Day Trip from Harwich - What Do Your Recommend

[Kellie Poodle]

I will be spending a few days in Harwich prior to a Baltic cruise next summer. Can anyone recommend a day trip from there? No driving please. Don't trust ourselves to be able to drive on the "other" side of the road. No London, BTDT.

 

 

We'd probably take a train into London and transfer for someplace scenic and historic. Thought about Cambridge.

 

Would love to hear recommendations.

[Globaliser]

We'd probably take a train into London and transfer for someplace scenic and historic. Thought about Cambridge.

I think Cambridge is a great idea. But staying in Harwich and going to Cambridge for the day is not.

 

Why don't you go to Cambridge for a few days, then travel to Harwich by train on the morning of the cruise (there is no need to go the day before)?

 

If you do stay in Harwich, you are going to be very limited in what you can do if you refuse to drive - there are a lot of interesting and off-the-beaten-track things and places to do and see in the area, but they are not easy to get to by public transport.

[4774Papa]

Janet,

This doesn't answer your question, but we are on the TA from FLL to Harwich 1 May 13 and B2B on the BI cruise 13 May 13. We plan a day trip from Harwich on the 13th of May to Colchester. It is a small town, but the oldest city in England, founded by the Romans and site of the Temple of Claudius, which only the foundation for a Norman Castle still exists.

 

I know that you can take the train into London from Harwich, but you have to change trains.

[Kellie Poodle]

Janet,

This doesn't answer your question, but we are on the TA from FLL to Harwich 1 May 13 and B2B on the BI cruise 13 May 13. We plan a day trip from Harwich on the 13th of May to Colchester. It is a small town, but the oldest city in England, founded by the Romans and site of the Temple of Claudius, which only the foundation for a Norman Castle still exists.

 

I know that you can take the train into London from Harwich, but you have to change trains.

 

 

I do know that you have to change trains in London to get anywhere from Harwich. I will Google Colchester. Thanks so much. Your suggestion was very helpful

[Kellie Poodle]

I think Cambridge is a great idea. But staying in Harwich and going to Cambridge for the day is not.

 

Why don't you go to Cambridge for a few days, then travel to Harwich by train on the morning of the cruise (there is no need to go the day before)?

 

If you do stay in Harwich, you are going to be very limited in what you can do if you refuse to drive - there are a lot of interesting and off-the-beaten-track things and places to do and see in the area, but they are not easy to get to by public transport.

 

 

We really only have this one day scheduled. I already have plane tickets and hotel reservations and don't want to change them.

 

 

We are meeting with friends from Norwich in Harwich on the 18th and sailing on the 19th. The friends drive so we will do off-the-beaten track things with them. Is there any particular place you'd suggest?

[4774Papa]

Janet,

Colchester has a Ho Ho Bus

http://www.colchestertours.com/?event=offer.detail&offerId=2110

[brazilgirl]

We spent the night in tiny village near Harwich called Mistley in a wonderful Inn called the Mistley Thorn . It has an amazing restaurant and the town is adorable. It was a highlight of our trip which included London , Paris and the Baltics. Very charming.

[Globaliser]

We are meeting with friends from Norwich in Harwich on the 18th and sailing on the 19th. The friends drive so we will do off-the-beaten track things with them. Is there any particular place you'd suggest?

The first two things that come to mind, both easily reachable from Harwich:-Sutton Hoo (Google map)Aldeburgh (Google map)

If you're a classical music person, Aldeburgh is a place of great note. There seems to be a site all about musical events there.

[Jesters21]

Bury St Edmunds is a pretty market town, with some interesting history.

[Kellie Poodle]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions.

[Post Captain]

Just a quick suggestion to add to those already posted here:

 

If you have a car (driven by your friends from Norwich), you might enjoy Sudbury and, especially, Long Melford and Lavenham--all within a few miles of one another, about 30 miles from Harwich:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudbury,_Suffolk

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Melford

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavenham

 

They are all located en route to Bury St. Edmunds, another 15 miles further on:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bury_St_Edmunds

 

http://www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/

 

Incidentally, The Nutshell in Bury is reputed to be the smallest pub in England:

 

http://www.thenutshellpub.co.uk/

 

The place wasn't big enough for me.;)

 

[Leiter]

Janet,

This doesn't answer your question, but we are on the TA from FLL to Harwich 1 May 13 and B2B on the BI cruise 13 May 13. We plan a day trip from Harwich on the 13th of May to Colchester. It is a small town, but the oldest city in England, founded by the Romans and site of the Temple of Claudius, which only the foundation for a Norman Castle still exists.

 

I know that you can take the train into London from Harwich, but you have to change trains.

