Felixstowe Beach Suffolk with sandy shores
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How to spend a fun-packed day in Felixstowe Suffolk

Heading to East Anglia and wondering if there are fun things to do in Felixstowe?

Suffolk in Eastern England is well-loved in the UK for its rural life and quaint market towns of Woodbridge and Bury St Edmunds. Felixstowe has historically been a bit overshadowed and thought of as only a port.

But, honestly come visit and you will discover there are so many unique attractions and things to do in Felixstowe year round.

I’ve been lucky enough to live in this county for many years and love the diversity from forest walks to coastal days out.  Being a ‘visitor at home’  reminds us just what we have on our doorsteps and how special it is.

Read on for our guide covering the many reasons to put Felixstowe at the top of your UK coastal town list! There’s much more than just its beach!

Felixstowe town beach with sweeping sand

Where is Felixstowe?

Along 50 miles of coastline 2 beaches hold ‘Blue Flag’ beach status.  These are in Southwold and Felixstowe. Traditionally, most day trippers head to Southwold or Aldeburgh but Felixstowe in the south of the county is growing in popularity.

  • Felixstowe is around 95 miles from London with a driving time of around 2 hours along the A12 and A14. It’s the closest seaside town in Suffolk if coming from the capital.  
  • Unlike Southwold and Aldeburgh, Felixstowe has a railway station in town. With a quick train change in Ipswich, you can get there in 1 hour 45 minutes from London.  Check trainline for other routes and fares. 
  • Nestled between the River Orwell and the River Deben, it is the only resort in Suffolk to face southwards.  Ed Sheeran fans will often hear a mention to the Orwell or the A14 road in his songs.
Coast of Felixstowe
Coastal Wilderness

What’s the History of Felixstowe?

Back in 1887, during the Victorian reign in Britain,  the parish of Felixstowe consisted of  a mere 864 people. Three years later, the railway line from Ipswich to Felixstowe opened increasing day visitors.

It grew further in popularity when the Empress of Germany and her family visited for several weeks in 1894.

Moving into the next century, the pier was built in 1905. During the Edwardian period, trips to the coast and seaside bathing became even more popular. 

The population grew to 8666 by 1911 and the opening of the Spa Pavilion in 1938 with theatre shows, attracted more visitors. A container port created jobs when the shipping industry started in 1966 and with that the town grew in size. 

If you’re interested in old photographs of Felixstowe as a seaside resort, take a look at these. It’s quite fascinating to see that although we live in a very different world today, the joy of going to the beach has remained throughout the years.  

Felixstowe Museum (see later in this post) has many more excellent historical artefacts.  By the way, the population today is over 24,000 and still growing.  

A Four Mile Long Beach

Felixstowe’s beach is around 4 miles long which is brilliant as even in peak summer, you can always find a quiet spot. With many sunny days, this is a great spot for a few hours of Suffolk sunbathing.

If you arrive from the station, you’ll walk through the town centre (Hamilton Road), and down Bent Hill to the sea front.  Here you will be in the middle of the promenade and close to the pier. 

Felixstowe Beach Suffolk with sandy shores
South Beach Felixstowe

On one side of the pier is South Beach leading to Landguard Point. Opposite  is North Beach leading to Old Felixstowe and Felixstowe Ferry.  (More on both these places later in the post).

If you come by car,  there’s plenty of parking around the town. 

Hill leading to Felixstowe Beach
Walk down Bent Hill to the Seafront
People are sitting in chairs sunbathing on a grassy bank next to the sea.
Enjoy a coffee in the sunshine

South Beach and the Landguard Peninsula

At the southern most end of the beach, a couple of miles walk from the centre of town is the Landguard Peninsula. Here you’ll find a range of maritime, local history, leisure and nature activities. Every time I come up to this area, I am reminded just how much there is to see here and why it’s easy to spend a fun-packed day in Felixstowe.

