WALKS & TRAILS
Harwich Town & Peninsula
Helping you find your way...
Walks in and around Harwich and its Peninsula
Harwich maritime heritage trails, plus waymarked walks along the River Stour
There’s no better way to explore the rich maritime and military heritage of Harwich or the beauty of the River Stour and Constable Country than on foot. In Harwich, from the town’s time-honoured quaysides, lighthouses and forts to memories of Navy Yards, history lines every side street, green and footpath. The Harwich Peninsula’s network of waymarked paths, rail, bus and foot ferry connections make this unsung Essex treasure, the ideal destination for car-free days out.
About the walks, paths & places
Head to Harwich and follow town heritage trails to discover the story of Christopher Jones, Master of Pilgrim Fathers’ Mayflower, plus military archaeology, wartime history, and maritime heritage highlights… not forgetting a low lighthouse and lightship too! With free guided tours on offer, leafleted, online and audio trail to choose from, the world is your Essex oyster!
Free guided tours by The Harwich Society : May- Sept – Saturdays 2.00pm – Start: Ha’penny Pier Visitor Centre. No need to book.
Harwich Attractions
Alight at Wrabness train station and let circular walks lead you past golden wonders and though riverside woodlands to bird hides tucked away by the precious tidal mudflats of River Stour.
Look out for the mysterious towers and swan fountain at Mistley, remnants of a would-be Georgian spa resort. This part of the Stour around Manningtree is renowned for its swans – and for Matthew Hopkins, the dreaded 17th century Witchfinder General.
From Manningtree station gentle rural footpaths lead into the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale landscapes immortalised by the eminent artist, John Constable.
Landmarks & MoreStroll out on both sides of the water
Walks around Suffolk’s Shotley and Felixstowe Peninsulas are all just a foot ferry ride away, across the Rivers Stour and Orwell. Viewing the Haven from the water is a great opportunity to get the biggest and best picture of the estuary’s historic military defences and awesome feats of engineering.
The Harwich Harbour Foot and Bicycle Ferry operates a daily timetable (weather permitting). All of the ferry destinations have museums, history and unique natural landscapes to explore within walking distance. Take a look at the locally waymarked and downloadable or online trails ready to be your guide.
Haven Ferry Shotley Walks Felixstowe Walks Landguard Walks
Follow the Countryside Code – Take away memories – Leave only footprints
The Harwich Peninsula’s town greens, foreshores and country footpaths are yours to share and enjoy, whether you’re out for a stroll or a right old ramble. Please follow the countryside code and respect, protect and enjoy them safely and responsibly.
Download Harwich Town & Peninsula Walks & Apps
Discover the stories of heroes, pioneers, merchants and more on walks around the fascinating heritage town of Harwich and track down the concrete wartime reminders and Napoleonic military heritage still in hiding. Enjoy easy-going paths across vast greens to the Harwich foreshore or stroll along promenade paths at Victorian Dovercourt. Prefer to escape to the countryside? The Stour Estuary Nature Reserve on the Essex Way at Wrabness and Constable Country – just a stroll along the Stour Valley Path from Manningtree – are just your walking adventures waiting to happen!
Download all the directions and maps here.
