ORFORD NESS

Orford Ness is a hauntingly beautiful shingle spit on the Suffolk coast, steeped in secrecy, science, and shifting landscapes. Managed by the National Trust, it’s one of Europe’s most important vegetated shingle habitats and a designated National Nature Reserve. But it’s not just a haven for rare wildlife—it’s also a place where military and scientific history left deep imprints.

From the early 20th century through the Cold War, Orford Ness was used by the Ministry of Defence for experimental work, including radar development and atomic weapons testing (non-nuclear components only). The remnants of this era—decaying pagodas, bunkers, and laboratories—still dot the landscape, giving the area an eerie, post-industrial atmosphere.

At the tip of the spit once stood the Orfordness Lighthouse, a striking red-and-white tower built in 1792 by Lord Braybrooke. It replaced a series of earlier lights dating back to 1637, which had repeatedly succumbed to erosion, fire, and even pirate raids. The 1792 lighthouse stood for over two centuries, guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the North Sea with a light that eventually reached 25 nautical miles.

Check out the pictures taken.