 

We will be on the same cruise, TA from Ft. Lauderdale to Harwich and BI cruise on May 13. We would also like to do a day trip to Colchester. How did you make arrangements for yours? Please email me at Leiter@bellsoth.net.

[Happyboating]

Hi All

 

I've only just found this section of Cruise Critic but from now on I will keep an eye on it.

 

Sadly, you should be aware that Colchester Castle is currently closed for refurbishment and won't now reopen until Spring 2014:

 

http://www.cimuseums.org.uk/castle.html

 

That said, the gardens are very nice.

 

If you are actually staying in Harwich for a few days be sure to visit the Tourist Information Centre, on the left, as you step onto the pier, as you will be able to pick up details of local guided walks around the town.

 

You might also want to get the Harwich Foot Ferry to Languard Fort in Felixstowe:

 

http://www.landguard.com/

 

The Foot Ferry Timetable is here:

 

http://www.harwichharbourferry.com/timetable.html

 

I hope this information helps you and have a FAB cruise.

Edited March 3, 2013 by Happyboating

[Happyboating]

I will be spending a few days in Harwich prior to a Baltic cruise next summer. Can anyone recommend a day trip from there? No driving please. Don't trust ourselves to be able to drive on the "other" side of the road. No London, BTDT.

 

 

We'd probably take a train into London and transfer for someplace scenic and historic. Thought about Cambridge.

 

Would love to hear recommendations.

 

Hi Janet

 

I've been doing a little research for you. If you are staying in Harwich for a few days, without a car, you may like to do the Mayflower Walk:

 

http://www.harwich.net/tour.htm

 

As you know, Captain Christopher Jones lived in Harwich, Master of the Mayflower:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayflower

 

Train to Manningtree:

 

When you get on the train in Harwich I would suggest that you sit on the right of the carriage (facing the way the train is travelling) as you will then get the best views. Obviously if you are travelling from Manningtree to Harwich then sit on the left facing the way the train is travelling.

 

If you decide to take the train to Colchester, then I would suggest that you get off at Mistley Station and walk the 1.6 miles (on a flat pathway) to Manningtree Station. It's actually just under 1 mile to Manningtree High Street as Manningtree Station is 0.6 miles outside of the town. I checked the distance today.

 

On leaving Mistley Station, cross the road and then walk left. As someone else has already said, Mistley is a very pretty village:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistley

 

The walk will take you through Mistley village, past the Mistley Towers and then along by the river. If the tide is in then it really is very pretty. I should perhaps also mention that the swans that may greet you are friendly but please don't feed them!

 

As I've already said, after 0.7 miles you will reach Manningtree High Street:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manningtree

 

Having walked along the High Street you could then carry on walking to Manningtree Station to board the train to Colchester for the day:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colchester

 

Just be aware that Colchester Station is about 2 miles out of town, up a steep hill. You may wish to change trains and catch one that takes you to Colchester Town Station. Sadly, that station isn't in the prettiest part of town but if you exit Colchester Town Station and turn right, and then right again at the traffic lights, and keep walking up Queen Street (a slight hill), when you get to the top of the road you will find yourself outside the Tourist Information Centre on the right, opposite Colchester Castle, with the High Street on your left.

 

If you wish to walk into town from Colchester Station then I can give you directions to walk up through Castle Park which is a pretty walk.

 

Here is the Tourist Information link:

 

http://www.visitcolchester.com/

 

Actually, I see on the "planning your visit" tab that there's a street map which clearly shows both railway stations.

 

I note that you've thought about visiting Cambridge by train. This is also easy to do. You will go Harwich to Manningtree, change for Ipswich (only one stop) and then change for a train to Cambridge. As its what we call a "cross country" route it'll be quite pretty. I think the journey will take you about 2 hours 15 minutes. Obviously you can go into London and out again, if you wish, the decision is yours. Just be aware that the route into London and out again is longer.

 

You can also get to Bury St. Edmunds by train, same route as above, and that should take you approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

 

I see you have also been recommended to go to Sudbury, Long Melford and Lavenham. I would certainly recommend a visit to those places too, however, you really do need a car to get there. In fact, you might like to suggest that your friends from Norwich pick you up from Colchester Station as then you will be right on the A134 Sudbury Road. You can actually get to Sudbury by train and it'll take you about 1 hour 50 minutes.

 

Aldeburgh is also very pretty but, sadly, you do need a car to get there.

 

I actually live quite local and so if there is anything else you'd like me to check out for you, please don't hesitate to post your question. I'm actually going to Manningtree again on Friday and in the next couple of weeks I suspect I'll be going to Harwich and Colchester too.

