SMOKING
Please bear in mind that the whole site is a no-smoking zone, this inlcudes just outside the Garden and Terrace rooms as the smoke can offend your neighbours. The two large teak tables on the terrace are designated for smokers.
FIRE
Infuriating as false alarms are, PLEASE do not try to remove or reset the smoke detectors if the alarm goes off. The system is computerised and complex, and it takes a couple of minutes to locate the correct zone and to switch the alarms off. If the units are tampered with it will set off EVERY alarm in the building all over again so nothing is gained anyway!
Please check the details of your nearest escape route and follow the instructions. If you are hard of hearing or incapacitated in any way, please let reception know on arrival so we can supply the appropriate aids and/or help from our staff should the need arise. A weekly fire alarm test is carried out, but we will give you a forewarning.
PHONE NUMBERS
The Crown and Castle’s external line is 01394 450205. To make an outside call, dial 9 and wait for the tone to change. The minimum rate per minute for an outside call is 20p but we make no charge at all if the total of your calls during your stay is less than £1 or so.
To contact reception please dial 200. To call another guest’s room, prefix their room number with 20 if a single-digit room or 2 if a double-digit room i.e. room 7 is 207; room 21 is 221.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Departure is by 11.00 am unless a later time has been agreed with reception. Please let us know if you are planning to depart before 8.00 am, so we can make arrangements for a light breakfast tray. In the unfortunate circumstance that guests have to cut short their stay the full cost of B&B accommodation for that night, and any following nights that may be applicable, will be charged. Of course, if we can re-let the room, these charges will be immediately reimbursed.
DOCTOR
The surgery in Orford is located at Chapman House, Rectory Road – 01394 450315. The opening hours are Monday 8.00 am to 6.30 pm; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8.00 am to 1.00 pm. Otherwise, it is closed but there is a local minor injuries surgery at Framfield medical centre, Ipswich Road, Woodbridge IP12 4FD, phone 01394 615500. Out of hours telephone NHS Suffolk 111 or, of course, 999 in a real emergency. (There is a defibrillator at the Fire Station which can be released via a code given by the ambulance service.)
NIGHT SERVICE AND EMERGENCIES
Please dial 239 to access Bill/Georgia our night duty managers. On his/her nights off, a member of staff sleeps in the duty room and can be roused by phoning 242. If there is no answer, then dial 9, and 450205 or 459206.
FREE WIFI
At long last, we have fibre optic cabling in the village! And FTTC (fibre-to-the-cabinet) has now been installed at the hotel. This has increased our bandwidth from less than 1 megabyte to 30-50 megabytes. Please bear in mind that it’s still not always man enough for streaming or downloading big HD files, depending on how many guests are using it. There is no password required to access the WIFI, just select Crown and Castle from the options given.
LATE NIGHT ACCESS
If you are staying in the main building and think you may be returning later than 10.30 pm. Please ask at reception for a key to the back door or let us know so we can inform our night porter that evening.
FOOD AND DRINK SERVICE
Breakfast in your room - Breakfast can be served in your room from 8.00 am to 10.00 am. Please order at reception the evening before if the timing is of the essence, if you are not worried about your breakfast's time of arrival, then please feel free to order it in the morning.
Breakfast in the restaurant - Full English breakfast is served from 8.00 am with the last orders at 10.00 am, we will ask for your preferred arrival time on check-in. No buffet, everything is cooked to order.
Dinner – Our sittings are at either 6.15pm/6:30pm or 8:15pm/8.30pm. We always confirm your pre-arranged dinner times when you check-in. Please note due to reduced restaurant capacity we cannot always fulfill last-minute table bookings, and so booking in advance of arrival is always preferable.
Tea and Coffee - There are tea and coffee-making facilities in your room. The flask of fresh milk is replaced between 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm daily, but if you need more in the meantime, please call reception and we will bring some to your room. Chargeable tea and coffee is available in the bar and on the terrace during the day.
Drinks - The bar is open all day to residents with the last orders at 11.00 pm. You are welcome to take drinks to your room. If you bring your own drink and ask us to supply ice, glasses etc. there may be a charge of £10. In the restaurant by prior arrangement, the corkage charge is £15 for sparkling wines and champagne, and £10 for still wines.
ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES
We stock many gluten-free and dairy-free products as a matter of course. We are happy to guide those with intolerances through the menus, to avoid eating foods that disagree with them. We do have a separate menu available with extra vegetarian and vegan options. Advance warning is always most helpful.
However, as we say on our website, we are unable to cater to life-threatening allergies, e.g. nuts, as we cannot provide sterile preparation areas.
ROOM TERMS AND RATES
There are many packages and rates available at any one time. If you are in any doubt, especially with regard to dinner allocation, please check with one of our receptionists for clarification.
