Question 1

Do you offer a home delivery service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do offer a home-delivery service. This service is free of charge, when the customer has spent, in excess of thirty-pounds. We deliver, to a radius, of approximately five miles. Orders under £30 incurr a £3 delivery charge. All orders should be emailed no later than10am for delivery upon that day, (subject to availability.)
We are also offering a free home delivery service, to those who have been instructed to isolate in our local area.
Booking in advance is advisable, and all orders for that days delivery must be received no later than 10am. We can occasionally deliver later orders upon the day, but this is dependant, upon the drivers other commitments.
Please email orders to, orfordgeneralstoresorders@gmail.com, (or telephone us upon, 01394 450204, if you are unable to access the internet.

Question 2

I am coming to stay in the village, is it possible to have a home delivery of my shopping, or my order prepared for collection?"

Accepted Answer

We are more than happy, to accomodate advance orders for your holiday shopping. We can arrange, to have your food delivered, directly to your cottage, upon your arrival, and in some cases, (providing we may get access,) we can have your food delivered, and unpacked, prior to your arrival!
Alternatively, you may provide us, with a list of your urgent provision requirements, for your vacation, and we can prepare your order, in advance, ready for your collection. This also provides you, with the opportunity, to have a look around the shop, and familiarise yourselves with our product range. Any immediate shopping requirements, may then be added to your bill.
Should you think, that your arrival may be delayed, we may be able to have a member of personnel upon site, after 5.30pm, ahead of your collection, (subject to availability,) but please do inform us, as early as possible.
Please email orders, to, orfordgeneralstoresorders@gmail.com  or telephone 01394 450204.

Question 3

When is the post office open?

Accepted Answer

Our Post Office is open seven days per week. Our hours are:
                             8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday,
                             8.30am to 1pm, & 2pm-5pm upon Saturdays,
                             10am-1pm, &2pm-4pm upon Sundays

Question 4

I need to withdraw some cash? Can I get some cash-back, with a purchase?"

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, our cash registers, are not available, to offer this service. However, our Post Office, offers free cash-withdrawals, upon most major Uk "High Street" debit cards, as well as cash deposits, balance enquiries, and cheque deposits.
Personal Banking services, for cash withdrawals etc, are currently offered, free of charge, to the following bank customers: Adam & Company
                                               Allied Irish
 
                                               APS
                                               Bank of Scotland
                                               Barclays
                                               Bank of Ireland
                                               Cahoot
                                               Clydesdale
                                               Co-op
                                               Coutts
                                               Danske
                                               First Direct
                                               First Trust (FTB)
                                               Halifax
                                               Handelsbanken
                                               HSBC
                                               Lloyds
                                               Nationwide
                                               Nat West
                                               RBS
                                               Santander
                                               Smile
                                               Starling
                                               The Change Account
                                               Thinkmoney
                                               TSB
                                               Ulster Bank
                                               Virgin Money
                                               Yorkshire Bank

Question 5

Where can I park in Orford?

Accepted Answer

Orford does have some limited free parking, however there is a very large Pay and Display car park, shortly before the quay, and close to the river.
The car park address is, Quay Street, Orford, IP12 2NU.
Please see the map, for further details.

Question 6

I am looking for somewhere to stay in the village, do you do Bed & Breakfast?"

Accepted Answer

Regretably, we no longer offer a bed and breakfast service, at the shop. However, there are numerous other possibilities available, including The Kings Head,  public house, directly opposite us.
We also highly recommend The Wash House Bed & Breakfast, located here in Orford, a stylishly converted, self-contained double room with an ensuite shower room, with views directly over Orford Ness, and a warm welcome available from Polly & Mike. For further information their website can be viewed at orfordwashhouse.co.uk or email creativefutures98@btinternet.com to make a booking. Mike and Polly also have a beautiful shepherds hut, within their gardens here, which can be booked occasionally, but it is best to telephone 01394 450959 to confirm availability.
In addition, we also highly reccomend a new B&B business, located upon the edge of Orford, yet a minutes short stroll to all the amenities that the village has to offer. This double en-suite room, is perfect for a couple, or single occupancy, and can be booked via AirB&B, via this link-   
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/49536182?adults=1&check_in=2021-09-10&check_out=2021-09-11&translate_ugc=false&source_impression_id=p3_1627116441_NnDqa8N1Kj0G5257

Question 7

Can you recommend somewhere to eat?