Felixstowe Port is located here. There’s also a museum, Landguard Fort and  the foot ferry to/ from the town of Harwich and Shotley Marina.  In addition, there are 35 beautiful hectares of natural reserve.  You can go cycling, walking, bird watching or just relax.  

I’ll just run through a few key points on each activity. Pick out the ones that appeal to you. It’s easy to spend a whole day just around this part of Felixstowe! 

Buses run from the centre of town to the peninsula. If you drive, there’s plenty of parking.

Felixstowe- A Container Port?

Yes it is – in fact if you like your statistics – it’s the busiest container port in the UK and the 8th busiest in Europe (at time of writing).

Now this may not sound like the kind of place a tourist might want to visit but honestly, it is definitely worth a look.  It’s well signposted – ideally you would drive up there – parking is available. Everytime we go to the port, I am truly amazed at the size of the cargo ships.  

Watching the cranes loading its clear this is a skilled job. Stacking them on top of each other like a jigsaw – leaving no gaps is an art!.  There’s even a cafe there called ‘The Viewpoint Cafe’.

Felixstowe Port - Cargo ship being loaded
Don’t Overlook the Port

Felixstowe Museum

Next to the container port is Felixstowe Museum.  With a small fee to visit (£4 for adults/£1 for children), it’s a fun way to spend an hour.  Discover the history of Felixstowe and its links with the sea and shipping. 

Find out how the town coped in WW2 and the tragic flooding of 1953. Sadly, 41 people lost their lives from a North Sea storm surge. 

Each of the 14 museum rooms are named to introduce the artefacts and exhibits.  There’s even a 1980’s exhibition. Now if that doesn’t make you feel old, what does! The films, fashions and technology now look so dated. But in their time, were just so in vogue! 

The museum is open from April to October 11am-5pm.  Take your own picnic as there are benches outside or try the Beehive Cafe on site. 

Felixstowe Museum
Museum Entrance
Exhibit of airmen inside Felixstowe museum
Air Force Room in Museum

Foot Ferry Over the Water

From 1st April to 31st October, you can take the foot ferry to either Harwich (15 mins) or to Shotley (27 mins).  Running in good weather, it’s the only ferry service connecting Suffolk and Essex. 

It offers stunning news of the container port and ships and coastline.    You can also take your bike! Cyclists make a note if you don’t want to cycle the long way round!  Check out the Harwich Harbour Ferry timetable for crossing times. The company offers other excursions including seal watching trips.

Tourist is standing in a field which is part of a museum in Suffolk. Figures made of wicker represent Victorian Era life in England.

Step Back in Time at Landguard Fort

Plan 1 ½ – 2 hours to get around the fort. With a history spanning over 450 years, Landguard Fort is known as one of England’s best preserved coastal defences. It’s also the site of the last opposed invasion of the country in 667. Check out the maze of rooms, passageways and tunnels!

Linger over displays and artefacts that offer an insight into life inside the fort.  Fascinating and well worth a visit.  You’ll even hear ghostly tales of those who haunt the fort! Did you just shiver – me too! 

Check their website for more information and booking times.  It is an English Hertitage site so if you’re a member then entrance is free. 

A map showing an old fort in Felixstowe
A 2 story building originally a fort and now a museum to visit.
Landguard Fort

Visit A Beach on the Street!

This fabulous section of Felixstowe, known as Beach Street opened in December 2020.  So it’s an exciting new addition to Felixstowe.  The area markets itself as a place to ‘Eat, Drink, Shop’.  What is unique is that most of the  small independent businesses operate from upcycled shipping containers!  A fabulous idea!  

It’s fun to wander around and the food is great.  Try a burrito, a burger or even Vietnamese street food! You’ll be spoiled for choice.! Live music is a regular event here,  so time it right and you’ll hear some great sounds too.  

Cafes on the beachfront
Containers now cafes!

 They’ve also got yoga or axe-throwing on offer – two activities at completely extreme ends of the spectrum!  A new radio station, Suffolk Sounds has  just started broadcasting from here. Tune in to hear all the local news.   

