Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

• Facilities
  • PARKING There is no coach parking at the castle. The free car park 50 metres from the entrance is drop-off only. Coaches can use the pay-and-display parking available at Orford Quay Car Park.
  • TOILETS: There are no toilets on site for visitors but there are free public toilets close to the castle, located on Market Hill. Please speak to a member of staff and they will direct you.
  • LUNCH: Food and drink are not permitted inside the castle, but there are benches near the keep where picnicking is encouraged.
  • SHOP: The shop is well stocked with memorabilia for your students to buy and take home. We ask that you help our staff by supervising your students and only allowing ten in the shop at any one time.
  • BAG STORAGE Unfortunately, there are no bag storage facilities at the castle.
  • ACCESSIBILITY: 9 long steps leading to the Castle, 21 to the shop entrance, 27 to the basement and 91 to the roof.
  • WET WEATHER: Visits to the inside of the castle will not be disrupted by wet weather.

• Hazard Information

  A useful tool to help you with your risk assessments. 

  • Orford Castle Hazard Information.pdf (61.4 KB)

   

  You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

  • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
  • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
  • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
  • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
  • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
  • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
  • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
  • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group

• Education Site Opening Times

  We offer free self-led education visits during school term time^*. 

  ^*Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

  • April-October: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
  • November-March: Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10-4pm