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Visit Harwich - hometown to Christopher Jones, Captain of the Mayflower
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. 2020 sees the 400th anniversary of this incredible journey. Find out more about the Mayflower 400, other destinations in England with connections, and the year-long commemoration programme here. Follow the Mayflower 400 Trail and discover the exciting stories that link the port to one of the most significant voyages in history.
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.
Dovercourt
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.
Inspiration
Number of results: 34
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Lower Marine Parade, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3SSTelephone
01255 686969Harwich
Dovercourt is a peaceful family resort with gentle shelving sand and shingle beaches. A wide range of family activities are available along the promenade including an impressive range of sport and leisure facilities e.g. skate park, model yacht pond…
Address
Wellington Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DLTelephone
01255 686969Harwich
Harwich Beach is located adjacent to the historic town of Harwich on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell in north-east Essex. The town is an important port and the old town of Harwich is a conservation area, containing many beautiful…
Address
Wick Lane, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3TAHarwich
Why not discover and explore the beauty of the Tendring Peninsula by bike? There’s nothing like following the beautiful coastline or taking in the picturesque villages and countryside en-route. You’ll find the ideal setting for a family cycle ride…
Address
The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HHTelephone
+44 (0) 7735781281Price
FreeHarwich
Landscape Walk with a Camera - suitable for the whole family and for any type of camera or mobile phone.
Dates
Harwich
Annual Shanty Festival in the historic town of Harwich featuring concerts, pub sessions, theatre, workshops and much more
Dates
Address
The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HHTelephone
01255686683Price
FreeHarwich
An evening of entertainment including parade, projection show, street entertainment and night flight.
Dates
Address
Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre, Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4AJTelephone
01206 713 700Price
FreeHarwich
Holiday Fun returns to Harwich with an action-packed programme of fun movement and creative activities and freshly cooked hot meals to keep the whole family happy and healthy over the May Half Term.
Dates
Address
Kings Head Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EETelephone
01255 502872Harwich
Christopher Jones was the Captain of the Mayflower and once lived in King’s Head Street in Harwich. His house still exists today and after recent restoration will be open to visitors on request.
Address
The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HHTelephone
+44 (0)1255 241212Price
Price £125.00 to £210.00 per room per night for bed & breakfastHarwich
Situated on the quay in Harwich, this small AA 4 star hotel has 14 bedrooms, many with fine views over The Stour and Orwell estuaries. Enjoy all day dining throughout the year in the Pier Restaurant or small plates, cocktails and gin library in the…
Price
Price £125.00 to £210.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Address
Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre, Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4AJTelephone
01206 713 700Harwich
Holiday Fun returns to Harwich with an action-packed programme of FREE fun sports activities and freshly cooked hot meals to keep the whole family happy and healthy over the February half term holidays.
Dates
Address
Dovercourt Boating Lake, Dovercourt Boating Lake, Lower Marine Parade, Dovercourt, Essex, CO12 3STTelephone
07833936322Price
FreeLower Marine Parade, Dovercourt
Family Fun Outdoor Activities Event
Dates
Address
Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre, Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4AJTelephone
01206 713 700Price
FreeHarwich
Keep the family active, connected and inspired with a variety of fabulous free activities this May Half Term.
Venue
Dates
Harwich
The Pier at Harwich offers two superb restaurants, each very different in style and atmosphere, giving guests plenty of choice. The Pier, on the first floor has stunning views over the Stour and Orwell estuaries - a perfect place to enjoy a glass or…
Address
Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4AJTelephone
01206 713 700Price
FreeHarwich
Holiday Fun returns to Harwich with an action-packed programme of FREE fun sports activities and freshly cooked hot meals.
Dates
Dovercourt
A quiet haven hidden in the middle of the town this small nature reserve is approx. 2 acres with a small pond. Used by local groups, schools etc for educational purposes. Also by general public to view flora & fauna
Address
The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HHTelephone
+44 (0)1255 502872Harwich
Information on everything in Harwich and historic exhibition on Harwich and the Mayflower. Free tourist information service and exhibition.
Address
The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HHTelephone
01255 252310Price
FreeHarwich
To kick off Harwich Jubilee celebrations Harwich Haven Authority has organised a free fun-filled afternoon on Ha'penny Pier.
Dates
Address
Gallery in Room 6, 1st Floor, Mayflower Primary School, Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4AJTelephone
07789116871Main Road, Harwich
Art Exhibition : All at Sea by Duffy Tomei
Dates
Half day guided tour of Essex with own driver and vehicle visiting Harwich and Dedham as you uncover the story of the Mayflower in 17th Century. It's a tale of a Captain, the pilgrims and a witch-hunt.
Start in Harwich where it is likely it all…Address
Timberfields, Off Wellington Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EJTelephone
+44 (0)1255 502872Harwich
Museum contains the last Clacton off-shore. Oakley Class Lifeboat 34ft and a history of the lifeboat service in Harwich.
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