Harwich & Dovercourt

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.

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.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
113 reviews
Dovercourt Bay

Address

Lower Marine Parade, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3SS

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

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…
Cycle around Harwich, Manningtree and Mistley

Address

Wick Lane, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3TA

tic@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

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…
Maritime Memories

Address

Harwich, Essex, CO12 4EN

tourism@essex.gov.uk

Essex

The maritime town of Harwich stands at the tip of a peninsula in North East Essex commanding the entrance to a magnificent harbour, where the Orwell flows down from Ipswich to meet the waters of the Stour that flows from Constable Country. It is the…
Harwich Beach

Address

Wellington Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DL

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

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…
The Pier at Harwich Hotel

Address

The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 241212

pier@milsomhotels.com

Harwich

Situated on the quay in Harwich, the hotel has 14 bedrooms many with fine views over The Stour and Orwell estuaries. The Pier has two restaurants, the Harbourside on the first floor and the Ha'Penny Brasserie which is open all day.
The Pier at Harwich Restaurant

Address

The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3LS

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 241212

pier@milsomhotels.com

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…
Harwich International Shanty Festival

Address

Harwich, Essex, CO12 1AA

Telephone
07921640772

info@harwichshantyfestival.co.uk

Harwich

Annual Shanty Festival in the historic town of Harwich featuring concerts, pub sessions, theatre, workshops and much more
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
282 reviews
Harwich Redoubt Fort

Address

Behind 29 Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3LT

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 502872

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Harwich

Circular Fort built in 1808. Ten guns. Largest AM being restored by a voluntary group.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
The High Lighthouse

Address

West Street, Harwich, CO12 3DR

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 506183

Harwich

The High Lighthouse is 150 yards from the Low Lighthouse (Maritime Museum) and were leading lights for the channel into Harwich Harbour, but disused from 1863.
Harwich Maritime Festival 2020

Address

Ha'penny Pier Visitor Centre, The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
07801681144

Maritime.Festival@hha.co.uk

Harwich

The annual Maritime Festival returns on Saturday 8 August, from 11am transforming Harwich Quay and Harwich’s iconic Ha’penny Pier into an exciting hive of activity.
Harwich Lifeboat Museum

Address

Timberfields, Off Wellington Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EJ

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 502872

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Harwich

Museum contains the last Clacton off-shore. Oakley Class Lifeboat 34ft and a history of the lifeboat service in Harwich.
Harwich Guildhall

Address

The Guildhall, 11 Church St, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DS

Telephone
01255 507211

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Harwich

Set in the heart of the historic old seaport, Harwich’s Guildhall is a Grade I listed building dating from the 17th century. The wealth of history and heritage that it contains, along with its remarkable architecture, make it a fascinating place to…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
65 reviews
Electric Palace Cinema

Address

King's Quay Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3ER

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 553333

contact@electricpalace.com

Harwich

CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT.
One of the oldest (1911) least altered, purpose-built cinemas in Britain. Write for programme of films (enclose SAE) to Electric Palace Cinema, Kings Quay St, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3ER.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
37 reviews
Harwich Maritime Museum

Address

Low Lighthouse, Harbour Crescent, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3NJ

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 502872

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Harwich

Housed in a disused lighthouse, the museum has specialised displays on the Royal Navy and commercial shipping. History of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy in Harwich.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
179 reviews
Ha'penny Pier Visitor Centre

Address

The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 502872

Harwich

Information on everything in Harwich and historic exhibition on Harwich and the Mayflower. Free tourist information service and exhibition.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviews
Bobbit's Hole Nature Reserve

Address

Main Rd, Dovercourt, Essex, CO12 3HJ

Telephone
01255 553610

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Dovercourt

A small nature reserve of approx 2 acres with a small pond. Used by local groups, schools etc for educational purposes.
Also by general public to view flora & fauna
Seal Watching Harwich

Address

1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
01728 666329

chris@harwichharbourferry.com

Harwich

The boat is licensed for 41 passengers. Temporarily closed until 01.04.2021
There are currently up to 250 seals in the Walton backwaters, a healthy breeding population which has risen from only 5 in 1986.
We take you through the backwaters…