Accepted Answer

Orford is fortunate, to have several amazing places to eat at, all of which come highly reccomended.
Both The Kings Head, and The Jolly Sailor, offer a good quality, locally sourced, seasonal menu, at a reasonable price. Booking is advisable at both of these premises, during busy periods, to ensure availability.
The Crown and Castle hotel, also serve good quality meals, as well as offering accomodation. Booking would be advised, at any time of the year, due to its' popularity.
We also have our neighbours, Pump Street Bakery. This small, amazing and award-winning bakery, (even mentioned in an Oscars Acceptance Speech,) offers diners, the chance to eat either alfresco, during warmer months, or in their intimate dining room.
For those who enjoy an experience, whilst they dine, why not enjoy a river boat trip, upon The Lady Florence, departing from Orford Quay, with two sailings a day available during the summer months.
Riverside Tearooms, upon the quay, here in Orford, offer light lunches, soups, cakes and drinks, from their enviable position overlooking the river. Sit back upon a sunny day, and enjoy an alfresco meal or beverage. Locally produced cakes from The Mixing Bowl, as available to purchase also, from our own store. Open seven days per week, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, with a reduced service in winter. Telephone 01394 459797.
We are also exceptionally fortunate, to have The Butley Orford Oysterage restuarant, here within the village. A simple and uncomplicated approach, best defines the cuisine upon offer here, but it is the amazing oysters, smoked delicacies, and freshly caught local fish and shellfish, (from their own boats,) that lure customers to returning again, and again. This amazing little restuarant, has far too many accolades, and outstanding reviews, to list individually, but include, The Times, The Telegraph, The Independent, The Observer, Harpers Bazaar etc. As directly quoted from the most recent The Observer review, " what this restuarant lacks in frills, it more than makes up for, with its flavoursome no-nonsense cooking."  Booking is essential.

Question 8

I have a Property available for holiday rental, in, or around Orford, & would like to advertise upon your site?"

Accepted Answer

We are happy to advertise, your holiday property rental, upon our website. There is no charge for this service, but we do hope that you will encourage your guests, to utilise the services of our shop, perhaps with a mention, in your welcome folders.
We are also happy to prepare, and deliver welcome packs, ahead of your guests arrivals. This service is very popular, with holiday home owners, who do not reside locally, and are therefore able to receive an invoice monthly, for goods provided. We can also provide a welcome gift-voucher, for your guests to utilise, during their stay. The benefit to this, is that the holiday home owner, is not charged for goods, unless the voucher is redeemed. Vouchers may be made up to any denomination, so please feel free to contact Sue Cox to discuss your requirements.
Please send in some basic information, a clear photograph, and a link to your property, via email, to orfordgeneralstore@outlook.com

Question 9

Do you know when the ferry is running, over to Orford Ness?"

Accepted Answer

The ferry over to Orfordness, departs from Orford Quay, and is run by The National Trust.
For further information, upon their operating hours, please visit their website.
The ferry is normally in operation between Easter, and the end of October, but with restrictions, during off-peak visitor times. There is no public access to the island, when the ferry is not running, to protect our wonderful wildlife.

Question 10

What are the opening hours of the castle?

Accepted Answer

The castle is operated by English Heritage, and their opening hours, can be found, by clicking their link included.

Question 11

What are the boat trips avalable from Orford?

Accepted Answer

Orford has three river trips, in operation from the quay.  The Lady Florence, cruises along the rivers Alde and Ore, offering breakfast, lunch and supper cruises. Sailing all round, with a cosy coal fire in winter months, the Lady Florence River Cruise Restuarant, is designed to provide a different, and exciting dining experience, Food is freshly prepared, and most dietary requirements can be catered for, with prior notice. A small bar is available, and a comprehensive wine list is offered. The Lady Florence is also available for private charter. Booking is advisable.
The Regardless, is a 25foot wooden clinker open launch, of a traditional style for this area. Regardless offers cruises, with commentary, along the Alde and Ore rivers.
Tilly sails from Orford Quay, and provides a one hour cruise with commentary, circumnavigating the RSPB reserve at Havergate Island en-route, where the keen bird-watcher may be able to spot curlew, avocet, godwit, terns and sandpipers, as well as many other species. You may also be fortunate enough to spot members of the resident population of harbour seals at the entrance to the Butley River. In addition you will have the opportunity to pass Orford Ness upon the seaward side, with its fascinating and secret history. Tilly accomodates up to twelve people, running between April to October. Private hire is also available. Suffolk River Trips also have sister boats, which cruise from Snape Maltings, along the upper reaches of the River Alde.

Question 12

Where are news papers available to buy in Orford?

Accepted Answer

Newspapers are available to purchase, from a small kiosk, at the front of the Town Hall, upon the Market Place. The kiosk also has a small selection of magazines and periodicals.
It is usual for the kiosk, not to be staffed, and as such, an honesty box system, is in operation, so please bring suitable change, to complete your transaction.
During peak holiday times, popular newspapers etc, sell out early, so please make sure you visit early. The kiosk also closes early, upon Sundays.

