Pictures of Harwich

About Harwich

The great seafarers of centuries have left the shores of England, these include Raleigh, Drake, Frobisher and Admiral Lord Nelson, all of whom brought glory for England.

Harwich has a splendid maritime history, in 1340 it was the point of departure for Edward III's fleet which defeated the French at Sluys, the first of the sea battles of the Hundred Years War. The town also has associations with the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed from Plymouth in 1630. Their ship, the Mayflower was an east coast trading vessel which had previously sailed from Harwich. Her master, Christopher Jones lived in Kings Head Street, and prior to under-taking the American voyage, she was chartered in the Thames.

Two of the town's most colourful buildings are the old high and low lighthouses, these together with the buildings on Halfpenny Pier provide a sharp contrast to the reminders from the past. Today, the front at Harwich is one of the best places for ship-spotting, from here you can witness a wealth of vessel's from Fishing Boat's to large modern Liners destined for Europe and other parts of the World.

The old part of Harwich is a conservation area containing several notable historic buildings. The neighbouring area of Dovercourt was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, but today survives as a modern resort town. It has a Blue Flag beach indicating it is entirely safe for swimming. It is also a good place to relax in a deck-chair with a book, or for children to become masters at the art of sand castle design.

There are excellent shopping facilities, good museums, and guided tours can be arranged featuring the towns rich history and most historic places.

As you would expect there are a number of historic inns, good restaurants and plenty of places to stay should you wish to spend a few days exploring the lovely river estuaries of the Orwell and the Stour, both of which have pleasant bays and inviting little creeks. A summer evening cruise along either the River Orwell or the River Stour is not to be missed. Other sea cruises take you to Hamford Water and Hornsey Island.