Orford ness and beyond.

[Ian Stedman]

Hi,

Following on from the more general outings update, this topic is to discuss options for this outing.

Orford ness is in Suffolk, north of Felixstowe and is around 100 miles from home and a 2-2.5 hour drive. A number of us have discussed a photography outing away from the London area. Perhaps for this trip we arrange hotels/B&B to visit this site and somewhere else in Suffolk over 1 or 2 days away. I still have 7 days holiday left so I can fit in most dates.

Orford ness is currently open Saturday and Sunday only but from June 20th to September 14th, it is also open Tuesdays and Thursdays. From the 20th September to 29th October it goes back to Weekends only. You have to book tickets 2-3 weeks in advance, this makes the weekday options more enticing.

If we went to Suffolk and stayed in a hotel somewhere between Ipswich and Lowestoft, what other sites in the are could be of interest?
If there was a group and there were different sites of interest, we could split and visit different areas.

Open to suggestions, I was considering potentially early July for this. Thoughts?

[PeterH]

I’ve been to Orford Ness and Suffolk many times. Some places to visit include:

Shingle Street - good for shots of deserted stone beach leading to white cottages

Felixstowe docks

Southwold pier

The Scallop Shell Aldeburgh beach

Bentwaters Cold War Museum

[JanGilkes]

Thank you Ian for the information.  
All you suggested sounds really good so I would be very happy to go.  It would just depend on the dates.
Jan

[Chris Sawyer]

Hi Ian,

Orford Ness and the Suffolk Coast looks good for a trip.  I see you are suggesting mid-week in July and that works for me.

Thanks also to Peter for the suggestions for other sites to see.

[Ian Stedman]

Peter,

Thank you for the suggestions of other locations in the vicinity, we'll definitely look into them.
What time of year have you visited this area?

All,

I'm thinking perhaps move a potential visit to September, a more varied sky (but not wet) would add more impact to any photos, rather than a blueish july sky. If it rains in July this year blame me!

Are there any particular dates in September that are a no go?
Our first meeting of the new season is Tuesday September 12th.

[Bazza]

I can’t make 5th Sep or the last week as on holiday at end

[David28]

I would be interested but away on hols 28 Aug back on 8th Sept, so maybe after that ......

[PeterH]

Hi Ian
I think the best time to visit Suffolk is the autumn. The shorter days make sunrise and sunset photos available at more social times! Also a time when it isn’t a full moon if you want to try photographing the Milky Way, so around 13 November this year would be good. Sunrise time  07.10 and sunset 16.07.
Having thought more about locations I think you should consider the following for those into landscape photography.:

Pin Mill @ before high tide

There is a cheap pay and display car park just before the Butt and Oyster pub on the left on Pin Mill road, Postcode : IP9 1JN

Shingle St

There is a free car park on your left as you head down Shingle street road, Postocde :IP12 3BG

Cobbold’s Point Felixstowe @ just after high tide

There is free parking on the road right next to these, Opposite the Fludyers hotel, Undercliff Rd E, Felixstowe IP11 7LU

Covehithe @ high tide
Fallen trees on beach.

Address for Saint Andrews church: Mill Ln, Covehithe NR34 7JJ

Bawdsey Beach @ low tide

There’s a free car park at Bawdsey quay and the there is a footpath that leads down to the beach, It’s only a short walk
Parking: 42 Ferry Rd, Woodbridge IP12 3AX


Greyfriars Medieval Friary. Dunwich For Astro photography of Milky Way which should be visible on a clear night.

Other locations as previously mentioned:
Southwold pier and Southwold beach huts
Felixstowe pier and view of docks
Hope that helps.

[Bazza]

Sounds very interesting - only date in Nov I’am busy is 13th

Next job is to find a cheap reasonable overnight lodging along with numbers attending

[PeterH]

I think you need to base yourself in Woodbridge giving access to both sides of the River Deben. Otherwise you have a long route around if you want to see both the Felixstowe area and the coast on the other side of the river.
Have a look at Ufford Park Hotel in Woodbridge- rooms around the £95 mark incl breakfast from 14-15 November.