Harwich is a town at the mouth of the Stour and Orwell Estuary with many historic buildings. Famous seafarers including Sir Francis Drake have sailed from Harwich and its harbour was visited by The Mayflower, the ship which carried the Pilgrim Fathers to America in 1620. The station building houses a Railway and Shipping Museum which may be open on Saturdays.
Harwich Town is on the Mayflower Line.
TI Ha'penny Pier Visitor Centre, tel. 01255 503429.
The museum is housed in the old 'low lighthouse' with excellent views of the harbour
from the lantern. Displays cover the Royal Navy and commercial shipping.
Open SSu 1100-1500.
www.harwich-society.co.uk
An impressive circular fort built in 1808 to defend Harwich harbour from a Napoleonic invasion.
Part of the fort now houses a military museum. Battle re-enactments.
Open Sun 1000-1600.
www.harwich-society.co.uk
A town museum with various local themed displays. Dramatic views from the top gallery.
This High Lighthouse and the 'low lighthouse' (now the Maritime Museum) were leading lights, a navigational aid for shipping.
Open closed until further notice.
www.harwich-society.co.uk
The history of the Harwich lifeboat service since 1821 housed in a Victorian lifeboat-house.
Open closed until further notice.
www.harwich-society.co.uk
Harwich Lifeboat Station is one of the busiest in Britain. The public viewing gallery
provides a good vantage point to see the lifeboats and commercial ships.
Open please see website.
www.harwichlifeboat.org.uk
The refurbished Victorian pier ticket office contains an exhibition of local history
including a special feature on The Mayflower. The Visitor Centre provides tourist information.
Open closed but expected to reopen from Easter 2022.
www.harwich-society.co.uk
