Harwich & Dovercourt

Harwich is not just any port. Not only is it the UK's second busiest passenger ferry port, its harbour, which is the largest between the Humber, in the north of England, and London, was created by a storm surge in the 1100s, a quirk of fate that gave rise to the area’s long and fascinating seafaring history.

This traditional historic maritime town has a fascinating history. The attractive old town was built on a grid pattern, in the 13th Century, by the Earl of Norfolk, to exploit its strategic position at the mouth of the Stour/Orwell estuary. The famous seafarers Hawkins, Drake and Frobisher all sailed from Harwich during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I on various expeditions.

Harwich is probably best known for being the home of Christopher Jones, Captain of the Mayflower, who in 1620 took the first pilgrims to America.  An enjoyable way to discover Historic Harwich is to follow its Maritime Heritage Trail and imagine yourself in the days of famed diarist Samuel Pepys, who was actually MP for the town. Start your walk at the Low Lighthouse Maritime Museum built in 1818 and Lifeboat Museum, where you can get aboard a lifeboat and ending at the Barge Murals which overlook the site where Thames Sailing Barges were built up to 1930. A special gem is the Treadwheel Crane, built in 1667, a kind of colossal hamster wheel based on a Roman design. The crane was worked by men walking in the interior of two large wheels to raise and lower goods and materials. As far as is known Harwich has the only British example.

On route down the quaint streets there is the chance to take in gems such as the Electric Palace Cinema, built in 1911 and now the oldest unaltered purpose built cinema in Britain (which has local actor Clive Owen as its patron). Also St Nicholas Church which was rebuilt in 1821, and The Redoubt Fort which was built in 1808 as a large circular fort to protect the harbour from a Napoleonic invasion. These are just a few of the outstanding treasures the trail has to offer. Also visit the old Radar Tower, at Beacon Hill Fort, which was the first radar installation of the second world war, and can be opened on request to the Harwich Visitor Centre.

Alternatively, join one of the local guided summer tours organised by the Harwich Society or visit the Harwich Museum housing displays that tell the history of Harwich from way back to present day. This volunteeer led museum is open 7 days a week. 

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the Seal Watching Boat Tours that set sail from the Harwich Half Penny Pier - a fantastic 2 hour experience with the opportunity to spot some beautiful birds and, of course, the colony of both harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) basking on the mudbanks.

The Harwich Harbour Foot and Bicycle Ferry runs between April and October as a scenic way for walkers and cyclists to travel between Essex and Suffolk. Choose to hop off once your reach the harbour and cycle along the seafront of Felixstowe Pier, or stay on for an hour long cruise around the harbour and river mouths.

Dovercourt Beach, adjacent to Harwich, is one of the best in Essex. It's a peaceful family resort with gentle shelving sand and shingle beaches. Awarded Blue-Flag status and possesses two beautiful, cast iron lighthouses.