 

WOW - I think this is the longest post I've written!

 

Anyway, I hope you have a truly wonderful time in our region - be sure to bring your camera with you.

 

Nicky

 

PS: I didn't know what "BTDT" in your post meant!

Edited March 5, 2013 by Happyboating

[Turtles06]

 

PS: I didn't know what "BTDT" in your post meant!

 

I'm not Janet, but I'm guessing she meant "been there, done that" :)

 

Happyboating, thanks for all the Harwich info. We'll have part of a day there next fall before our TA, and I'm looking forward to seeing the old part of town (the Mayflower Walk included) and dinner at The Pier...

 

I had the privilege of studying at Cambridge after college (and that was MANY years ago :))... if folks have time for a day trip there, it's truly beautiful ...

[Happyboating]

I'm not Janet, but I'm guessing she meant "been there, done that" :)

 

Happyboating, thanks for all the Harwich info. We'll have part of a day there next fall before our TA, and I'm looking forward to seeing the old part of town (the Mayflower Walk included) and dinner at The Pier...

 

I had the privilege of studying at Cambridge after college (and that was MANY years ago :))... if folks have time for a day trip there, it's truly beautiful ...

 

Hi Turtles06, I know the Pier Hotel well - I often drive to Shotley in the summer and then get the Foot Ferry across to Harwich to have lunch at the Pier. If you want a clear view of the Harbour though, you now have to eat in the restaurant upstairs (as opposed to the brasserie downstairs) as they now have an old light ship berthed right in front of them!!!!!! The light ship is open to the public and I keep meaning to go and have a look round it to see what it's all about - I will do so in the next few weeks.

 

Whenever we go to Cambridge we always book a chauffeured punt - I particularly like the ones that serve a cream tea but I presume those ones only run in the summer? For those more adventurous you can punt yourself but I would always advise having some spare clothing with you!

[waggie]

Can I join Happyboating in the offer for local information?

I have just arranged a minicoach outing for a group of 10 cruisers in July. We will be visiting Flatford (John Constable), Lavenham and as many pretty villages as we can, as well as having a typical English Pub lunch.

If you would like any more information, please do contact me.

waggie1951@gmail.com

 

ps. I am a cruiser, not a travel agent!!!!

[Turtles06]

Hi Turtles06, I know the Pier Hotel well - I often drive to Shotley in the summer and then get the Foot Ferry across to Harwich to have lunch at the Pier. If you want a clear view of the Harbour though, you now have to eat in the restaurant upstairs (as opposed to the brasserie downstairs) as they now have an old light ship berthed right in front of them!!!!!! The light ship is open to the public and I keep meaning to go and have a look round it to see what it's all about - I will do so in the next few weeks.

 

Whenever we go to Cambridge we always book a chauffeured punt - I particularly like the ones that serve a cream tea but I presume those ones only run in the summer? For those more adventurous you can punt yourself but I would always advise having some spare clothing with you!

 

Re The Pier: don't worry: we are staying there overnight, and we have a reservation in the upstairs restaurant. I will check out the old light ship!

 

Punting on the Cam... Thanks for prompting fond memories. Not only have I personally done it, but even after the May Balls, in my gown! :)

 

Any other Harwich tips after your next visit are most welcome!

[Happyboating]

Hi Turtles06

 

I'm very impressed with you going punting in a ball gown. Were you one of the students the punt chauffeurs tell stories about?

 

Here is a link for the light ship in Harwich:

 

http://www.lv18.org/

 

For anyone renting a car, and staying in Harwich for a few days, these two places are interesting to explore too:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orford_Castle

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedingham_Castle

 

Orford Castle is in same direction as Snape Maltings and Aldeburgh and Hedingham Castle is in the same direction as Sudbury and Lavenham. Please check the actual websites for opening times.

 

Obviously, for those who are happy to drive a little further (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes), a visit to Sandringham is also interesting:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandringham_House

 

It's more of a Royal "home" than Buckingham Palace. Again, check the actual website for opening times.

Edited March 7, 2013 by Happyboating

[Turtles06]

Hi Turtles06

 

I'm very impressed with you going punting in a ball gown. Were you one of the students the punt chauffeurs tell stories about?

 

Here is a link for the light ship in Harwich:

 

http://www.lv18.org/

 

 

I think I pre-date chauffeured punts! :)

 

Thanks very much for the link to the light ship. I love learning about aspects of maritime history like that. I wonder if the ship will be open to visitors in mid-October (which is decidedly off-season)... Even if not, it will be interesting to see from the dock. And I do see what you mean about it affecting the view from The Pier...

