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Felixstowe Felixstowe is one of Suffolk’s larger coastal towns, enjoying a long stretch of coastline and a reputation for little rain and lots of sunshine
Don’t miss the ferry A seaside town with a fort and a port HiStory A visit to the dockside is fascinating and brings you to the local museum and the historic Landguard Fort which, for centuries, has been guarding this vulnerable river entrance from wouldbe invaders. This area also supports an important coastal nature reserve. The town has a very different feel, on the seafront you can enjoy the pretty gardens with their sea-views. There are echoes here of a bygone Edwardian elegance, and it was at a house near here that Mrs Simpson stayed while awaiting the divorce that would rock the British Royal Family and pave the way to the abdication of a king. get your BearingS Felixtowe succeeds in blending elements of traditional seaside – sandy beach, pier amusements, ice-cream, candy floss, serried rows of beach huts – with daily
life and a huge modern container port on its doorstep. A look out to sea soon reminds you of the traffic that today makes Felixstowe one of Europe’s biggest and busiest container ports. Back in the town centre the mix of shops along and beyond the main shopping street embraces national chains as well as some enterprising and intriguing independents selling fashion, cookware, second-hand books and flowers. tHingS to do and See There is no shortage of eating places, here or along the front out of town by the coast road that crosses Felixstowe’s golf course (the hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry). Here you will find the Ferry Boat Inn and the Ferry Café – a wonderful institution popular with locals and visitors alike (and where they also serve a hearty breakfast).
You can buy fresh fish to take home with you down at the boatyard. Then take a walk out across the expansive countryside, passing the jolly houseboats and mud-flats that border the river and listen out for skylarks as you go. Or, if you want to stay in sight of the sea, skirt the sailing club and get on to the path that heads back towards Felixstowe. From here you can see across the river to Bawdsey Manor, famous for its associations with the development of radar during the Second World War. A small passenger ferry travels the short distance between Felixstowe Ferry, Harwich and Bawdsey Quay and in summer crabbing is a popular pastime from the jetties. don’t miSS A visit to Landguard Fort. G A cup of tea outside the information centre near the fort where you can watch the container ships pass by. G
SUNDAY MARKET EVERY SUNDAY FROM 9AM FELIXSTOWE REGATTA 13 & 14 JULY | FELIXSTOWE CARNIVAL AND FAIR AUGUST ART ON THE PROM 1 SEPTEMBER | HERITAGE OPEN DAYS – LANDGARD 15 SEPTEMBER
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48 the best of Suffolk