Harwich Travel Guide

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The town is small, but it's well placed for visits to centres like Colchester, Ipswich and the delightful rural countryside of south Suffolk and north Essex, as depicted by painter John Constable.

Harwich provides a perfect opportunity to experience the quieter countryside of England. Welcoming pubs and pretty countryside await those who choose to explore.

But if the big city appeals, London is just 90 minutes away by direct train from the cruise terminal.
Harwich is a regular stop for cruise ships heading for Scandinavia, and is one of the quieter ports, situated on the coast of East Anglia to the northeast of London.

Sightseeing

Harwich is a good starting point for discovering the picturesque region of East Anglia. The nearby garrison town of Colchester is the oldest continuously occupied town in the country with its imposing castle. Ipswich, county town of Suffolk, retains much of its medieval street pattern and several buildings from this period remain. Medieval Lavenham boasts many fine half-timbered buildings. Cambridge, 110km (68 miles) away, is famous for its university and spectacular architecture.

Highlights

Guided walking tour of Old Harwich
Constable country
Day trips to London
Harwich Wireless and Television Museum
Cambridge
Bury St Edmunds

Tourist information

Harwich Tourist Information
Iconfield Park, Parkeston, Harwich CO12 4EN, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 12555 06139.
Website: www.harwichconnexions.co.uk

Port website
www.harwich-intl-port.co.uk
Shopping introduction

Harwich offers some local shops and services for the cruise passenger, but the main shopping opportunities are in the larger towns and cities inland.

Good options include fashion, woollen and woven goods, printed cottons and silks, local cheeses, chutneys, jams and biscuits, luxury food and chocolate, antiques, china and porcelain such as Wedgwood, Crown Derby, Royal Worcester or Royal Doulton.

Restaurants

There are several attractive pubs in the old part of Harwich, offering light (and more substantial) food during the day. Additionally, there are bakeries and cafes at which to grab a snack.

When to go

The climate is temperate with mild to warm (but frequently wet) summers and cool wet winters. Weather varies from day to day, but generally East Anglia is one of the driest and sunniest areas of England. Take waterproofs, though.

Nearest destination

Harwich.

Transfer distance

3.2km (2 miles).

Transfer time

5 minutes.

Transfer notes

London is 2 hours 30 minutes away by road.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.