Harwich & Dovercourt - Essex
Visit Harwich - hometown to Christopher Jones, Captain of the Mayflower
Harwich is not just any port. Not only is it the UK's second busiest passenger ferry port, its harbour, which is the largest between the Humber, in the north of England, and London, was created by a storm surge in the 1100s, a quirk of fate that gave rise to the area’s long and fascinating seafaring history.
This traditional historic maritime town has a fascinating history. The attractive old town was built on a grid pattern, in the 13th Century, by the Earl of Norfolk, to exploit its strategic position at the mouth of the Stour/Orwell estuary. The famous seafarers Hawkins, Drake and Frobisher all sailed from Harwich during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I on various expeditions.
Harwich is probably best known for being the home of Christopher Jones, Captain of the Mayflower, who in 1620 took the first pilgrims to America. An enjoyable way to discover Historic Harwich is to follow its Maritime Heritage Trail and imagine yourself in the days of famed diarist Samuel Pepys, who was actually MP for the town. Start your walk at the Low Lighthouse Maritime Museum built in 1818 and Lifeboat Museum, where you can get aboard a lifeboat and ending at the Barge Murals which overlook the site where Thames Sailing Barges were built up to 1930. A special gem is the Treadwheel Crane, built in 1667, a kind of colossal hamster wheel based on a Roman design. The crane was worked by men walking in the interior of two large wheels to raise and lower goods and materials. As far as is known Harwich has the only British example.
On route down the quaint streets there is the chance to take in gems such as the Electric Palace Cinema, built in 1911 and now the oldest unaltered purpose built cinema in Britain (which has local actor Clive Owen as its patron). Also St Nicholas Church which was rebuilt in 1821, and The Redoubt Fort which was built in 1808 as a large circular fort to protect the harbour from a Napoleonic invasion. These are just a few of the outstanding treasures the trail has to offer. Also visit the old Radar Tower, at Beacon Hill Fort, which was the first radar installation of the second world war, and can be opened on request to the Harwich Visitor Centre.
Alternatively, join one of the local guided summer tours organised by the Harwich Society or visit the Harwich Museum housing displays that tell the history of Harwich from way back to present day. This volunteeer led museum is open 7 days a week.
Dovercourt
Dovercourt Beach, adjacent to Harwich, is one of the best in Essex. It's a peaceful family resort with gentle shelving sand and shingle beaches. Awarded Blue-Flag status and possesses two beautiful, cast iron lighthouses.
Home to the site where Maplins the fictional Holiday Camp used in the Television Series Hi-De-Hi was filmed
Colchester A12 Hotel
Room Only / B&B / HB
Location :
Colchester Essex
Hotel
Colchester (A12) Hotel. Less than 15 minutes from Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle, the largest Norman keep in Europe
Whether you're watching wildlife or enjoying the wild life,
1 Bedroom
Sleeps 1 - 2 Guests
Property Code ESSCAR0022
Colchester Cowdray A133
Room Only / B&B / HB
Location :
Colchester Essex
Hotel
Colchester (A133) Cowdray Avenue Hotel. Discover Roman temples and landscapes beloved by John Constable right on your doorstep
Whether you're a townie or a towie fan, there's plenty to see and do at the Hotel Colchester Cowdray Avenue (A133).
1 Bedroom
Sleeps 1 - 2 Guests
Property Code
ESSCOT0023
Colcester City Centre
Room Only / B&B / HB
Location :
Colchester Essex
Hotel
Colchester Town Centre Hotel nr Castle. At the heart of this historic Essex town, close to the castle, local shops and bars
You’ll have all the best attractions in Essex right on your doorstep when you stay at the Colchester Town Centre (Castle) hotel.
1 Bedroom
Sleeps 1 - 2 Guests
Property Code ESSHOT002
North Colchester Rd Hotel
Room Only / B&B / HB
Location :
Colchester Essex
Hotel
Enjoy great-value family holidays in Clacton at the Clacton-on-Sea (North/Colchester Road) Hotel.
Located just a five-minute drive from Weeley train station, the hotel in Clacton is just a 15-minute drive away from Clacton Pier
1 Bedroom
Sleeps 1 - 2 Guests
Property Code ESSHOT002
