Harwich Harbour Ferry

All those familiar with the East Coast’s busy waterways were stunned when, in 2020, the Harwich Harbour Ferry broke free from its moorings, partially sank and suffered significant damage as high winds battered Harwich. The cheery bright yellow vessel – once a lifeboat on board luxury cruise liner SS Canberra – was out of action for the remainder of the season, but thanks to the skills and support of the team at Suffolk Yacht Harbour, plus a public fundraising effort, the ferry made its comeback in 2021.

The ferry service here dates from 1912, when the Harwich-Felixstowe ferry was inaugurated by the GER, using the small launch Pinmill. She was an immediate success, and so a second service was initiated between Harwich and Shotley.

Today, the ferry runs throughout the summer, providing a frequent service for tourists at the meeting point of the rivers Stour and Orwell. The harbour area is popular with visitors who enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife around the harbour, as well as close-up views of the massive vessels alongside one of Europe's largest container terminals at Felixstowe, the towering passenger ferries arriving from Holland and Denmark, and the hundreds of yachts that sailing through the harbour to marinas and moorings upriver.

An online booking system operates via the Harwich Harbour Ferry website.