5 Facts About Harwich, Essex
Five facts about Harwich, Essex, that you may not know.
Here are five fascinating facts about Harwich in Essex that you may not know about.
Harwich is one of the oldest ports in England. It's been a thriving trading centre for centuries, and its strategic location on the North Sea has made it a key port for both commercial and military vessels.
Harwich was the starting point for the Mayflower voyage that brought Pilgrims to America in 1620. The Mayflower departed from Harwich on September 16, 1620, and sailed across the Atlantic to Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Harwich has a fascinating maritime history. The town has been involved in many important events throughout history, including the Napoleonic Wars, World War I, and World War II. It's also home to a maritime museums, hidden forts and attractions.
Harwich is a popular destination for birdwatchers. The town is located on a migration route for many bird species, so you're likely to see a variety of birds, including puffins, gulls, and terns.
Harwich is a charming town with a rich history and culture. There are plenty of things to see and do in Harwich, from exploring the town's historic buildings to sampling the local seafood.
Have we missed anything? Let us know!
Destination Harwich
Harwich in top 6 UK seaside towns everyone is talking about.
Pleased to see that Harwich is one of the six up and coming coastal destinations in the UK, as recommended by no other than the Sunday Times (20th March 2022). Of course, we’ve always known that and look forward to others discovering the unique quality of the old town and coastline. Here’s what the article says:
The 6 seaside towns everyone’s going to be talking about this summer
The faded, flaking-paint nadir of the UK’s seaside towns suddenly feels a long time ago. With their regeneration accelerated by two pandemic-fuelled staycation summers, many have rediscovered their joie de vivre, while serving as magnets for creative, outdoorsy and resourceful types who have found that they really do like to be beside the seaside. You’ll want to take advantage of the rapidly reopening world this summer, we’re sure of it. But between such jaunts, do take the time to swing by these six rising, or resurfacing, stars that are set to cause quite a splash.
Harwich
This pretty port town has many surprises, and it exudes a kind of Captain Pugwash charm. A score of pastel-toned 17th and 18th-century buildings meld with the pretty Guildhall; the Electric Palace Cinema, dating back to 1911, is undergoing renovation * ; and Dovercourt Bay beach has bagged a blue flag and is within easy reach of nature reserves and scenic walking routes. You can visit the home of the Mayflower captain, Christopher Jones, and learn about the ship’s voyage to America in 1620, or join the sea-shanty aficionados at Harwich’s new Festival of the Sea (June 17-19), and once you’ve worked up an appetite try The Pier at Harwich for mussels and beer with harbour views of jostling boats.
They also recommended, and we would always do, The Alma Inn for food, drink and that Captain Pugwash charm.
*The cinema is now open!
Arts Festival in full swing
There is so much to see and do in Harwich this month because the Arts Festival is in full swing, right now.
As I write, the annual Harwich Arts Festival is in full swing.
Real world exhibitions and installation, performances and events, as well as virtual exhibitions.
It’s such a community-based festival but always brings interesting artists in to entertain and delight. Most of it is free and well worth a wander through the streets and by the beach to discover works by resident participants and invited artists.
Personally, I love the sea windows competition, where residents decorate a street-facing window according to a theme. It’s always fun to get the list of participants and follow the trail through Harwich Old Town, which has now become a gallery.
Tomorrow, Friday 9 July, the flags for the Beach of Dreams installation by Kinetika, go up for one night only, with live music. Worth a visit to Harwich for that alone.
TV, Not Cinema
Cinema night, but not as we know it.
While we’ve been cooped up at home scratching around for something to do, a weekly film night has seen us make a conscious effort to plan something, albeit in a small way. Selecting a film and settling down to watch it - making sure the lighting is right and snacks are available - is a very easy way to avoid the slip into ‘TV grazing’, which I am guilty of most evenings. Flicking through channels until I settle on something that looks … OK.
Films we’ve enjoyed tend to be older - ones we have on DVD or can access via Netflix or Mubi. But another option is to follow the Electric Palace Cinema in Harwich, who are suggesting viewing for a shared but socially distant experience.
While we long for the day we can actually go to a cinema and see something on the big screen, getting suggestions for viewing from the professionals is the next best thing under the circumstances.
You can follow the Electric Palace on Twitter @HarwichEP and look out for #electricsofa recommendations.