Grazing Walks Harbour Ferry

Harwich

Jump off the ferry and take a stroll around the jetty, enjoy the beautiful architecture. With some lovely places to eat and drink, it’s worth an overnight stay.

Soak up the local history of this unspoilt coastal area, call in at a pub to get the local gossip and book yourself tickets for one of the oldest cinemas in the UK.

Things to do:

Take a Harwich Society free guided tour, May – Sept.

Visit the high and low lighthouses.

Take a look around the Ha’penny Pier Visitor Centre to find out about Harwich’s link to the Mayflower.

Watch a film at the Electric Cinema and step back in time.

Dine overlooking the pier, in The Pier.

Try your luck at an Alma Inn quiz night (and stay the night to enjoy their breakfast).

Walks and trails:

There are some lovely, short walking routes around Harwich, a great way to explore the towns maritime history.

You could try this gentle 1.25mile flat route along the esplanade and back through the old town.

Alternatively, you could walk the Harwich Maritime Trail.

Shotley

Just a 7 mins boat ride from Harwich or 27 mins from Felixstowe, this is a place to explore the landscape, walk along the coastline or bring your bike to explore the fields and pathways, not forgetting to visit the vineyard, the veterans cemetery, and stopping to take in the view overlooking the harbour.

Things to do:

Fancy a vineyard tour or tasting – take a stroll or short bike ride over to Shotley Vineyard and enjoy.

Visit Pin Mill, a lovely riverside hamlet made famous by children’s author Arthur Ransome, explore his walking trail and call in at the pub for refreshments.

Visit HMS Ganges Museum and take the coastal walk to visit the Royal Naval Cemetery, marking the many young lives lost at sea.

Explore Shotley Heritage Park woodland.

Book a day out with Suffolk Coast Sailing.

Bring your binoculars and go birdwatching, the mudflats are a haven for wading birds.

Walks and trails:

Whatever the weather, there is plenty of choice, with routes anything from short, to about 3 hours.

Explore ships, shores and local heritage in and around Shotley. Read the Shotley Walk Explorer Guide.

Also check out Walks and Trails Shotley Peninsula for lots more great walks.

Visit the Shotley Marina website here for the Shotley Stroll and Two Rivers Walk.

Felixstowe

Head straight for the Viewpoint Café, get a hot drink and a seat by the window and relax. Lose yourself in the motions of the enormous cranes stacking the multicoloured containers, you’ll be surprised how relaxing it is!

Now you are ready to explore. You can choose from history and heritage, immersing yourself in nature, or maybe just grab some food and take it easy.

Things to do:

Dip into local history and explore Landguard Fort and Felixstowe Museum.

Explore 1.5 miles of stunning landscape at the Landguard Nature Reserve, see how many species you can spot, or just sit quietly and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Bring your bike, Landguard Point is part of the National Cycle Network with lots to see.

Take a stroll along the seafront to the Pier. Enjoy the sea views and soak up the salty air.

Or jump on the bus into town to explore the independent shops and grab some food.

Walks and trails:

Walks and trails – Explore the walk and cycle routes around the area. Fully immerse yourself in the landscape and nature with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the view.

Explore more of the Suffolk coast here.