Step aboard the Lady Florence and discover one of Suffolk’s most unspoilt landscapes - a river steeped in history, wildlife, and ever-changing beauty.

Departing from Orford Quay, you will enjoy views of the 12th-century Norman Castle and the 14th-century church before we set out across waters once patrolled by kings, smugglers, and the military alike. Along the way, we will share stories of the landmarks that shaped this coast, from centuries of trade and fishing to Cold War secrets.

Our lunch and supper cruises glide upriver as far as Aldeburgh, passing the sailing club and Slaughden quay, before tracing the entire 10-mile stretch of the National Trust’s Orford Ness. This hauntingly beautiful spit of shingle, once a top-secret military testing site with its unmistakable pagoda buildings, is now a haven where nature reclaims its ground - a landscape both dramatic and fragile.

Every cruise also circles the RSPB’s Havergate Island bird sanctuary - Suffolk’s only island - world-famous for its avocets, marsh harriers, and thriving flocks of waders and wildfowl. From the Lady Florence’s open decks you can enjoy unrivalled close-up views, often within metres of these rare and elegant birds. And if you are lucky, you might even spot spoonbills sweeping the shallows, a curious seal popping up alongside or on very special days, a visiting porpoise gliding through the estuary.

Whether in the quiet mist of winter, when the rivers feel like your own, or in the lively warmth of summer, when the estuary bursts with wildlife and sailing life, a cruise aboard Lady Florence is always unforgettable. Each trip includes a live commentary, weaving together fascinating history and the natural wonders you will encounter along the way - the perfect backdrop to a freshly prepared meal on the water.