I

t’s a bit disconcerting when you come across a sign saying ‘unexploded ordnance’ on a harmless country walk. But that’s just part of the charm at Orford Ness in Suffolk.

This 10-mile shingle spit is separated from the mainland by the River Ore, and is a haven for wildlife, but from the 1930s until the Cold War was a top secret military base. A bit like England’s version of Roswell, only with less aliens and more wading birds.

Why not hop on the National Trust Ferry at Orford and head over to take a look? Kids will love the stories about how German soldiers attempted to invade here in WWII (officially denied, of course), and parents – you’ll get a great view of the castle.

Back in Orford, could get a relaxing cuppa at the Butley Orford Oysterage in the marketplace – and maybe some smoked trout with horseradish (the smokehouse is next door).

And if you’re here for the weekend, there are some great cycle rides round the nearby lanes…