 

One question for you ... if I want the best, most traditional fish and chips lunch in Harwich (the old part of town), what would you suggest? The place downstairs at The Pier, or elsewhere? I so look forward to that lunch (and I wish it were still served in newspaper).... Thanks!

[Happyboating]

I think I pre-date chauffeured punts! :)

 

Thanks very much for the link to the light ship. I love learning about aspects of maritime history like that. I wonder if the ship will be open to visitors in mid-October (which is decidedly off-season)... Even if not, it will be interesting to see from the dock. And I do see what you mean about it affecting the view from The Pier...

 

One question for you ... if I want the best, most traditional fish and chips lunch in Harwich (the old part of town), what would you suggest? The place downstairs at The Pier, or elsewhere? I so look forward to that lunch (and I wish it were still served in newspaper).... Thanks!

 

The chauffeurs are predominantly students earning money to help pay for their time at University and some punt companies have them wear a uniform consisting of a waistcoat and straw boater hat which is always good for the photos. I also noticed that one punt company gives instructions on their website on how to punt yourself. As I said earlier, if you choose this option I would recommend having a change of clothing with you as I have seen people fall into the water - usually those who don't have the good sense to let go of the pole if it gets stuck in the riverbed! I've even seen people swaying around on the pole in the middle of th river and then land in someone else's boat! Even if you don't want to hire a punt it's certainly worth spending a little time watching others.

 

Anyway, regarding the light ship, Tourist Information have just given me the owner's telephone number and having spoken to Colin he's happy for me to post his email address:

 

Colin.crawford1@btconnect.com

 

I got the feeling that they haven't really figured out their opening times yet but he said that if you email him, and let him know the date and time that you would like access to the ship (a private appointment), he will arrange for someone to meet you and let you on.

 

Re the fish & chips, are you wanting to go to a restaurant or get takeout fish & chips from a traditional fish & chip shop which you then eat out of the paper wrapping (which, as you rightly say, is no longer printed newspaper!)? I have to confess that I usually go to the Pier, where you are staying, but a lot of people recommend The Ship which is just around the corner and directly behind the Pier Hotel. If you want to try a traditional fish & chip takeout I have got a recommendation but I just need to check their opening times.

Edited March 7, 2013 by Happyboating

[sammie1900]

Hi, we will be in Harwich on May 13 for a turnaround day. Will have about 6 hours of free time. Any ideas on what to see? Would cabs be available? Can we book one in advance? Would we have time to take the train someplace? Thank you for any advice. Pat

[Happyboating]

Hi, we will be in Harwich on May 13 for a turnaround day. Will have about 6 hours of free time. Any ideas on what to see? Would cabs be available? Can we book one in advance? Would we have time to take the train someplace? Thank you for any advice. Pat

 

Hi Pat

 

Here are a couple of links for both Harwich and Dovercourt:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harwich

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dovercourt

 

Dovercourt is particularly well known, locally, for it's excellent beach if you fancy going swimming although coming from California, it may well be too cold for you!:

 

http://www.britishbeaches.info/dovercourt-bay-essex

 

Having just rang and spoken to Graham Horn, the Cruise Ship Manager at the Port, he tells me that as 13 May is a turnaround day there won't actually be any free shuttle buses, however, there will be taxis available at the Port on the day of your arrival. He also tells me that whilst there is a small tourist information section in the Port he is currently working with the town centre manager to make up some boards, with photos and a map, showing people where they are and what to do and where to go etc. along with the distance/time involved. They are also making one up showing the time to each railway station on the line. Having just consulted Google Maps, I see that the walking distance from the Port to the beach at Dovercourt is 2.1 miles and the distance into Harwich (the Pier) is 2.3 miles. The walk is flat though and you can actually do a circular walk - its quite pretty walking from Dovercourt beach along the sea wall to Harwich.

 

If you are only in port for a day, and thinking of exploring further away, I would strongly recommend booking one of your cruise line organised excursions (assuming that they have them on a turnaround day?) - that's what we always do as we like the peace of mind of knowing that if there are any transport problems, or delays, that the ship will wait for their own excursions to return. I have to confess that we've only ever cruised with Cunard (we're Platinum) although we are about to try Princess so, at present, I can only reference what Cunard do and in both Southampton and New York they do, in fact, lay on excursions even though both Ports are also turnaround Ports.

 

If, however, you are more confident than us, and happy to make your own arrangements, there is a train station at the Port where you can catch a train to Mistley and/or Manningtree - see post #14 above.

