Days out
Havergate Island
OrfordClosedSee opening timesHop on a boat from Orford Quay and join us on the tiny island of Havergate. Rich in wildlife, discover Avocets, Barn Owls, Wheatears and much more. At the end of the day, it's just a short boat trip back to shore.
About
This small island in the River Ore is famous for its Avocets, terns and Spoonbills. In autumn and winter, the island provides a haven for large numbers of ducks and wading birds. Havergate is also a great place to see Brown Hares at close range.
Havergate Island is Suffolk’s only island and sits within the River Ore near Orford. You'll discover many coastal habitats here, including saline lagoons, saltmarshes, vegetated shingle and mudflats.
You'll need to pre-book your ferry spot. The boats leave Orford Quay at 10 am on the first Saturday of every month, and carries max 12 people. The island is closed to visitors in May, June and July. Please see our events tab to book.
At a glance
Access to this nature reserve is via boat on pre-booked trips and events only.
Boats leave Orford Quay at 10am on the first Saturday of every month (maximum 12 people) except May, June and July. Also selected weekends for special events. See our 'events and activities' section for details.
Group bookings accepted. Please contact the warden in advance on havergate.island@rspb.org.uk.
No accessible toilet facilities at the reserve. There are public toilets at Orford Quay.
At Orford Quay.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. Island accessed by a jetty without handrails 0.75 m wide and 15 m long at low tide. Can be wet and slippy depending on tide.
Single 2 km long linear track connecting all of the hides, viewing screens and lagoons.
Grass surface - can be wet, muddy and uneven. Width restrictions of less than 1 m.
Island accessed by a jetty without handrails 0.75 m wide and 15 m long at low tide. Can be wet and slippy depending on tide.
Single 2 km long linear track connecting all of the hides, viewing screens and lagoons.
Grass surface - can be wet, muddy and uneven. Width restrictions of less than 1 m.
One compost toilet on site with alcohol hand wash - there is no running water on site. There are further public toilets at Orford Quay.
Registered assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Dog
Dog
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
See what’s here
Contact Havergate Island
havergate.island@rspb.org.uk Havergate Island, Orford, Suffolk, IP12 2NU 01728 688959