Out and About
Eating and drinking in Harwich Old Town
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. Places we recommend:
Fish and Chips - you can’t beat Pieseas Chippy for a good quality take away and it’s at the end of West Street.
Pub food - The Alma Inn has a well deserved reputation for top quality food and drink, staff are lovely and it’s full of local character. You can book a table here or call 01255 318 681
Thai up at the Quay - This restaurant was voted best restaurant in Essex in 2019. You have to book and we recommend doing so before you arrive. Telephone: 01255 554 532
The Pier Hotel - not only does this hotel have a great gin bar, The Navyard, but it also has a great restaurant with views across the estuary. Telephone: 01255 241 212
Cafe on the Pier - If you fancy an English breakfast this café will sort you out. Especially good if you’ve been at the Navyard bar the night before.
Things to do in Harwich
Within the old town and a little further afield are some diverse experiences. It is worth checking opening hours before setting out as some places only open seasonally.
Seasonal events are all listed on the Historic Harwich website. It’s always worth checking what’s on, as there is certain to be something to surprise you.
The Redoubt - the hidden fort. Bonus points go to those who spot the Roger Moore mannequin
The Boat that Rocked / LV18 - Pirate Radio Museum, and the actual boat from the film. Open April - October.
Seal watching - Runs all year but with reduced times in the winter months
Foot Ferry - The ferry runs in the spring and summer between Harwich and Felixstowe. If you take the ferry to Felixstowe, wear comfortable shoes, as there is a 45 minute walk into town, or you can wear your heels and get the bus. It’s a lovely way to travel and see Harwich, Dovercourt and the impressive Felixstowe docks from the water.
Electric Palace - The cinema in Harwich Old Town, one of the oldest 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.
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.
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.
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 website for opening times.
The Promenade - Perfect to walk or run, by the sea, from Harwich Old Town to Dovercourt. Great early morning to watch the sunrise over the sea.
The beach - Award winning sandy beach that never seems to be crowded. There are pockets of beach huts which can be rented.
Antiques Shop and Gallery on Church Street - Always good for a browse, it’s difficult to come away without picking up something
Old Bank art studios - for arts and crafts courses, and during the arts festival they curate an excellent exhibition with works for sale.
Ha’penny pier - unusual L shaped pier offering great views across the rivers (Stour and Orwell) and over to the impressive Felixstowe harbour and beyond out to sea. The tourist information office is there and you can catch the foot ferry and seal watching tours in season.
Open during the warmer weather only:
Beyond Harwich
Places we love to visit beyond Harwich;
Frinton on Sea - (best by car as there is no direct train)
This is a lovely seaside town with beautiful 1920s houses. The high street is a mix of independents and chains. Shops we love include Gr8Danes for scandi goods, Caxton bookshop and art gallery - we went in for a card, we came out with a tonne of books! - they show works by East Anglian Artists, so it’s worth a browse. There are a few charity shops and lots of places to eat too.
Manningtree - (by train - shuttle from Harwich Town station or by car)
Livelier and more sprawling than Harwich, we love going to Manningtree for the Winyl shop (wine and records of course), 7 South Street cafe for lunch and the antiques emporium, which is best visited with a car because you need something to carry all your purchases home. The Red Lion is a great pub.
There is a lovely walk by the river Stour from Manningtree to Mistley. In Mistley the Thorn hotel has a nice bar and restaurant - it’s where the Witch Finder General used to lodge, so it has a strange dark link with the past. Mistley is on the same line as Harwich Old Town so you can take a train back from there. Please check train times.
Wrabness (a few stops on the train from Harwich) Nature reserve and Grayson Perry’s House for Essex
Felixstowe and Landguard Fort (via the Foot Ferry)
Shotley (via the Foot Ferry)
Nature reserve (30 minute drive Walton on the Naze)