MOBILE PHONES, TABLETS, ETC.
Please try to refrain from using any technical wizardry in the restaurant or the bar during meal times, unless you are on your own and the device is being used purely as an e-reader. We’d like you to enjoy each other’s company!
CREDIT AND CURRENCY FACILITIES
We accept Visa, Mastercard, and debit cards. We are unable to accept American Express or Cheques.
TELEVISION/DVDs
We have a decent selection of DVDs for guests to borrow at reception. To play a DVD use the slot in the right-hand side of the TV, except if you are in rooms 10 and 11.
NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES
We currently provide several copies of the Times to peruse in the restaurant at breakfast time. However, for guests who wish to buy their own newspaper, the kiosk is available inside the Town Hall – the big red-brick building just past the Oysterage on the right-hand side of the market square.
We now have an online magazine subscription with digi-mags which has over 100 titles for you to read during your stay. Just scan the QR code inside the back cover of this folder.
BLANKETS AND PILLOWS
We can make up your bed with blankets and sheets if requested. Our pillows are anti-allergy hollow fibre pillows – one puffier than the other, deliberately – but we can provide feather pillows, or an orthopaedic pillow if preferred. You should find two spare pillows in the wardrobe in your room, or if you're staying in a garden room, they will be in the chest.
DRESSING GOWNS
Waffle dressing gowns are available to collect at reception, these are to use throughout your stay.
PERSONAL PRODUCTS
We have sewing kits and toothbrushes available at reception. Please feel free to take any soap or toiletries home with you.
BATHROOM SAFETY
If you would feel more secure with a rubber bath mat in the bath or shower you will find one already present in the bathroom. If it’s missing, please ask for one to be brought to your room. We also have a Stick ‘n Stay grab handles available should you wish, for extra security in the shower.
LOO BRUSH (yes, an odd subject but the question has come up!)
As they are not objects of beauty, we do not leave them in the guest’s bathrooms. However, if you would like one delivered to your room at any time, please do not hesitate to ring reception.
FANS
Fans are available on request if you would like one to cool down
HAIR DRYER
You will find a hair dryer in the top drawer of the dresser (garden rooms), or in the cupboard (main building).
HANGERS
Please ask at reception if you need more hangers in your room.
IRONING, LAUNDRY, AND DRYING FACILITIES
Please call reception for an iron and ironing board to be brought to your room. We do not offer a formal laundry service but in an emergency, we are happy to wash the odd item. Should you wish to dry golfing, walking or any other damp outer clothing, please ask at reception. We can put appropriate items in the tumble dryer or hang up other garments to dry.
REFRIGERATION
We are happy to store drugs (legal ones, of course!) food purchases, freezer blocks or dog food in one of our fridges or freezers. Please hand any items that need chilling to a member of staff at the reception desk.
READING GLASSES
If you have forgotten your spectacles, we keep a few spare so please do ask!
BINOCULARS
We have two pairs of decent 8 x 32 DCF waterproof binoculars at reception that can be borrowed against a returnable £75 deposit.
PETS
We love well-behaved dogs and we love thoughtful owners even more!
If you wish to bring your dog up to the hotel at meal times, we have one dog-friendly table (Table 30), just by the hall fireplace that can be reserved at either 6.15pm/6.30pm or 8.15pm/8.30pm.
A tap, hose and water bowl are located under the Parlour window. Please use to slosh muddy dogs (especially spaniels) before returning them to your room. Call in at reception and ask for more dog towels on your way, so comfort and warmth can be instantly applied to the shivering victim.
If your retriever has retrieved something from a muddy part of Orford or brought some sort of stick back, please ask them to leave it outside.
The bed cover supplied is to protect the white duvet covers from being irreparably damaged by muddy paw prints. Please make sure dogs do not come into contact with them or the white bath towels. Please also keep food bowls and water bowls on the tray provided.
Please clean up after your dog: the disposal bin can be found on the far end wall of the garden rooms, along with more plastic bags.
DAMAGE
It would help enormously if you could let us know immediately if any accidents occur, so we can clean them up before they stain irrevocably. We reserve the right to apply an appropriate charge for cleaning and replacement (if required).
OFF-SITE SERVICES
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Reverend Giles Tulk, Team Rector of St. Bartholomew’s (C of E) in Orford, can be contacted on 01394 450610. Please check on the website or church board for times of service.
The nearest Roman Catholic church is St. Thomas’s, St John’s Street, Woodbridge – 01394 383551. Mass on Saturday evening starts at 6.00 pm and the Sunday service starts at 11.00 am. If you need a priest urgently, call Father Edmund Eggleston on 01394 388828.
The nearest Methodist church is on Broad Street in Orford, with the Sunday service starting at 10.30 am.
