Places to Visit

The Beach

Beach Huts at Dovercourt

Dovercourt Beach Huts

Dovercourt Bay is a picturesque sweeping bay that includes a European Blue Flag beach. It enjoys gently sloping bathing, a south facing aspect looking out into the North Sea and a long and flat promenade enjoyed by walkers.  Half way along its length are two lighthouses dating from 1865 and the seafront is lined with beach huts, which can be hired on a temporary basis by calling the Beach Hut Association on 01255 556944 or Tendring District Council on 01255 686662. A recent addition to the seafront facilities is a ‘Changing Places’ facility that enables easy changing for people with disabilities.

The Redoubt Fort

The Harwich Redoubt (1808) was built as part of the defences to keep Napoleon out of England and was among the chain of Martello Towers along the coast from Sussex to Suffolk. The Redoubt now has limited disabled parking and can provide a stair lift to the first floor including the use of a wheelchair and disabled toilet if required.

Redoubt Fort at Harwich

The Redoubt Fort

Today, The Redoubt is managed by The Harwich Society and is open from 1st May to 31st August between 10am and 4pm, and every Sunday throughout the year. There is a small entry fee and children are free of charge. Society members are free.

For further information please contact info@harwich-society.co.uk or visit www.harwich-society.co.uk

Leisure Facilities

Water sports at Harwich

Wind Surfing

Adjacent to the beach is a range of leisure facilities include Putting Green and Crazy Golf during the summer season which is run by Harwich Town Council.

An outdoor skating rink, a boating lake and a small amusement arcade along with a centrally located seafront café and public toilets are run by third party organisations.

Dovercourt Lifestyles Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre run by Tendring District Council is also central to the leisure hub and can be contacted on 01255 686176

PUTTING GREEN / CRAZY GOLF OPENING TIMES 

11am – 4pm (Last round 3.30pm)

 OPENING DAYS FOR 2021

Weekends only from 5th June 2021

Daily opening from 24th July until 31st August

Cash and contactless payment taken.

Cinema

Electric Palace Cinema at Harwich

The Electric Palace Cinema

The Electric Palace Cinema is an authentic 1911 cinema Grade II listed building, boasting Digital Projection, 3D and 7.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound. It has full disability access and facilities and also an online booking system is available. For further details regarding film programmes, concert tickets etc. Go to The Electric Palace

At present the Electric Palace is undergoing a major refurbishment. Please check details on their website.

 

Tours

Take a Tour – Take part in a free guided walk which departs from the Ha’Penny Pier at 2pm every Saturday between May and September.

Alternatively, stroll the charming streets of the old town and hear stories of the town’s seafaring past and its present role in keeping mariners safe. You can choose between a written or audio guide, download and enjoy!

www.discoveringbritain.org/walks/region/east-of-england/harwich

Bobbits Hole

Bobbits Hole Nature Walk

Image © Maria Fowler

This nature reserve is an area that is protected for the benefit of local wildlife, and is a haven for a huge variety of bird species including seabirds and kingfishers. Access can be gained via Asda Car Park, and is open every Sunday (except during Christmas) from 10 am to 12 noon. Free entry, accompanied children only.

Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre

The Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre is a multipurpose arts venue located at the Historic Mayflower School and hosts Monthly Art Exhibitions in it’s gallery & live events & performances in its main hall. The HAHC is also a creative space for local groups such as Harwich Sing, The Dovercourt Art Club & Ballroom Business. Centre opening times, 9 – 5pm weekdays, The Gallery opening times, 9.30am to 4pm weekdays with occasional Saturdays. Mayflower School, Main Road, Dovercourt, CO12 4AJ

www.harwichfestival.co.uk

Harwich Mayflower Heritage Centre

Home to the new Rail & Shipping Museum and The Haselton Collection, a rare display of local beach finds, collected over 60 years. It is also hoped a shore based replica ship of The Mayflower will be constructed as a future visitor attraction.Times are as advertised or by phoning first.
Tel: 01255 318023
email info@harwichmayflower.com

 

 

 

The High Lighthouse

Also run by The Harwich Society, the High Lighthouse is currently undergoing necessary renovation and will be open to the public from May, when it will be open between 11am and 3pm every Saturday until September, and will showcase exhibitions of local interest. Parking is available on the road near the public conveniences.

Lighthouse

Image © Maria Fowler

For further information please contact info@harwich-society.co.uk or visit http://www.harwich-society.co.uk/

The LV18

Lightship

Image © Maria Fowler

The LV18 lightship was built in 1957 and worked in many locations around Britain. Moored in the river Stour off Harwich Quay the LV18 became the ‘home’ of Pirate BBC Essex Radio and in 2008 it featured in the film ‘The Boat that Rocked’ as the rival station ‘Radio Sunshine’ where it was partially painted yellow.

The LV18 is open daily between March and October from 11am-5pm. A small admission charge applies. Evening tours and educational parties by arrangement. For more information

Tel: 07446 171320 E-mail: thelightship@gmail.com or visit http://www.facebook.com/LV18Harwich

Harwich Quay

Lifeboat

Image © Maria Fowler

Harwich Quay is a popular spot from where passing ferries and cruise liners can be seen up close. Pilot launches, fishing trawlers, tugs and yachts bustle by in an ever-changing scene. The Train Ferry Terminal and the buoys and vessels of Trinity House stand at the western end and the Lifeboat Station and Navyard Wharf to the east.

In between lies the Ha’Penny Pier, the Seasonal Visitor Centre and Mayflower Exhibition. There is also the Café and a wet fish sales outlet.

Foot Ferry

The Harwich Harbour Foot and Cycle ferry provides easy connections with bus services giving you a chance to explore Felixstowe and the Shotley peninsula.

The foot ferry launches from the Ha’Penny Pier (opposite the Pier hotel). For operating times and prices, these can be found by calling 07919 911440 or by visiting http://www.harwichharbourferry.com/

The Guildhall

Take a look at the Guildhall where the Council offices reside. As this is the only Grade 1 listed building in Harwich it is well worth visiting where the staff are always happy to help !

Please make a note of our opening times to avoid disappointment.

The Guildhall, Harwich Council offices

The Guildhall

Further information and opening times