This medieval castle was once much larger and included a curtain wall with flanking towers but all that remains now is this impressive keep. The design is unique in Britain and building started in 1165 and was finished by 1173.

It is owned and run by English Heritage and is open to the public.

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St. Bartholomew's Church was built at the same time as the castle although much of it was rebuilt in the 14th century. A tower was built at the west end and a new roof was added in 1562.

In 1830 the southwest buttress of the tower gave way and a major restoration project was undertaken in the 1890s.

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The 13th century King's Head Inn.

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Looking across the River Ore from Orford Quay to Orford Ness, the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe, with its lighthouse visible in the distance.

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More of the lighthouse