Felixstowe is a much loved, traditional seaside resort in Suffolk and offers lovely sandy beaches and beautiful seafront gardens.
If you’re visiting Felixstowe, make sure to stop by at Felixstowe Sea Front Gardens, situated on cliffs between the town centre and beach. The gardens are Grade II listed and full of history and popular with locals and visitors. The beautiful gardens have given Felixstowe the title ‘The Garden Resort of East Anglia’.
These stunning gardens were planted over a hundred years ago and as a result, they have got popular over time, as it was known to improve health and relaxation. The natural springs along the cliffs, with the proximity to the beach made this site to be developed as a pleasure ground around a pump room for people to take the spa waters.
Felixstowe Sea Front Gardens go almost a kilometre along the promenade, with a significant amount of original planting still surviving. Why don’t you take a trip to the beach in Felixstowe and discover the eight gardens at Felixstowe Gardens? There are so many beautiful plants and flowers to admire, as well as discovering many historical features and structures. The gardens were awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award and Green Heritage accreditation in 2016, so don’t miss out on seeing the gardens!
Address
Next to Felixstowe Town Hall
Felixstowe
IP11 2AG
England
Contact details
01394 444576
www.visitfelixstowe.org.uk/places-to-go/the-seafront-gardens
2. Martello Park Felixstowe
While at Felixstowe, why not relax and have a picnic in Martello Park Felixstowe? Martello Park is a great place to relax and spend an hour or two. Why don’t you take a stroll down the beach and go to the park for a picnic? You might even see some wildlife at the park! It’s a wonderful place to visit with friends or to sit down on the grass and read a book.
The park is situated near the recently restored Martello Tower ‘P’, which was built as a defence against a possible invasion by the Napoleon’s forces. The Martello Towers in Felixstowe is one of four, which were built in 1805-1812 and can still be seen along Felixstowe’s coastline today. During the war, the tower was made into a station for the forerunners of today’s Coastguards and Revenue and Customs services.
There is so much to see and do in Felixstowe, whether you fancy a relaxing day out at the beach, discovering Felixstowe’s history or a day out at the Pier.
Address
Sea Road
Felixstowe
England
Contact details
01394 444576
www.visitfelixstowe.org.uk/places-to-go/martello-park
3. The Spa Pavillion
The Spa Pavillion provides amazing entertainment by the sea, such as music, concerts, musicals and pantomimes – there’s something for everyone! The iconic venue is in the heart of Felixstowe, full of history and originally opened as The New Floral Hall in 1909. The Spa Pavillion had a complete makeover and refurbishment in the 1930’s and reopened as a large theatre and music hall in 1939.
The theatre is now a popular place to go during the weekends and evenings, so why not go out in Felixstowe with friends or family? There are so many shows to choose from throughout the year.
There is so much to explore in Felixstowe, so why not go out for dinner in one of Felixstowe’s popular restaurants and go out for the evening at The Spa Pavillion?
Address
Undercliff Road West
Felixstowe
IP11 2DX
England
Contact details
01394 284962
www.spapavilion.uk
4. Landguard Bird Observatory
Landguard Bird Observatory is an independent organisation which runs by a registered charity, ‘Landguard Conservation Trust’. It relies on its members, friends and volunteers to run. Memberships are open to the public who are interested in wildlife and bird observatory and is situated in military buildings alongside the Local Nature Reserve at the southern end of the town of Felixstowe in Suffolk.
If you love wildlife and learning all about the animal’s habitats, then make sure to visit the Bird Observatory. There is so much to do and see in and around Felixstowe. Why not visit the beach in the morning, take a stroll along the coast and visit the Bird Observatory.
Make sure to visit the Landguard Bird Observatory and discover the recent sightings at the observatory!
Address
View Point Road
Felixstowe
IP11 3TW
England
Contact details
01394 673782
www.lbo.org.uk
www.lbobs.blogspot.co.uk
5. Port of Felixstowe
Port of Felixstowe is England’s busiest and best container port, which is one of the largest ports in Europe. It welcomes around 3,000 ships each year and provides some of the deepest water close to the open sea of any European port. Many shipping lines operate from Felixstowe, offering around 90 services to and from 400 ports around the world.
Why not take a visit to the Port of Felixstowe and watch the ships come in? There is so much history and information about the Port of Felixstowe.
Address
Port of Felixstowe Road
Felixstowe
England
www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk
Top 5 kid’s activities
There are many family attractions in and around Felixstowe. Take an educational visit to Felixstowe Museum, or relax and enjoy painting at Crafty Coffee!
1. Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo is a beautiful estate in the countryside, full of history and information. It is situated just outside Woodbridge and set within huge 255 acres of land and stunning reviews across the River Deben. It is also home to some of the most amazing archaeological discoveries in modern history.
It makes a great day out with the family, so why not take the kids one weekend or during the holidays? Discover some of the oldest stories, such as the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasures. You can even take a tour around the royal Anglo-Saxon burial mounds, with a ‘Gruesome Grave’ guide!
There are so many fun and family friendly tours to go on at Sutton Hoo – you can even play dress up like an Anglo Saxon! There is so much to explore and discover at Sutton Hoo and makes a great educational day out with the kids.
Why not go on a beautiful walk around the grounds? Explore further with the free tracker packs or summer activity trails.
