HarwichUnited Kingdom · Ferry Destinations

All About Harwich

A town has sat on the site of modern-day Harwich since at least the 13th-century, and very probably for hundreds of years prior to this date. Even today, much of the town center continues to follow its original medieval street plan, with narrow alleyways leading off of main thoroughfares.

Protected as a conservation area, the town on the east coast of the United Kingdom continues to look towards the North Sea for much of its income, as it has done for many generations. It is the only significant anchorage point between London’s River Thames to the south, and the Humber estuary in Yorkshire to the north. As a result, it probably saw the departure of the Mayflower in the 1600s, carrying the pilgrims to North America.

Harwich straddles the estuaries of the Rivers Stour and Orwell (after which the writer George Orwell took his pen name). Positioned on the northern extent of the English county of Essex, it is perfectly located for ferry connections with the rest of the European continent. Ferryscanner has all the information you require to organize and purchase ferry tickets to Harwich from the comfort of your favorite electronic device.
 

Routes and Ferries to Harwich

The majority of those seeking ferry tickets to Harwich will be looking to make the popular sailing across the North Sea to Hoek Van Holland (Hook of Holland). You will notice the Stena Line superferries that make the daily journey to and from the ports, given their impressive size.

Both the Stena Britannica and the Stena Hollandia lay claim to being two of the largest ferries of any of the world’s ferry companies. Stretching for 240 meters from bow to stern, these giants of the seas are able to welcome 230 motor vehicles, as well as 1200 passengers. Their size makes them incredibly stable, while their facilities are designed with the comfort of the passenger in mind throughout. They include a variety of places to eat and drink, onboard shopping, and a kids’ corner with tons of amenities.

Traveling at 22 knots (roughly equivalent to 40 kilometers an hour), holders of ferry tickets to Harwich have the choice between day and night sailings every day of the week from both ports. Prices for an adult foot passenger begin at £49 (€58) for day sailings, but rise slightly for overnight services when a reserved seat or bed in one of the 538 cabins is obligatory. There are also additional costs for sailing with your motor vehicle. Voyages are scheduled to last 8-9 hours.

The nearest major international airport to Harwich is London’s Stansted Airport, which lies to the north of the British capital approximately 80 kilometers along the A120 from Harwich. As a hub for budget airlines including Ryanair and easyJet, it receives regular flights from other corners of the United Kingdom and cities right across Europe.
 

Ports of Harwich

As well as a busy ferry port, the ports of Harwich are also an important cargo port. They lie approximately 1.5 kilometers upstream of the River Stour from the center of Harwich, in a district once known as Parkeston. When it comes to the ferries, there are four roll-on roll-off linkways, as well as good-sized areas of long and short-term parking. The ferry terminal has everything you will need while waiting to board your vessel, from up-to-date information to places to buy a coffee before relaxing on areas of seating.
 

Best Beaches

As previously mentioned, the heart of historic Harwich lies around its coastline, putting it within easy reach of a variety of beaches. They can be easily explored by anyone who is spending some time in the town, either before or after their ferry journey.

Sailing Club Beach

Although giving the indication that this might be a private affair, Harwich’s Sailing Club Beach is open to the public throughout the year. A blend of rich gold sand and light shingle, it runs between the historic Beacon Hill Fort and the Second World War Cornwallis Naval Battery, meaning there’s plenty of history as well as fresh sea air and incredible birdlife.

Beacon Hill Beach

A little further south after Sailing Club Beach, Beacon Hill Beach faces the southeast, with views ranging from the cranes of Felixstowe port on the opposite bank on the River Orwell and the shifting colors of the North Sea. Also comprising of shingle, it’s a fine place for a walk or cycle along the coast.

Dovercourt Beach

Continue south and you’ll soon reach Dovercourt Beach, which forms an approximate triangle with the port and center of Harwich. As the region’s main bathing beach, it forms a lovely expanse of family-friendly sand.

Irlam’s Beach

Just as beautiful as Dovercourt Beach but largely unknown and quiet as a result, Irlam’s Beach has sands that lead into grass-covered dunes and eventually marshland that attracts wildlife from kilometers around.
 

Places to Visit

Whether you only have time to spot them from the open decks of the Stena Line superferries, or you’re able to linger a little longer, be sure to keep an eye out for these attractions, which made our list of the best places to visit in Harwich without any hesitation.

The Redoubt Fort

Open throughout the summer season, Harwich Redoubt Fort was one of a string of major defenses constructed during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s, when Britain feared an invasion from France. Cross its thick-walled gateways and you can discover for yourself the effort put into protecting Harwich from French attack two hundred years ago.

Bobbit’s Hole

While small, Bobbit’s Hole is still an excellent nature reserve. Very easy to explore from the town center, it provides a haven for all manner of local and nationally important species, with kingfishers a particular favorite among many visitors.

Felixstowe Museum

Situated on the opposite side of the estuary (and easy to reach thanks to a short ferry journey), Felixstowe Museum has an eclectic collection of objects on display, which together help to tell the story of the region from the time of Henry VIII right up until the present day.
 

Transportation Around Harwich

The town’s bus station is helpfully located immediately opposite Harwich Town railway station. From here regular services take in most of the town, as well as continuing on to the port as well. They are operated by private companies on behalf of the town council, with bus stops well marked. Tickets can be purchased on board from the driver. Taxis are another useful addition to the bus network, and various licensed taxi companies operate within the town. If you’re driving, traffic is generally light, and parking plentiful, although free parking is now a rarity.