Harwich Harbour Ferry – Suffolk The Guide

Felixstowe > Travel

Harwich Harbour Ferry Services, Felixstowe

Harwich Harbour Ferry operates a foot/bicycle from Landguard Fort, Felixstowe and Shotley Marina across the harbour to Harwich. We caught up with director, Chris Zemann to find out more about his business.

Can you tell us a little bit about Harwich Harbour Ferry?

We are the foot and bicycle ferry linking Suffolk and Essex across the Harwich Harbour. The service has been in operation since 1912 and today we ferry thousands of of people each year from April to October between Felixstowe, Harwich and Shotley. We are very popular with cyclists because we link the route 51. We also schedule our crossing times to join the bus timetable at each departure, so you can hop on a bus for your onward journey to either of the two beautiful blue flag beaches Felixstowe or Dovercourt. Alternatively, if you fancy breathing in the fresh sea air, it’s only a short cycle or walk from the ferry along the seafront to reach these beaches.

Name one thing your customers should not miss when visiting you?

If you take a trip with us don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled, as we regularly spot seals in the harbour. We have also occasionally seen a porpoise, which is kind of like a small dolphin. If you don’t spot the wildlife then you are still guaranteed a great view of the harbour and port with the giant container ships.

Where would you
recommend customers go for lunch ?

You can enjoy a straight crossing or a round trip between all three departures points. It’s a great little trip, which children love, even as much as the adults. Our yellow flags fly at each departure so you can easily spot where to board. Hop off at Harwich for a spot of lunch in the Milsom’s Pier Hotel or the Pier Cafe and watch the boats on the water as you eat. If you are visiting Shotley there is The Shipwreck pub at the marina with a great view of the container port. At the Felixstowe departure point is the Viewpoint Cafe, right on the waters edge, making it perfect to view the comings and goings of the huge container ships, and you can also visit the Landguard Fort Museum just next to the beach.

Can you give us a random fact about your business?

In the ferry’s first life she was used as a lifeboat on the SS Canberra cruise liner that was used in the Falklands war, meaning she is a very safe boat.

After visiting, where would you recommend going for a walk?

You can explore the network of footpaths at the Shotley Peninsular, which offers beautiful views of the River Stour and River Orwell and is particularly good for keen birdwatchers. From the Landguard, enjoy a 15-minute walk along the beach to Felixstowe where you will find the Amusement Park, a sandy beach and many restaurants.