Ha'penny Pier

Work began on this pier in 1852 and it was opened in July 1853. It was so called because of the ½d toll charged (like a platform ticket). Originally the pier was twice as long as the present one but one half burnt down in 1927.

It was a popular departure point for paddle steamers until after the First World War.

The Pier Ticket Office is charming, typical example of late 19th century architecture. It previously had two storeys, but was without the bell cage. The ticket office now houses the Ha'penny Pier Visitor Centre (an information office for Old Harwich run by the Harwich Society). The Visitor Centre is open daily from May 1st until September 30th. It also houses the 'Christopher Jones and the Mayflower' exhibition which has free admission.

Free guided tours of Old Harwich start from the Ha'penny Pier Visitor Centre during the summer season every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon at 1400 hours.

The area of water enclosed by the arm of the pier is known as the Pound. Berthed here is the remnant of the once great 19th century fishing fleet.

The pier also accommodates the lifeboat house for the RNLI inshore rescue boat, which is an Atlantic 21, B571 'British Diver II'. This boat has been on station since 31st October 1987.

Harwich Quay is a great favourite as an observation point for visitors to obtain a close-up view of the many vessels moving in and through the estuary. These vessels range in size from canoes and yachts to the vast container ships, which can be seen using the port of Felixstowe on the opposite side of the harbour. The new superferry, the Stena line 'HSS Discovery', which can carry 1500 passengers and 375 cars, can be seen on its daily run to the Hook of Holland.