As well as Suffolk Sounds,  Felixstowe has another station simply called Felixstowe Radio.  They host  a weekly dedicated travel show hosted by Lee Hunt of Deben Travel (Woodbridge)!  So if Felixstowe is in your plans, tune in to get all the latest happening events!

Crooked House Felixstowe
Crooked House on the corner of the Food Area
Cool Felixstowe
Fun in the Plaza

Mini-Golf, Fish & Chips and a Ferris Wheel

Next to Beach Street, you’ll find a range of activities. This includes traditional amusements that have entertained families for years. Expect fruit machines, rides for small children and an adventure golf course. 

There are more eating options serving classics like fish and chip and ice-cream. Although busy,  queuing is worth it.  What’s better than eating fish and chips outside? With lots of salt and vinegar they are so yummy! Just look out for those pesky seagulls! 

Fishing on the Beach
Fish off the Beach

And if you need to work off your indulgences, head to the activity park. It’s a little further down the promenade, offering outdoor space for workouts,  table tennis tables, chess boards, and a climbing wall.  

A ferris wheel is another addition holding up to 144 passengers in 24 gondola pods. 

A ferris wheel coloured white is a main attraction at the seaside town of Felixstowe, England.
Felixstowe Ferris Wheel

Stroll Felixstowe Pier

Felixstowe Pier is a real landmark along the promenade. It was once one of the longest piers in the UK with its own electric tramway running the length.

Sadly, walking along the pier now is much restricted. You can only venture a little way on it which is such a shame. I feel there is something magical about walking along the boardwalk with the sea beneath you.

Still, it offers another amusement centre including mini-bowling and the popular Boardwalk Cafe for both inside and alfresco dining serving breakfast, coffee, cakes, and full course meals. Two further outlets serve fish and chips and ice-cream

Felixstowe Pier
Sweeping Felixstowe Pier
Felixstowe Pier and beach
Cafes on the Pier

Pier to North Beach & Old Felixstowe

Heading north along the promenade from the pier, you’ll find various seafront bars and restaurants.  A favourite of ours is the Alex Cafe Bar. 

It’s a perfect spot for informal dining from a quick coffee, full breakfast, light snack or main meal. Their food and service is excellent! It gets busy so be patient if you have to wait for an outdoor table – it’s well worth it!

Various ‘live music’ events are held throughout the year. It’s also a great place for cocktails!

Women sitting on a boat now used as a flower pot.
Outside the Spa Pavilion

More entertainment is on offer at the Spa Pavilion. There is something for all tastes from an ABBA tribute band to annual pantomimes (Aladdin this year). Or maybe the Magic of Motown or History of Rock show? Check out their schedule and book early.

As you continue walking along the promenade you can’t help but admire the Edwardian tiered gardens and colourful beach huts. Hiring one is a fun option if you’re visiting for a few days.  Fludyers is also here – both a lovely dining spot and a hotel on the seafront. 

Cafe Bar in Felixstowe
Cafe Alex
Bathing huts you can rent at Felixstowe beach each is a bright colour Yellow, Pink, green or blue
Day rental huts

Explore Felixstowe Town Center

Partly pedestrianised, the town centre offers visitors a range of shops – choose from both UK high street stores and independent ones. 

There are several banks, newsagents, book stores,  chemists, more coffee shops and restaurants.  Another favourite cafe of mine is of course, Ruby’s Cafe!  There’s also a cinema – everything is walkable.

Rubys Cafe Felixstore
Ruby’s Cafe!

Stop by the Tourist Information Booth on the sea front to pick up helpful maps to explore Felixstowe. They also have other leaflets on things to see and do around the area and volunteers working there are very friendly.  

If you prefer just go on-line to their website and download what you need.

Tourist Information Hut in Felixstowe
Tourist Information Hut in Felixstowe
High street in Felixstowe
Pleasant High Street

Quieter End of Felixstowe Beach

Continuing along the Promenade you’ll come to Cobbled Point. Drop onto the shingle beach before picking up the concrete path. This is a quieter end of the beach and I love it!