Question 13

What other events and activities, take place in & around Orford?"

Accepted Answer

There are numerous events, which take course, during the year, in and around Orford, of which a few are listed below. For more up to date information however, please clink on one of our links, or visit the Tourist Information Suffolk, website.
 
Country Market. A selection of local producers, and crafts people retailling their goods, at Orford Town Hall, upon Saturday mornings.
Orford Easter Egg Hunt. This event takes place at Orford Castle, after the Easter Bunny, has laid his trail! Held on the Saturday, of Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.
Orford Flower Show and Fete. Always highly popular, amongst visitors and locals, now in its' 101st year! Takes place upon the Saturday, of August Bank Holiday weekend.
 
Suffolk Day. Held upon the 21st of June, to celebrate the Patron Saint of Suffolk, St Edmund. A fun and entertaining day and evening event, with local stalls, pony and cart rides around the village, barbecues, live music etc. Free entry.
 
Orford Bonfire and Fireworks.  Usually held upon the Saturday closest to November 5th, but check locally for further clarification. Weather permitting.
 
Orford Christmas Carols. This event takes place, outside of the shop, upon the village green, when the community come together, to celebrate Christmas, in accompaniment of Woodbridge Excelscior Brass Band. Refreshments and mulled wine are served, kindly donated by local businesses, and Orford School.

We are also fortunate to have our magnificent church here in Orford, which, with its' wonderful accoustics, regularly plays hosts to concerts etc, especially during Aldeburgh Music Festival. Snape Maltings, which hosts many of the events, is just a short drive away too.
 
Orford Sailing Club, also host regattas, and offer taster lessons, for those interested in learning to sail.
Orford Craft Centre, host various craft workshops, and art displays throughout the year.
Campsea Ashe Auction Mart, is an appealing spot, for avid antique hunters, and their are numerous antique shops in the surrounding area.
We are also spoilt, by the glorious countryside, we have in abundance around us, including both Tunstall and Rendlesham Forests, with their numerous cyclepaths, footpaths and bridleways. Their are many beautiful walks, which can be completed around Orford, and we sell a small footpath map, exclusive to us, at the General Store, to assist you.

.
 
Orford really does have so much to offer, both to our welcome visitors, and locals alike. A little village, with a big heart, and an even greater community.

Question 14

What involvement does the shop have, with community events, and charitable fundraising?"

Accepted Answer

Orford General Store, is very proud of its' community involvement, and participation in many of our village events and local fundraising. As a business we have been proud to assist the Orford, Gedgrave & Sudbourne Hall Good Neighbour Scheme, which has done so much for the residents of Orford and its surrounding villages, especially the elderly and vulnerable, providing helping hands, company, shopping and transport for many, which is especially important in a rural community such as ours. 
We are proud to assist the Orford Community Larder with their fundraising too, and our wonderful customers have been exceptionally generous in donating their loyalty card points to assist in this. We also take the opportunity to provide food and drink, and other necessary items such as animal feeds, or hygiene products for this essential cause either without charge, or at wholesale/reduced price.  Our small Community Larder in the village has been well-used and is essential to ensure that all our community residents have sufficient to eat. Customers may also donate cash to the Community Larder or foods etc.
We also have a Warm-Room set up within the village, where free home-made soups, rolls and hot beverages are served to any residents who wish to attend, including children and dogs. We are delighted to provide vegetables to ensure sufficient wholesome home-made soup is available for those attending and to take-away.
As a business, we take pride in supporting, and assisting so many good causes, in and around Orford. This can range from charitable donations, providing raffle prizes etc, to  preparing buffet luncheons and drinks, for up to 160 people. On Orford Flower Show morning, Sue Cox and her team of helpers, arrive at 5am, to prepare a veritable feast of goods, for the Friends Luncheon, but the preparation for this event, begins many months ahead! Lunch and drinks are then served by our staff, and other volunteers, ahead of the show grand opening. All of the labour costs incurred, are covered by the shop, and most of the foods and drinks, are provided at trade cost, to ensure the Flower Show may maximise its profits, and ensure its future sustainability, as a much-loved local tradition, and social celebration.
We also participate, and contribute, to the following, Suffolk Day, Orford Grand Easter Egg Hunt, Orford Fireworks, Orford School PTA, Carols around the Tree, SOS Estuary Campaign, Orford Church, Local W.I's, Orford Childrens Christmas Party, Gardening Club, etc.
 If you would like us to contribute to your charitable organisation, please do contact Sue Cox, to discuss your needs.

Frequently asked questions