Freshly caught fish and chips and foot passenger service across the river Deben.

There is plenty to see on a walk along the shingle beach of this charming seaside village. Stalls sell fresh fish caught by small fishing boats that come and go regularly from the village jetty.

Quirky wooden built beach houses reflect the artistic connections of the Suffolk Coast, which is well, know for its dramatic skies much appreciated by painters.

The currents which flow between the tidal River Deben and the sea at Felixstowe Ferry are very powerful so even strong swimmers should avoid bathing.

Food and Drink

Two pubs in Felixstowe Ferry serve good pub meals, The Victoria Inn and the Ferry Boat Inn. Despite the scruffy exterior the Ferry Café is well worth a visit; serving fish and chip lunches as well as hot drinks and cakes.

Martello Towers

Martello Towers punctuate the Suffolk Coast, and two fine examples may be seen at Felixstowe Ferry. These robust fortifications were inspired by a defensive tower on the Mediterranean island of Corsica which the British attacked in 1794 at the request of Corsican Patriots occupied by French Revolutionary forces. Replicas of this original tower were built in the 19th Century to safeguard the coast against invasion by Napoloen.

Pedestrian Ferry

A seasonal ferry for foot passengers and cyclists operates across the mouth of the river Deben between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey. In 2008 this service will operate between the 1st April and 30th September, and fares begin at £1.80 single for an adult foot passenger. Contact the Felixstowe Ferry Boatyard for further details.

Bawdsey Manor

Bawdsey Manor is a fascinating building just across the river Deben, and clearly visible, from Felixstowe Ferry. Now a conference centre and Bed and Breakfast, Bawdsey Manor was the top secret RADAR research centre during World War II.

Travel to Felixstowe Ferry

Thanks to the surrounding marshes and birdlife, Felixstowe Ferry has a pleasantly remote atmosphere. However, good transport links are close by; Felixstowe Ferry is around two hours from London by car. Car parking at Felixstowe Ferry itself is limited, you may prefer to park in the Clifflands car park just before the golf course and walk around one mile along the beach to Felixstowe Ferry itself.

A bus link (service number 173) operates to Woodbridge which has a railway station; see the Travel Line for timetables and route information.

The Suffolk Coast

The Suffolk Coast offers a range of interesting places to visit.

The main town of Felixstowe just to the south of Felixstowe Ferry is a cheerful traditional seaside resort. Further north Aldeburgh is a more genteel seaside town with a cultured atmosphere thanks to its connections with the composer Benjamin Brittan.

Minsmere RSPB Bird Reserve makes an entertaining day out for the whole family.

Southwold is another elegant seaside resort, complete with its own local beer and a fine pier.