Continue past more colourful beach huts as you reader along. Felixstowe Golf course is here. It’s one of the oldest courses in England, with the first club established in 1880!

Next you’ll pass by two Martello Towers. These round stone buildings were built over 200 years ago. They were put up as a defence against possible French invasion during the Napoleonic wars.

Soak in the view as you approach Old Felixstowe ferry – really memorable. Check out boats bobbing and across the river by the sandy shores of Bawdsey.

Beach huts and a pathway to the water.
Pathway to Old Felixstowe
Towers on coast of Felixstowe Suffolk.
Martello Tower

Old Felixstowe

It’s true! Old Felixstowe is small. It’s a collection of traditional houses around a green, and a boat yard. The Ferry Boat Inn pub serves pub food, does great chips and is dog friendly.

Cafe in Old Felixstowe
Cafe in Old Felixstowe

Right down on the quay side, children dangle nets off the pier hoping to catch a Felixstowe crab. Here you’ll find two cafes – both popular – serving food and drinks. Hop on the ferry across the River Deben to Bawdsey. It’s another of my favourite spots to enjoy the river.

Art displayed on a beach promenade.
Art on the Prom during festival
An estuary near Bawsdey Beach with rocks and shrubs on the banks.
Approaching Old Felixstowe with Bawdsey beach across the water

Many events go on in Felixstowe throughout the year so do check their tourist website for details. With art along the prom, street entertainment there will be something for everyone. Enjoy – it’s a fun place!

Crabbing off the pier in Felixstowe
Kids crabbing off the pier

Beyond Felixstowe

Explore more of Suffolk!

As well as beaches, there are many other parts of Suffolk to enjoy.  Extend  your visit and you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Some people come simply to escape city life and enjoy peaceful stays in tiny villages like Orford.  Others come to attend sporting events held at the famous racecourse in Newmarket. Music lovers  flock to the Latitude festival, near Southwold.  

River Deben Views
Views over the Deben

History enthusiast? Head to Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge.  Discover  the mounds where a burial ship of King Raedwald lay for over 600 years before it was unearthed.  This is an English National Trust property. Suffolk has many other NT locations to explore including the impressive Tudor Kentwell Hall.

Walkers flock to Dunwich (also National Trust) to learn about the village that was lost to the sea. Also its a beautiful ramble here through the heathland. 

There is the UFO trail to follow in Rendlesham Forest.  And of course, there’s the market town of Framlingham and the castle on the hill (also English Hertitage property), made famous by Ed Sheeran!

UFO Trail
UFO Trail
At Sutton Hoo Suffolk two women stand in front of a medieval boat replica.
Visiting Sutton Hoo

Walk the complete Suffolk coastline

In truth,  I’ve only touched on a few Suffolk spots and experiences.  The entire Suffolk Coastal route is over 60 miles. If you have time, it’s a fabulous experience walking the complete coastline. There’s a set path to follow which is well signposted.   Start at Landguard Fort and walk to Old Felixstowe.

Next  cross over on the ferry to Bawdsey and continue through the villages and towns like Aldeburgh and Southwold. Finally you  end up in Lowestoft.  I did this route over 5 days and it’s a brilliant way to enjoy Suffolk’s coastline. 

With all the walking, there’s no need to feel any guilt when stopping off at the local pubs and cafes on route. They serve wonderful home cooked meals, scones, ice-cream, wine or whatever whets your appetite!

Options for accommodation range from hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, camping and even shepherd’s huts

Woodbridge Tide Mill Waterfront
Woodbridge Waterfront

Wrap Up – Felixstowe Suffolk

We hope this post has inspired you to visit Suffolk and enjoy a fun-packed day in coastal Felixstowe. 

When you are in Suffolk and have more than a day, visit Woodbridge, close to the historic Sutton Hoo site and a town with great restaurants and riverside ambience.

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