CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS
A Warm welcome awaits visitors to Harwich and Dovercourt in 2021, we celebrate the sailing of the Mayflower to the new world in 1620 (Mayflower 400). Many of the local historic sites will be open for your visit. Harwich Society members will be available to enhance your viewing and understanding of our maritime heritage.
HISTORIC SITES
The following will normally be open from 09.30 to until 13.00.
100 steps to the top and view
Built in 1818 to replace a light over the Town Gate. This and the Low Lighthouse were used in transit to aid navigation into the harbour. Withdrawn from service in 1862 and now houses a museum of local interest.
- (£1.00 or 1 Euro entry)
Low Light Maritime Museum (1818)
- The brick lighthouses in Harwich were built in 1818 under the supervision of John Rennie Senior to replace earlier wooden ones. They belonged to General Rebow who became very rich by charging 1d per ton light duties on all cargoes coming into the port. It now houses an impressive maritime museum.
- (£1.00 or 1 Euro entry)
Built in 1667 on the site of the Naval Yard, now Navyard. It was moved to its present site on Harwich Green in about 1932. It stands on a slight eminence where once stood Queen’s Mount Battery for the defence of Harwich.
The crane was worked by men walking in the interior of the wheels (as opposed to jail treadmills where the operators walked on the outer surface).
- The Guildhall was rebuilt in Georgian times (1769) and is a Grade I listed building. Originally the site of an inn named ‘The Bear’ it was purchased by the council in 1673. It remains the meeting place and administrative home for Harwich Town Council. The interior contains a fine panelled court room (where the council meets) and a gaol where French sailors have left graffiti sketches of their ships.
- Stair lift access available.
- Redoubt Fort was built in 1808 to defend the harbour against the threatened invasion of Napoleonic forces. It mounted ten 24-pounders and housed a regiment of soldiers with sufficient food and stores to with stay a lengthy siege. Fortunately it was never called upon to demonstrate its powers.
- Stair lift access available.
- Open 10.00 to 16.00 Entry £3.00 or 3 Euro entry
Ha’penny Pier Visitors Centre and Discovering the New World Exhibition
- Work began on this pier in 1852 and it was opened on the 2nd of 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. Inside is an exhibition on Harwich and The New World, featuring Christopher Newport and Jamestown 1607 and Christopher Jones and the Mayflower 1620.
- Open 09.00 to 17.00
A church has stood on this site since 1177 when the Chappele of Herewyche was founded by Roger Bigod, first Earl of Norfolk, and given together with the Church of Dovercourt to the Monks of Abendon at Colne (Earls Colne).
The crusaders rested here following the Banner of the Cross across Europe to the Holy Land. Kings, Queens and Princes have worshipped here on their way to and from the Continent. Opening hours vary.
Lightship LV 18
GUIDED WALKS
Harwich Society members will be ready to guide you round the town, explaining some of the history on your approximately 1 hour 15 minute gentle walk. These start from near the Highlight, 2 minutes walk from Harwich Town Railway Station (junction of West Street and Main Road), at 10.00 and 11.00. The guides give their time freely but a donation to the Harwich Society will be very welcome.
SELF GUIDED WALKS
follow the Maritime Trail with the informative leaflet in several languages available from the open sites, Visitors Centre and the Harwich Society website
GETTING TO HARWICH and DOVERCOURT
Trains – Harwich Town railway station is two stops (5 minutes) from the Cruise Ship Terminal departing:
Monday to Saturday: – hourly at +17, i.e. 09.17, 10.17 …… (return hourly at +28)
Sundays: hourly – hourly at +43, i.e. 08.43, 09.43 ……… (return hourly at +54
Cost – the return fare is about £3.00. Pay in the train (credit cards accepted).
Trains stop at Dovercourt for Dovercourt Bay beaches and High Street shops before Harwich Town.
Taxi – these will take you from the Port to Ha’penny Pier or the Highlight tower.
Walk – Maps are available at the Cruise Ship Terminal showing the walking routes to Dovercourt Bay (2.75 km, 40 minutes) and Harwich (a further 2km, 25 minutes).
PLANNING YOUR DAY
– spend the morning exploring the historic streets and sites of the Harwich old town.
– enjoy a sandwich or lunch at one of town’s cafes or public houses. Or enjoy traditional fish and ships while watching the boats from Ha’penny Pier or the river-side seats next to The Green, near the Highlight.
– in the afternoon, visit the Napoleonic Harwich Redoubt (open all day)
– stroll along the promenade to the beaches of Dovercourt Bay and local shops in Dovercourt’s High Street (cafes, internet, library, newsagents, bakers, chemists and opticians).
– trains back to your cruise ship depart Dovercourt Railway Station:
Monday to Saturdays – hourly at +53, i.e. 14.30, 15.30 (return at + 53)
INFORMATION ON THE DAY
Harwich Society members will be available for maps, guide leaflets and directions (these are all free) at the:
- Cruise Terminal Information Desk (open in the morning)
- Visitors Centre at Ha’penny Pier on Harwich Quay.
- The information desk near the Highlight tower (weather permitting)
- Some of the open buildings.
SPECIAL EVENTS coinciding with CRUISE SHIP VISITS:
Further information