Orford Ness is a remote and atmospheric former military testing site on the Suffolk coast, once used for a range of secret experiments throughout the twentieth century. During National Cold War Heritage Week, visitors are invited to book a ferry to the island and explore the site’s fascinating past. The Island of Secrets exhibition reveals the story of the military research carried out on Orford Ness from the First World War through to the late 1980s, including the six large test cells built to conduct environmental testing on components of the atomic bomb. Visitors can also learn about ongoing research into the site’s secret history, discover the internationally important shingle landscape, and explore walking routes where wildlife has reclaimed this once highly restricted environment.
The International Research Group Orford Ness (IRGON) is a volunteer-led historical research organisation dedicated to documenting the military, aviation, and weapons development history of Orford Ness between 1915 and 1973. Working in collaboration with the National Trust, IRGON brings a deeper interpretive layer to the site by exploring its Cold War and wider military significance alongside its natural heritage.
IRGON’s work focuses on researching, cataloguing, and archiving material relating to the often lesser-known weapons trials and experimental projects carried out on the Ness. A key priority is preserving the first-hand accounts of veterans who worked on these programmes, ensuring these personal histories are not lost. Using digital tools, including CGI and online platforms, the group shares its findings with the public, helping to place Orford Ness within a broader international context of Cold War research and development.
Booking will open to visitors 2 weeks prior to the event.