Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Orford Ness

This was one of the most secret sites in Britain, used for stress testing atomic weapons until 1971.  This is one of the earlier laboratories, which was constructed with a light aluminium roof so that in the event of an accidental explosion the blast would go upwards and through the roof.  The fluorescent strip lighting can still be seen at the top of the photo. Further laboratories (known as 'pagodas') were built to a different design with strong roofs and windows of Perspex to be the weakest point in case of unexpected detonation...hazardous work indeed!

This is also a national nature reserve and has one of the rarest shingle habitats in Europe. The extra photo is of the beautiful yellow horned poppy.  This fascinating site is managed by the National Trust and reached by boat from Orford Quay.