Out & About

Food & Drink

The quiet and tranquil streets of old Harwich Old Town are perfect to explore and discover some great places to get delicious food and drink. Here are some places we recommend.

Pub Food

The Alma Inn has a well deserved reputation for top quality food and drink. The staff are lovely and it’s full of local character. You can book a table online or phone: 01255 318 681

Lambards Salthouse

A recent addition to Harwich providing truly delicious fixed menus that change seasonally. The current menu is available on the website and you can opt for vegetarian if meat isn’t your thing. The wine pairings are carefully considered, so a wine flight to accompany your meal is a lovely option.

Thai Up At the Quay

This restaurant is a local and countywide favourite. You have to book and we recommend doing so before you arrive as tables get reserved quickly.

Telephone: 01255 554 532

The Pier Hotel

Not only does this hotel have a great gin bar, The Navyard, but it also has a lovely restaurant with views across the estuary.

Telephone: 01255 241 212

Fish & Chips

You can’t beat Pieseas Chippy for a good quality take away and it’s at the end of West Street.

Deck 1853

This café, located on the Ha’penny Pier, is open from 9am until sunset and can sort you out with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ice cream is a real treat after a trip to Felixstowe on the foot ferry.

The New Bell Inn

A lovely pub with a beer garden for when the sun shines. They serve a wide range of beers and ales, so you should find something to your taste!

Things to Do

Within the old town and a little further afield are some diverse experiences. It’s worth checking opening hours as some places only open during the warmer months or at weekends.

Seasonal events are listed on the Historic Harwich website. It’s worth checking what’s on, as there is certain to be something to surprise you.

The Redoubt

Discover the hidden fort. Bonus points go to those who spot the Roger Moore mannequin. During the arts festival in June and July, the Dramatic Pause theatre group perform plays within the fort. It’s always worth a ticket.

Beacon Hill Fort

An amazing place layered with military history, from Napoleonic times to WWII. Should be on any brutalist architecture fan’s “to do list”! Entry is free but donations are welcome to help the volunteers continue their work uncovering the past.

Pirate Radio Museum

LV18 is the boat from the film with Bill Nighy and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Boat That Rocked.

Open April - October.

The Foot Ferry

The ferry runs in the spring and summer between Harwich, Felixstowe and Shotley. If you take the ferry to Felixstowe, wear comfortable shoes, as there is a 45 minute walk into town, or wear your heels and get the bus. It’s a lovely way to travel and see Harwich, Dovercourt and the impressive Felixstowe dock from the water. Tickets should be purchased in advance from the website.

Seal Watching

This boat trip runs all year but with reduced times in the winter months. If you don’t see a seal, you get your money back!

You can book online here.

The Electric Palace

One of the oldest cinemas in the country, recently refurbished and now showing a great selection of old and new films as well as live events. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of the screening or event. Refreshments (including alcohol) are available from the kiosk inside.

Harwich Museum

Discover the shipping and transport history of Harwich as well as the link to the 80’s TV show Hi-De-Hi. It’s a great little museum run by volunteers. Refreshments and gifts are available to buy. Check the website for opening times.

The High Lighthouse

Fascinating maritime story and history and great view from the top . At one point it was probably the most unusual council house in the country.

The Beach

Award winning sandy beach that never seems to be crowded. There are pockets of beach huts which can be rented.

The Promenade

Perfect for a walk or run, by the sea, from Harwich Old Town to Dovercourt. It’s great early in the morning, to watch the sunrise over the sea.

Old Bank Art Studio

For arts and crafts courses. During the arts festival (June) they curate an excellent exhibition with works of art for sale.

Antiques Shop & Art Gallery

Find them on Church Street. Not always open but when they are, they are reliably good for a browse. It’s difficult to come away without picking up something.

The Maritime Museum

Small but perfectly formed you can find it on the Promenade. It’s a treasure trove of sea faring memorabilia and the volunteers who run it are a mine of information. The views from the top floor and balcony are pretty fabulous.

Lifeboat Museum

Very small but worth a visit. Visitors to the museum have a rare ‘hands on’ opportunity to see a lifeboat at close quarters.