HOLE IN THE WALL (ATM)
24-hour cash machines are located at the Woodbridge branches of Barclays, Lloyds and HSBC. Orford Village stores have a cash-back facility.
DENTIST
Olive Dental Practice, High Street, Saxmundham - 01728 602537
Island House Dental Care, Woodbridge - 01394 388088
OPTICIAN
Steven Dewbery, Quary Street, Woodbridge - 01394 385130
Specsavers, Woodbridge - 01394 615300
VET
Smith, Ryder-Davies and Partners, Woodbridge - 01394 380083
Rendlesham - 01394 420964
Fromus Veterinary Group, Saxmundham - 01728 602599
NEARBY SITES OF INTEREST
ORFORD NESS, NATIONAL TRUST
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/orford-ness-national-nature-reserve
The Ness is an extraordinary, 12-mile long shingle spit that was used for much of the twentieth century by the MoD to test weapons, including the stability of nuclear bombs. It is now a wild life haven with wilfully odd opening times.
ORFORD CASTLE
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/orford-castle/
Built as a coastal defense in the C12th by Henry II, this is a near-perfect example of a Norman keep, with panoramic views over the estuary. Currently, the castle is open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 am till 3:00 pm. Bookings in advance must be made to avoid disappointment. Dogs (not just guide dogs) are allowed in unless the castle is very busy.
RSPB HAVERGATE ISLAND SANCTUARY
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/havergate-island/
Havergate Island is the only island in Suffolk, and home to Britain’s largest colony of avocets, plus many other wading birds, including breeding terns, brown hares, and other delights. Access is via boat on pre-booked trips only – and you need to be able-bodied. Boats leave Orford Quay at 10.00 am on the first Saturday of every month, except for May – July. No dogs allowed.
SUTTON HOO
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo
Off the B1083 just this side of Woodbridge, Sutton Hoo is the burial ground of the Anglo-Saxon ‘kings’ of East Anglia. The site has just reopened after a multi-million-pound refurbishment. It is open 10.00 am – 5.00 pm every day until the end of October, after which it closes at 4.00 pm. to visit Sutton Hoo, bookings must be made in advance (before 3.00 pm the previous day)
MINSMERE RSPB NATURE RESERVE, WESTLETON
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/minsmere/
The reserve is situated on the coast, north of Orford, and offers both families and birdwatchers a great day out. There are nature trails, bird-watching, a wealth of wildlife, and a brand-new visitor centre. The reserve is open daily from dawn to dusk (except the 25th and 26th of December). The visitor centre is open from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm until the end of October. Please note dogs are only allowed in the car park, not on the nature trails or in the reserve itself.
BOYTON AND HOLLESLEY MARSHES
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/boyton-and-hollesley-marshes
As an alternative to Minsmere, one of our regular guests very kindly gave us information on this walk during which you may well see anything from avocets to glossy ibis, spoonbill and black-winged stilts.
THE RED HOUSE, ALDEBURGH
www.brittenpears.org/visit/
The Red House was lived in by the composer, Benjamin Britten, and his partner the tenor Peter Pears. Visitors may explore the exhibition space, visit the library and studio, and walk around the garden.
FRAMLINGHAM CASTLE
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle/
Built in the C12th by the Bigod family (Earls of Norfolk), it is one of the finest examples of a curtain-walled castle – and you don’t have to like Ed Sheeran to enjoy walking around the ramparts. There are fabulous views. The opening times do generally echo Orford Castle but, happily, Framlingham Castle is open from 27th December to New Year’s Day from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Dogs are not permitted as the ramparts are not suitable for them. Please note, you must book in advance to visit.
UTILITIES
WALKING AND MAPS
This area provides us with marvelous walks, whether it’s by the river, across the marshes or through the forest. We have our walking board opposite the back main entrance. You can scan the QR cards to obtain various walking maps digitally. We can also provide A4 copies of these maps at reception along with cycling maps and a wide range of maps covering Suffolk.
PETROL STATIONS
Church Garage, Snape (at the crossroads) - 01728 688327
Open Monday – Friday 7.30am – 9.00pm / Saturday and Sunday 9.00am – 9.30pm. It also offers a vehicle breakdown recovery during opening times.
ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING
Unfortunately, due to various technical constraints, we are currently not able to offer electric car charging on-site. Charging is available at the Co-op in Aldeburgh and there are also several options in Woodbridge and Martlesham.
TRAIN SERVICES
The nearest railway station is Woodbridge (20 minutes drive away) with a regular service to London Liverpool Street, via Ipswich. Trains depart roughly every hour throughout the day. Northbound there are services to Lowestoft, Norwich, and Great Yarmouth.
TAXI SERVICES
M&R has a rank at Woodbridge Railway station which will be of use to guests arriving by train. To return, it is cheaper to hire Castle Cars, as they are based in Orford.
