Get on track for great car free family days out in Suffolk.
Discover the Wonders of the Harwich Haven
This blog will show you how to get on track for great car-free days out along the Suffolk Coast, thanks to public transport. Looking for a car-free, stress-free Suffolk adventure with something for everyone? After a different family day out or just a solo adventure? So, leave the car at home – hop on a train – take the ferry and discover something amazing.
Imagine a stress free day where history, nature, and adventure meet—no car needed. All it takes is a train or bus ride to uncover the hidden treasures of Felixstowe and Shotley in Suffolk, Harwich in Essex, and the charming towns and villages that dot the banks of the Orwell and Stour Rivers. With Greater Anglia’s rail network as your gateway, you can immerse yourself in a world that’s both conveniently accessible and wonderfully off the beaten track.
A Journey That’s a Real Breath of Fresh Air
Forget the hectic pace of modern life and get on track for great car free family day out in Suffolk. Step off the train and let the gentle rhythm of coastal and riverside life carry you away. Whether you’re keen to relax at the coast, embark on a leisurely riverside stroll, set out on an unplanned adventure, the Haven offers all of this and more. And if you’re inclined you can find a world of history that’s waiting to be discovered. A ride on the Harwich Harbour Foot Ferry which runs between Shotley, Harwich and Felixstowe, is a brilliant way to explore the area. This seasonal service not only provides a scenic crossing of Harwich Haven but also gives you a new way to see the estuary and its bustling activity.
History and Maritime Marvels
The Haven is much more than big ships: It’s a living archive of history. Picture brilliant birdwatching sessions against the backdrop of ancient military defences, maritime heritage trails, and fascinating forts. This region has witnessed dramatic chapters—from the days of royal shipyards and the Pilgrim Fathers’ Mayflower to Britain’s last opposed seaborne invasion and even the surrender of over 100 German U-Boats. Today, this is all set against a stage where massive container ships glide in and out of Felixstowe’s impressive port and where cruise liners set sail from Harwich’s international terminal.
Go car free! Set Sail and Soak Up the Views
There’s nothing quite like experiencing the Haven from the water. Embarking on the little yellow Harwich Harbour Ferry is not only practical—it’s an adventure in itself. Drift along the harbour past colossal ships, get an appreciation of the historic military defences, and take in panoramic views that no other mode of transport can offer. The ferry service connects key points such as Shotley Pier, Harwich’s Ha’penny Pier, and Felixstowe’s beach near the View Point Café, making it an ideal starting point for your great car-free family day out in Suffolk.
Panoramic Viewing Points for Every Explorer
Landguard Point viewing area in Felixstowe is widely accepted as one of Suffolk’s top attractions, yet it’s just the beginning. Head to Shotley’s Heritage Park and climb up to the Crow’s Nest for a sweeping view across the River Stour, or wander alongside the Orwell to capture the full scale of Felixstowe’s expansive waterfront. Even a stroll along Harwich beach or Dovercourt Bay rewards you with unforgettable river-mouth panoramas punctuated with the spectacle of enormous ships tracing their journeys across the world. There’s so much waiting to be discovered!
Embracing Nature in All Its Glory
Every corner of the three peninsulas surrounding the Haven—Felixstowe with Landguard Point, Shotley, and Harwich—boasts stunning, protected wildlife habitats. From salt-marshes and mudflats to ancient woodlands and vegetated shingle beaches, these natural treasures are recognized as nature reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), or even parts of the protected Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape. Located at Britain’s most easterly point and lying along the ‘Eastern Flyway,’ the area welcomes wildfowl, migrating birds, and even the odd moth, making it a magnet for nature lovers.
Trails, Tales, and Timeless Adventures
The beauty of the Haven is best explored on foot or by bike – car free. A wealth of waymarked walks and cycle routes awaits your discovery—from brief strolls with rich maritime and family-friendly histories to long-distance trails that let you lose yourself in the rhythm of the landscape. Whether you depart directly from your train station or ferry point, these paths are your gateway to town explorations, quiet country lanes, and inspiring coastal rides along National or Regional Cycle routes. Saddle up or lace up your most comfortable walking shoes and hit the trails.
The Harwich Haven isn’t just a destination
It’s a great car free day out into history, nature, and the art of taking it slow. The next time you crave adventure make it a great car-free family day out in Suffolk. Which hidden marvel will you discover first? And when will your next adventure here begin?
Go car free and explore The Haven.