Opening hours
10:30 - 17:00
Varies seasonally so use the link to check.
Pricing
Adult: £8.20
Child: £4.10
Family: £20.50
Address
Tranmer House
Sutton Hoo
Woodbridge
Suffolk
IP12 3DJ
England
Contact details
01394 389700
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo
2. Crafty Coffee
Crafty Coffee is a place to paint, create and relax. It is perfect for kids, where they can express their creative side!
Kids get to choose from a range of pottery, from animals and fairies to mugs. Painted pottery make great gifts, baby handprints and create special memories.
Why not visit with the family during the weekend? Sit back and relax with fresh coffee and cakes, while painting any pottery you fancy! Crafty Coffee also cater for large groups and birthday parties.
Opening hours
Term Time: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 - 17:30, Saturday 10:00 - 18:00, Sunday 11:00 - 16:00
School Holidays: Monday to Friday 10:00 - 17:30, Saturday 10:00 - 18:00, Sunday and Bank Holidays 11:00 - 16:00
Pricing
There is a £3.00 studio fee, then pay for what you paint & create!
Address
1B Hamilton Road
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 7AX
England
Contact details
01394 270224
www.craftycoffee.info
3. Felixstowe Museum
Felixstowe Museum has so much military history to offer and is situated on the peaceful coast of Suffolk.
You will discover all about the battles from the time of Henry VIII through to the 1950s on air, sea and land. There are some amazing models of ships, tanks and aircrafts at the museum, so don’t miss out!
There is also an Archaeology section, which children will love as they will get to see a huge mammoth tooth and examine a range of jewellery, coins and more! If kids want to find out what life was like in the Edwardian and Victorian times in Felixstowe, there’s an amazing collection of items such as toys, medicine, fashion and more to discover! Don’t forget to check out the General Store, to see a collection of household items and what they use to cost many years ago.
There are many exhibitions that take place, so make sure to check what’s on before you visit.
Opening hours
Easter to June Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays
12:00 - 17:00
June, July, September Sunday, Bank Holiday Mondays, Wednesdays
21:00 -17:00
Pricing
Adults: £2.00
Kids (5-16): 50p
Under 5's: Free
Address
Viewpoint Road
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 3TW
England
Contact details
01394 674355
www.felixstowemuseum.org
4. Naze Tower
Naze Tower is the only tower of its kind in existence. The tower’s unique octagonal shape was built many years ago and has had many uses over time.
There are quite a few stairs to climb, but it’s worth it once you reach the top and discover the beautiful panoramic views of Felixstowe. Most of the floors in the tower have an art gallery in and also displays exhibitions annually for visitors.
Why not take the kids out for an adventure up the tower? There is so much to see and learn and makes a different day out with the kids.
Opening hours
25th March – 31st October: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Pricing
Adult: £3.00 Seniors and students: £2.50 Child (4 to 15): £2.00 Family ticket (2 adults and up to 4 children): £6.00 Under 4s get in free.
Address
The Naze
Old Hall Lane
Walton-on-the-Naze
Essex
CO14 8LE
England
Contact details
01255 852519
www.nazetower.co.uk/naze
5. Harwich Harbour Ferry
Harwich Harbour Ferry makes a great day out with the kids! Harbour Tours are a great way to embrace the fresh air and scenery around you. Why not go on the Harbour Ferry or go on one of their River Cruises? It’s a great way to discover the scenic views of Harwich.
There are also foot and bicycle ferry services available. Why not hire out a private boat for a special occasion? Kids will love a ride out to sea, so why not take them one weekend or during the school holidays?
There’s so much to discover and adventure in Felixstowe, so why not take the kids?
Opening hours
April, May and October: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
June, July, August and September: Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 (Friday and Saturday 18:00 - 22:00)
November - December: Saturday to Sunday and School Holidays 11:00 - 16:00
Pricing
Adults: Shotley to Harwich £3.50, Harwich to Felixstowe £4.50
Kids (under 16's): Shotley to Harwich £2.00, Harwich to Felixstowe £3.00
30 minute Harbour tour: Adults £9.00, Kids £6.00
100 minute River cruises: Adults £16.00, Kids £11.00
Address
The Quay
Harwich
Essex
CO12 3HH
England
Contact details
01728666329
www.harwichharbourferry.com
Top 5 restaurants in Felixstowe
A trip to the seaside without fish and chips isn't complete, so make sure to stop at one of these wonderful restaurants in Felixstowe.
1. Fish Dish Fish and Chips Restaurant
www.myfishdish.co.uk
01394 670202
69-71 Undercliff Road West
Felixstowe
IP11 2AD
2. The Regal Fish Bar and Restaurant
www.theregalrestaurant.com
01394 273977
Sea Road
The Regal Complex
Felixstowe
IP11 2DH
3. Cafe Bencotto
www.yeogroup.co.uk
01394 276745
128 Hamilton Road
Town Centre
Felixstowe
IP11 7AB
England
4. Hachette Bistro
ww.hachette-bistro.co.uk
01394 547257
129 Undercliff Road
Felixstowe
IP11 2AQ
5. Blue Naan
www.bluenaan.co.uk
01394 671779
7 Hamilton Road
Felixstowe
IP11 7AX
England