Harwich
Things to do in Harwich, Essex
Photo © Graham Ford, Google Maps
Harwich is a working port town with a seafaring character. The waterfront is the draw here: Harbour Ferry Boat Rides (rated 5.0) offer trips out onto the water, and there is seal watching available. Dovercourt Bay Beach, rated 3.9 from over 1,200 reviews, sits nearby and gives the town a seaside element alongside its maritime function. This is the sort of place where visitors come for the sea and the boats rather than for countryside or cultural attractions.
There are seven hotels and guesthouses scattered through the town, ranging from budget chains like Premier Inn to independent places like The Goodlife Guesthouse. The Alma Inn and Dining Rooms scores highest in reviews (4.6 from over 1,300), which suggests it has built a solid reputation. Harwich works best as a base for a few nights rather than a lengthy stay—somewhere to sleep, eat, get out on the water or walk the beach, and move on.
Where to stay in Harwich(7)
All hotels in Harwich →
Alma Inn and Dining Rooms
25 Kings Head Street, Harwich
Fryatt Hotel & Bar
65 Garland Road, Harwich
Premier Inn Harwich
Parkestone Road, Harwich
Shakers Inn
West Street, Harwich
The Bottle Kiln Wetherspoon
60 Kingsway Dovercourt, Harwich
The Goodlife Guesthouse
162 High Street, Harwich
The Tower Hotel
Main Road, Harwich
Things to Do in Harwich(3)
All attractions in Harwich →
Where to Eat in Harwich(7)
All restaurants in Harwich →About eating out in Harwich
For eating, the town has a straightforward mix. Chain options include Starbucks and KFC; Ye Olde Cherry Tree (rated 4.5) and Family Pizza House (rated 4.1) offer something more local. The White Coffee House Japanese (rated 4.7) and The White Coffee House Japanese stand out for higher ratings, suggesting there is decent food to be found if you look beyond the obvious. Many of the places to stay also serve food—The Bottle Kiln Wetherspoon, Alma Inn and Dining Rooms (rated 4.6), and Shakers Inn (rated 4.5) all combine accommodation with their own eating and drinking spaces.
Attractions Near Harwich
All attractions in Harwich →Worth the trip — within 50 miles of Harwich.
2 mi
Felixstowe Museum
Felixstowe · ⭐ 4.7
2 mi
Funtasia Felixstowe
Felixstowe · ⭐ 3.7
Wild Raspberry Ceramic Cafe
Chelmondiston · ⭐ 3.4
5 mi
Naze Tower
Walton-on-the-Naze · ⭐ 4.6
5 mi
Naze Visitor Centre
Walton-on-the-Naze · ⭐ 4.6
6 mi
Walton On The Naze Beach
Walton-on-the-Naze · ⭐ 4.5
6 mi
Walton Pier
Walton-on-the-Naze · ⭐ 3.9
Alton Aqua Park
Ipswich · ⭐ 4.3
Camping in Harwich
All campsites in Harwich →
Self-Catering Cottages in Harwich
All cottages in Harwich →House of Light
3 bed · sleeps 8 · from £627
Fronks House
4 bed · sleeps 9
Quayside Apartment
2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £547
Admiralty Lodge
3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £831
Swift Johnson
2 bed · sleeps 6 · from £591
The Lobster Pot
2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £453
Cherry Cottage
2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £373
Serene Sands
3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £807
Common questions about Harwich
Where can I stay in Harwich?
We list 7 hotels, B&Bs and guest houses in and around Harwich.
What is there to do in Harwich?
We list 3 attractions and things to do in and around Harwich.
Where can I eat in Harwich?
We list 7 restaurants, pubs and cafes in and around Harwich.
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