Things to do in Felixstowe

Written by Abby Knight

One of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts which first became fashionable as a place to enjoy sun, sea and sand in the 1880s, it has retained many of its attractive Victorian and Edwardian houses and hotels from that period.

The seafront is an impressive four miles long and the wide promenade stretches almost the whole length from the beach at Languard Point to Felixstowe Ferry.

With all the attractions you’d expect from a seaside holiday resort including quaint old-fashioned beach huts, fish and chips shops, a family fun fair, amusements arcade and a public bowling green, there are plenty of great cafes and restaurants to enjoy, too.

Visit Café Bencotto for some delicious Mediterranean-style delights such as pasta and grills you can see being cooked from their open plan kitchen or – for afternoon tea with a fantastic view – visit The View Point Café at Landguard Peninsula where you can sit in or outside and watch the hustle and bustle of the cargo and commercial ships go by. It’s here you’ll find the Harwich Harbour Ferry, a foot and cycle ferry that’s been running since 1912 and still operates and hourly ferry to Harwich between April and October.

Just along the promenade is the popular Spa Pavilion Theatre which has lovely views of the water and two cafes and restaurants. The original art deco theatre has a great programme of events on all year round from local theatre companies to big names in touring productions.

Just north of the town are the six Martello towers that were originally built to prevent a Napoleonic invasion and stand along Felixstowe’s coast going up towards the picturesque town of Aldeburgh. Now five of these towers are privately owned and one has recently been converted into a distinctive family home.

While you’re visiting Felixstowe it’s worth stopping off at the fishing village of Old Felixstowe: situated at the mouth of the River Deben it has its own art gallery, golf course, cottages to rent for a short break, a working busy yard as well as pubs and restaurants along the river, you can stop for a drink and something to eat. Or why not take home some fresh fish from The Shed fish stall and cook up your own spring time paella? Perfect.