Duration:
Half day
Price range:
Under £10
Suitable for:
About Harbour Ferry Boat Ride
Step aboard the Harwich Harbour Foot and Bicycle Ferry for a scenic and memorable journey across the rivers of East Anglia. Linking Felixstowe, Shotley, and Harwich, this seasonal ferry offers a fun and convenient way to explore the beautiful Suffolk and Essex coastline from the water, perfect for families, cyclists, and nature lovers alike.
Originally a lifeboat from the iconic SS Canberra cruise ship, the ferry now runs regular services between April and October, giving passengers the chance to enjoy spectacular views where the River Stour and River Orwell meet the North Sea.
Whether you’re setting out for a full day of exploration or simply enjoying the ride, a trip on the ferry is an experience in itself. One-hour round trips offer fantastic views of the UK’s busiest container port at Felixstowe, alongside towering cruise and cargo ships, graceful yachts, and the ever-changing waterfront.
Hop off at any stop and you’ll find something special:
- In Felixstowe, the ferry drops you right at the English Heritage Landguard Fort — a historic coastal defence site and museum.
- In Harwich, step back in time at the Electric Palace Cinema, one of Britain’s oldest purpose-built cinemas still in operation.
- In Shotley, you’re just steps away from peaceful footpaths that wind along the River Orwell and River Stour, with a welcoming stop at the Ship Inn next to the marina.
Loved by locals and visitors alike, the ferry is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to travel between Suffolk and Essex, whether you’re looking for an adventure, a relaxing journey, or just a new perspective on this beautiful part of the East Coast.
Ferry Timetable
Open 7 days a week during the months of April to October.
Crossings times are from 9:50 to 16:30.
Ferry Prices
Shotley to Harwich (7 minutes)
- Adult: £4.80
- Child (ages 5–15): £3.30
- Bicycle or dog: £1.50
Harwich to Felixstowe (15 minutes)
- Adult: £6.00
- Child: £4.50
- Bicycle or dog: £1.50
Felixstowe to Shotley via Harwich (27 minutes)
- Adult: £7.20
- Child: £5.50
- Bicycle or dog: £1.50
Things To Do
Your ferry ticket doesn’t just get you across the water — it opens up a day of discovery along the Suffolk and Essex coast.
Seal Watching Trips
Hop off at Harwich and connect with SealWatching.co.uk for a fantastic 2-hour wildlife adventure. Spot curious seals in their natural habitat with expert local guides.
Visit Landguard Fort (Felixstowe)
Located just a short stroll from the Felixstowe ferry point, this impressive coastal fort dates back to the 1500s and is now cared for by English Heritage. It’s open daily from April to October and packed with military history, sea views, and tunnels to explore.
Explore the Electric Palace Cinema (Harwich)
Step back in time with a visit to one of the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinemas, still showing films in a vintage setting.
Wander or Cycle the Peninsula (Shotley)
Arrive at Shotley Marina and enjoy a peaceful riverside walk along the Stour or Orwell estuaries. Stop off at The Ship Inn for a drink before heading back aboard.
What You’ll See on the Harbour Round Trip
Harwich International Port
A major North Sea seaport and part of the historic Haven Ports, this is where you’ll see the cruise ship terminal and Navyard Wharf — where roll-on/roll-off cargo ships sail to Scandinavia and mainland Europe.
Port of Felixstowe
The UK’s busiest container port, Felixstowe handles nearly half of Britain’s containerised trade. You’ll get close-up views of enormous container ships at the 3,000-metre deep water quay — a vital hub in European shipping.
Shotley Marina
Situated where the rivers Orwell and Stour meet, this peaceful marina offers views back across to Harwich and Felixstowe and is a beautiful point of embarkation or return.
Landguard Fort (Felixstowe)
Best seen from the water, this coastal fortress dates to 1540 and was built to guard the approach to Harwich. It’s now open to visitors and offers a striking view from sea level.
Facilities
Contact Details & Directions
Harbour Ferry Boat Ride,
Landguard Fort,
Viewpoint Road,
Felixstowe,
Suffolk,
IP11 3TW
Tel: 01728/666329
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