 

Once at Manningtree Station, you can then catch a train to either Colchester or Ipswich, on the main line, both of which are one stop (approximately 10 minutes). I have already posted details of Colchester but here is a link for Ipswich:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipswich

 

Ipswich Station is on the edge of the town and it's only a 10-15 minute flat walk into the centre of town, unlike Colchester which is a 30 minute walk up a steep hill. Obviously both stations have bus stops outside where you can catch a bus into the centre of town if you don't want to walk. Here is a link for a street map of Ipswich:

 

http://www.ipswich.gov.uk/streetmap

 

And this link shows the railway station so you can actually see where to go on arrival!:

 

http://www.allaboutipswich.com/documents/IpswichBluePlaques2010.pdf

 

If you go directly to Manningtree and then change for either Colchester or Ipswich, your journey time from Harwich will take approximately 30 minutes to both places. Obviously it will take longer if you decide to do the pretty walk from Mistley to Manningtree en route.

 

You asked about taxi's so here are the websites for the firms listed on the Port's website in case you decided to pre-book:

 

A to B Taxis - http://www.a2btaxisharwich.com/

 

Harwich Taxis - http://www.harwichtaxis.com/

 

StarlingsTaxis - http://www.starlingstaxis.org.uk/home

 

Hopefully others will also post their suggestions. As you may have gathered I'm a little nervous about suggesting that you wander too far and Graham informs me that if you miss the ship, it will be his job to sort you out and that most people left behind don't even have a passport, only their cabin key! I guess my nervousness stems from the fact that I commuted into London for 25 years and so I am very aware of the possible delays once you start using the main line at Manningtree hence my advice would be to explore Harwich and Dovercourt and/or Mistley and Manningtree but I know others would be very happy and confident to go further out. Anyway, I hope this information is helpful and that you enjoy your visit to Harwich.

Edited March 8, 2013 by Happyboating
To delete all the *'s which mysteriously appear once I actually post!

[sammie1900]

Hi Happyboating, what a great post!! Thank you so much for the info. I can understand the concerns regarding non cruise tours by many cruisers. We will do the walking tour or try and get a private cab and not venture far from ship.

Again thank you for your great info. When you come to Southern California I will help you. Pat

[Happyboating]

Hi Pat

 

To be honest, depending on how much information you want to take in - some people are happy to simply walk around and take a few photos to prove that they've been somewhere, and others want to learn as much information as they can - you could actually do Harwich & Dovercourt and Mistley & Manningtree in the same day (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). As I've just said, it really depends on how much information you want to take in as if you want lots of detail you can easily spend the whole day in Harwich. Some will be happy to do the walk on their own and others will book a private guide. Actually, I'm quite pleased, and impressed, that they will cater for private tours, like the guy that runs the light boat who is prepared to open up for a private booking if out of season, hence the reason why I was a little shocked to learn that the Port didn't run a free shuttle bus. That said, Graham told me that they used to provide one but, on a turnaround day, it simply used to sit there as no-one ever used it! He also told me that another cruise line is "visiting" (as opposed to it being a turnaround day) Harwich this year and that cruise line has pre-booked 47 buses to be at the Port to meet them to take the passengers out and about on excursions.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it would be perfectly fine for you to go to either Colchester or Ipswich for the day - both places are worth a visit - its just that you have to be aware that the "connecting" train from Manningtree to Harwich is exactly that, a "connection" and sometimes the station staff hold it for an imminent arrival of a main line train and some times they don't and I honestly have no idea what determines which choice they make! If you aimed to catch the 15.00 (3.00pm) back to Port, and missed it, you could simply get a taxi back to Port and, like the train journey, it's a pretty drive. You can usually find taxis waiting outside the station but if there aren't any there it would be worth asking the station staff if they can call you one.

 

Anyway, I think that you'll find Harwich to be very "quaint". It's quite different from Southern California - which I LOVE by the way - a school friend of mine lives in Grand Terrace. I've even hired a car and driven from Grand Terrace to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas and back - the hire car firm were quite surprised at the mileage we did in a week!

 

Re lunch, there are plenty of places to sit in and eat and I am also going to check out an authentic fish & chip shop (chips being french fries) where you can purchase fish & chips to take out (wrapped in paper) and then sit and eat, with a wooden chip fork, on the sea wall in Dovercourt - tourists from all over the world can be seen doing this at Aldeburgh. On the other hand, the ship will be close enough for you to go back there for lunch if you prefer - I've lost count of the times that I've heard other passengers moaning about an expensive (because of the exchange rate) meal ashore when the ship is within walking distance - we tend to work on the basis that as Cunard include food in the cruise price we go back to the ship for lunch.

 

Anyway, have a FAB cruise and a wonderful day in Harwich.

Edited March 9, 2013 by Happyboating