The Crown and Castle
Orford, near Woodbridge, Suffolk · Inn
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Crown and Castle
Five-star restaurant with rooms beside Orford Castle, with 21 individually designed bedrooms and a two-rosette kitchen.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Crown and Castle
The Crown and Castle stands on the edge of Orford's market square, immediately below the 12th-century keep of Orford Castle. It is classified as a restaurant with rooms rather than a hotel, and holds five stars in that category along with two AA Rosettes and a place in the Michelin Guide. The village itself is small and quiet, tucked behind the Alde and Ore estuary at the end of a long road from the A12.
There are 21 bedrooms, spread between the main inn and single-storey garden rooms behind. The garden rooms are the ones most guests aim for: private terraces, timber-clad walls and views towards the castle mound or the estuary beyond. Rooms in the main building are more traditional and slightly smaller, and a number are dog-friendly, which suits walkers using the Suffolk Coast Path and the Orford Ness ferry.
Food is central to the operation. The kitchen works with the local supply chain in an obvious way, with fish and oysters from the Butley and Ore, smoked produce from the Orford smokehouse, and game in season. Menus change frequently and the wine list is longer than the size of the dining room would suggest. Breakfast is cooked to order and includes local kippers and smoked haddock.
Orford makes a good base for the quieter part of the Suffolk coast. The National Trust ferry to Orford Ness runs from the quay, Havergate Island and Sutton Hoo are close by, and Snape Maltings is around twenty minutes away. It suits couples wanting somewhere genuinely remote-feeling, birdwatchers, and anyone who books a stay principally around the dining room. Parking is free on site.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Only went here for a meal. Which was very nice I had lamb my wife had Dover sole. She then had a small box of chocolates for dessert. You need to reserve a table especially if you have a dog. Parking is available in the square.
2 weeks ago · via Google
Just returned from three nights at the lovely Crown and Castle in Orford. Thankfully on a very hot weekend, we had one of the Garden rooms (with parking right outside). Private front door and most importantly another door directly on the our own garden terrace, overlooking the main garden. Breakfast was excellent with a very wide selection of options. all were lovely. If we return to Orford (which is so lovely), will will doubtless stay there again.
2 months ago · via Google
We came here for a meal. Good food great service. The kids loved the place and it was within walking distance of where we were staying. Was one of 3 or 4 eateries in Orford and was very welcoming. Wife thought the lamb was great but the pairing with aubergine caviar did not work for her - the seeds ruined it. The asparagus starter was amazing. My son liked the Bannoffee pie too
2 months ago · via Google
We only stayed for 1 night but we were so impressed with how comfy, clean and spacious the lodge was and also the location of the hotel such a beautiful setting with the castle very close by really picturesque. Hotel staff were brilliant very helpful and couldn’t do enough for you. The breakfast which was included in the price was delicious and the eggs Benedict were perfect with a nice runny yolk. We’ll definitely stay again as Orford is such a beautiful quaint place to visit.
2 months ago · via Google
Guests consistently praise the hotel for its delicious and well-prepared food, including excellent breakfasts and Sunday roasts. The attentive and friendly staff are also frequently mentioned for providing exceptional service.
Some reviews mention the rooms can be poorly maintained.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Market Hill, Orford, Woodbridge, IP12 2LJ Get directions
- Property type
- Inn
- Location
- Orford, near Woodbridge, Suffolk
- Star rating
- 5 star
- Guest score
- 8.9 / 10 (900 reviews)
- Prices from
- £155 per night
- Good for children
- No
- Destination
- Suffolk