Felixstowe is arguably the closest and most accessible beach area for those traveling to Suffolk, due to the A12,A14 links.
Unlike Essex own Clacton on sea, it has no advice against bathing due to the water quality being excellent, latest water sample 2019.
It is also three distinct destinations in one, Felixstowe, old Felixstowe, and the ferry area.
Felixstowe offers the following:
*Long pathed coastal path for 🚶♂️ or cycling, scooters for the kids etc. *decent arcades with a good variety of games. *food on the pier, plenty fish n chips, regent well recommended. *whilst not the cheapest, a pint on the pier in the boardwalk restaurant is highly recommended. *small swell suitable for smaller kids and bathers, may not suit a boarder as much. *surprisingly beautiful public gardens *plenty of decent public toilet facilities *plenty of ice cream and sweet treat vendors, most offering Kelly's of Cornwall or similar quality for less than anywhere iv found in cornwall. *most venues accepting card or phone payment. *plenty of free parking, get there early though *mostly shale beach. *large kids play area bottom of the beach, small water feature to play in as well. *plenty of beach huts for rent.
Old Felixstowe:
*fully shale beach, ideal for windy days, consider bringing wetsuit booties. *large car park capacity right on the beach *picturesque area at the mouth of the river deben, much more tranquil than busy Felixstowe. *plenty of sailing boats, jet skiers, paddle boarders and wind surfers about in the summer. *very good access to toilet facilities, ice cream and snack vendors, however snacks are the the most you can really get here so bring lunch. *cash is better to bring here not card. *plenty of beach huts for rent.
Ferry boat area:
*short drive north through the golf course *Perfect crabbing location, all gear can be bought on site for roughly £5, *very popular local fish shop, used this myself many times, highly recommended 👌, ask nicely they may have bait for you for your crabbing session. *very nice cafes for fish n chips, a tad pricier than Felixstowe, but nice venues. *Country walks via coastal path. *parking is pricier here, may not want to stay here all day. *Harbour boat tours, kids love it and they were only a quid for each child with an adult so a bargain! *definitely bring...
Read moreFelixstowe Beach, located on the picturesque Suffolk coast, is a delightful destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and amenities. The expansive stretch of golden sand is ideal for sunbathing, beach games, and leisurely walks, while the gentle waves create a relaxing atmosphere.
The well-maintained promenade adds to the beach's charm, lined with cafes, ice cream shops, and vibrant beach huts. Visitors can enjoy delicious snacks or a refreshing coffee while taking in the stunning views. Felixstowe Pier enhances the experience with its amusement arcades and family-friendly entertainment options.
The beach is well-equipped with facilities, including clean restrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for swimming and water activities. Nearby parks and gardens, such as the Seafront Gardens, provide lovely spots for picnics and relaxation.
While the beach can get busy during peak seasons, arriving early can help secure a good spot. Overall, Felixstowe Beach is an excellent choice for a family outing or a romantic day by the sea, capturing the essence of a classic British seaside experience with its blend of tranquility and...
Read moreI used to live a short distance from Felixstowe, so have visited several times over the years. Being in the area again (August 2023) I decided to visit again to see what has been changed and improved.
The first thing I noticed is the new Ferris Wheel. It is a nice attraction to see and it makes Felixstowe look a better seaside resort. I decided not to have a go on the Ferris Wheel though as £6 per adult is a bit over priced in my opinion.
I also noticed the changes made to the Manning Amusement Park site, which is now half full of converted lorry containers being used as shops! A great idea that I have never seen elsewhere before. I do think the other half of the site is totally wasted though, with it's old unused empty shops around the edges and that ridiculous dance/entertainment pergola in the middle named The Shed!
Felixstowe has certainly improved slightly, however, I do think much more could be done. Having a few good sized gift shops to browse through would be a nice addition to the seafront. A few more quality attractions would be good too, maybe a model village, a SeaLife centre, or go...
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