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.