M & R Cars based in Woodbridge - 01394 386661 or Castle Cars based in Orford - 01394 459447
SHOPPING
ORFORD VILLAGE STORE
www.orfordgeneralstore.co.uk
The shop is now around the other side of the building and is considerably smaller than it was. However, it is also open more which is a good thing. It is now open every day from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, except Sundays when is open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. You can use your debit card to withdraw money at the P.O counter.
THE MEAT SHED, BAKERS LANE
www.orford.org.uk/visit-explore-stay/where-to-shop/orford-meat-shed
A survivor of the hard pruning of the old Village Stores, Andrew has reopened his butcher’s shop in the tiny lane two up on the right, going towards the Town Hall from the C & C. He will be glad of your support.
PUMP STREET BAKERY, MARKET HILL
www.pumpstreetchocolate.com
Open Wednesday to Saturday from 9.00 am – 2.00 pm and on Sunday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. It is currently just for takeaway bread and pastries. They have rightly earned a national reputation for superb bread, doughnuts, Eccles cakes, sausage rolls, cake, etc., and have a lovely room with a communal table for eating good homemade snacks and coffee.
PINNEYS SMOKED FISH SHOP, QUAY STREET
www.pinneysoforford.co.uk
Open Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm; Saturdays 9.00 am to 4.30 pm and on Sundays 10.00 am to 4.00 pm for excellent smoked fish and, of course, oysters from the river.
SNAPE MALTINGS
www.snapemaltings.co.uk
The various shops, galleries, tea shop, café and pub are housed in the converted C19th maltings and the whole site is now owned and run by Aldeburgh music. Open daily from 10.00 am – 5.30 pm except for Sundays when it closes at 4.30 pm (5.00 pm in winter), there are also wonderful walks along the river to Iken.
HIGH HOUSE FARM, SUDBOURNE
www.high-house.co.uk
Piers and Suvi Poole own this lovely, principled fruit farm. They supply us with our discovery breakfast apple juice and seasonal fruits, as well as the fantastic loganberry jam we serve at breakfast. Leave the village, turn right at the crossroads and follow the signs for about 1.5 miles.
FRIDAY STREET FARM SHOP
www.fridaystfarm.co.uk
A huge shop selling a vast range of local produce from eggs, cream, chicken, and bacon to organic vegetables and herbs. There is also a traditional fishmonger’s and butcher’s shop. It is open every day from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm and can be found at the junction of Snape road and the A12.
SUPERMARKETS
The nearest supermarkets are Waitrose or Tesco in Saxmundham. They both open from 8.00 am apart from Sundays. There is also a large Tesco at Martlesham Heath which is open 24/7 except for Sunday evening.
GARDEN NURSERIES
THE WALLED GARDEN, BENHALL
www.thewalledgarden.co.uk
A very satisfactory nursery in a delightful walled garden (hence the name), Jim and Marion (owners) specialise in shrubs and perennials and stock a good dry/shade range. Opening hours are 9.30 am – 5.00 pm Tuesday to Sunday.
WOOTENS NURSERIES, WENHASTON
www.woottensplants.com
The nursery is now in the hands of some Loftus ex-employees. They trade from the old iris fields, just around the corner from the old nursery. Although they are running lots of events, open days and courses throughout the year (please see their leaflet at reception) they are only open on the first weekend of each month from March – November for actual purchasing but you can buy online at any time.
GOLF
Please phone for green fees, accessibility, terms, etc.
Thorpeness Golf Club - 01728 454926
Aldeburgh Golf Club - 01728 453309
Woodbridge Golf Club - 01394 383213
BOAT TRIPS
REGARDLESS (ORFORD MARINE SERVICES)
www.orford.org.uk/visit-explore-stay/what-to-do/regardless
In theory, the good ship Regardless (open-topped and dog friendly) runs during the hour between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm. Everything depends on the season, weather, tides, and numbers, and if the boat has broken down so we advise to always check first. We are happy to do this for you.
LADY FLORENCE
07831 698298
www.rivercruiserestaurants.co.uk/lady-florence-orford
As booking terms are complex and involve meals, please address any queries to them directly.
FOOT FERRY
www.orford.org.uk/visit-explore-stay/what-to-do/butley-ferry
For walkers, the Butley Ferry is now working and open on weekends until October. Crossings are not bookable, but if the weather is dodgy and you want to confirm the ferry is operating, the voicemail message on the mobile number 07913 672499 will tell you what’s happening. There is a small charge for people and bikes, but dogs go free (or they can always swim across).
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Woodbridge Tourist Information Office - 01394 382240
Aldeburgh Tourist Information Office - 01728 453637
We hope you enjoy your stay and promise to do everything we can to ensure that is the case.