living in the English countryside, I get many opportunities to unwind and take a break from the daily grind. My family and I needed such a respite last week, so we took a riverboat cruise in the small town of Orford, on the eastern coast of England.
Our choice among the handful of cruise companies was Suffolk River Trips Orford, which offers three tours. We opted for the Orford Ness tour because it showcases some World War II history and lots of wildlife.
Orford Castle is the major landmark of the town of Orford, England. Built in the 12th century, it has taken on various roles throughout history, including as a signal tower in the early 1800s. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
The word Ness in the place name refers to a headland or spit. According to a 2006 report, Orford Ness is the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe, extending for about 10 miles and covering more than 2,200 acres.
The area consists of tidal rivers, mud flats, grasslands and salt marshes, making it a haven for natural conservation.
The Mirosa, seen Aug. 15, 2023, is a former trade vessel anchored along the banks of Orford Ness in England. The ship's crew once transported supplies along the shoreline. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
The boat ride lasted an hour, and the captain was great about sharing the historical facts on certain buildings and ships along the way.
For example, we learned that many years ago, the area had been a port for trading vessels. A ship named The Mirosa is anchored on the riverbanks as a token of that history.
During World War II, Orford Ness hosted a flight line, radio towers for orienting pilots during missions and facilities for research on bomb aerodynamics.
Fortified buildings, seen Aug. 15, 2023, mark the old Orford Ness flight line in Suffolk County, England. During World War II, service members here analyzed the trajectory taken by bombs dropped from planes on their way to the ground. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
Because our trip was during high tide, we didn’t get to see the resident harbor seals, which were out searching for food, but we did see lots of avian life. Bird enthusiasts visit Orford Ness for its diversity of feathered species.
After our relaxing boat ride, we stopped at the Riverside Tearoom for some lunch. The food offerings are simple but generally enough to satisfy an appetite. I recommend packing a picnic to enjoy by the docks, as the view is quite lovely.
The riverboat cruises can fill up quickly, so visitors would be well-advised to check availability online.
Suffolk River Trips Orford
Address: Orford Quay, Orford, Woodbridge, England
Prices: Adults, 14 pounds; Children, 9 pounds
Hours: Variable according to weather
Information: Phone: +44 7793 307337, Online: suffolkrivertrips.com
