4 Best Places to Picnic at Landguard
Track down some of the best spots at Landguard to picnic responsibly and enjoy the wonderful sea, river estuary and Haven views. Everyone loves a bit of al fresco dining and nothing beats a picnic especially when you’re out with the little ones.
When there’s so much to fill your day at Landguard, you’re sure to get a little peckish! But where is it a good idea to head to, when it’s time to find a well appointed bench or table or to shelter alongside the river wall?
Each of our picnic place suggestions generally has seating and access to litter bins – please picnic responsibly and help care for and protect the environment you have come to enjoy.
1. By the river beach
This is the one for those ‘wow-moment’ views of the big ships and busy estuary. And it’s also conveniently close to the View Point car park too, should getting around be an issue for anyone in your tribe.
Seek out a bench, go down onto the shingle or find a spot further along by the jetty. Whatever you choose , you’ll get great views not just across the Harwich Haven, but of the Port of Felixstowe and the mighty ships that come ago on their travels across the globe. Be sure to have your binoculars to hand and why not get the shipping watch website or app up on your phone to find out where those big boats are heading next?
Finish your picnic off with an ice cream or maybe a cold or hot drink from the café kiosk or View Point café.
Landguard Top tip
What about a picnic supper? The river beach at Landguard is one of the best places in the whole of Suffolk to watch the sunset.
2. With nature in view
Find a sheltered spot amongst the bramble and tank traps on the nature reserve and get a little bit closer to nature. Please keep to the paths as you go exploring – this is nature’s territory, an area with special designations to protect the wildlife habitats, so tread gently and be mindful about the fragile flora, the fauna and birds.
Wherever you are on the Reserve, nature will be in view – from butterflies to lichen and blackberries to fascinating invertebrates there’s so much to discover. Be sure to bring your binoculars and take all your litter home with you, or to the nearest Landguard bin.
Landguard Top Tip
Take a look at the Bird Observatory blackboard and Rangers notes by the reserve gates near the Fort to see what bird species the experts have spotted lately – then you can keep a beady eye out for them yourself as you munch your lunch!
3. Inside Landguard Fort or alongside Felixstowe Museum
Take a picnic when you head off to visit Landguard Fort or Felixstowe Museum – or why not explore both attractions with a joint ticket?
There are outside picnic tables at both the Fort and the Museum. A few may be reserved for tearoom visitors during peak times. What about tucking into your sandwiches whilst drinking in your historic surroundings, then top up with a refreshing cuppa and slice of cake from the tearooms?
4. Beneath the Butts
Hunt out the sheltered bench on the seaward side of Landguard Nature Reserve’s grassy ridge. At first glance you’d probably think that this is a ridge of dunes, but the clue to its manmade heritage lies in its name – The Butts.
Built as rifle butts during the period when Landguard was a military training ground, these days the natural-looking ridge is a home to all sorts of nature from wildflowers to wildlife. What’s more it acts as a picnic-perfect wind-break and creates sun traps within the beach below.
This part of the Reserve is easily accessible from the Manor Terrace car park where you will find litter bins and public toilets.
Planning a Picnic at Landguard Nature Reserve?
Do remember at all times that this is first and foremost a home for nature, a protected site and designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Please read the on site signage and understand, act on and respect any guidelines or restrictions.
