A Unique Day Out: Take the Harbour Ferry Adventure
If you’re staying with us at The Orchard Campsite and fancy a different kind of day out, the Harbour Ferry is a brilliant way to explore the beautiful surrounding area from a new perspective -the water!
The ferry runs between Shotley Marina, Harwich, and Felixstowe Landguard Beach. It’s a charming way to enjoy the River Orwell and River Stour Estuaries. Felixstowe is just a 30 minute drive from the campsite.
You’ll get stunning views of the coastline, and you’ll spot some of the enormous container ships coming in and out of the Port of Felixstowe. There’s parking and facilities at the departure points, and dogs are welcome aboard.
See the Seals!
One of the most popular trips they offer is a 2-hour Seal Watching Tour from Harwich. These trips are especially magical. The seals are almost always spotted either lounging on the shore or swimming around the boat. It’s a lovely way to experience the peaceful creeks of Hamford Water Nature Reserve, a setting that even features in the Swallows and Amazons books.
Getting to the tour is easy – you can take the Harbour Ferry to Harwich, then set off from the historic Half Penny Pier. The journey takes you past Harwich Harbour, along the estuaries, and right out toward the nature reserve. Keep your eyes peeled — porpoises have even been spotted on these trips!
Need to Know
- Dogs allowed
- Parking available at departure points
- Trips are tide dependent
- Bookings are made directly via the Harbour Ferry website or Seal Watching website
Whether you’re after a quick ferry ride across the estuary or a longer wildlife adventure, this is a local experience we’d definitely recommend while you’re here.