Fishermans Hall
Bed and Breakfast
The Ferry, Felixstowe,
Suffolk IP11 9RZ
Tel:01394 670909; Mob:07913 214596; E-Mail: brianblamp@aol.com
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About the Area
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Felixstowe ferry is a delightful hamlet surrounded by open countryside, river and sea. It is situated at the mouth of the River Deben at the ferry crossing point to Bawdsey and separated from Old Felixstowe by the Felixstowe Golf Course. It is an ancient site that grew up on the slightly raised shifting mud flats and shingle as a small fishing community and ferry point. Historically, it has always been at the mercy of wind, sea and tidal river, but somehow has survived the elements and continues to thrive.
For a 360 degree panoramic viewing of the hamlet by the River go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/suffolk/content/panoramas/felixstowe_ferry_360.shtml
The village contains two excellent old pubs, a traditional fish and chip cafe, the Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club, a Boatyard and one out of this world Bed and Breakfast - the best and only place to stay this side of Felixstowe! The Ferry Boat fish and chip cafe is to be found by the boatyard which offers a launching hard for all manner of boats and Jet-Skis. A small jetty by the hard provides a popular family crabbing spot. Between April and October, this is also the place from where the Foot Ferry traverses the River Deben to Bawdsey, responding to demand and not running to a timetable. Fresh locally caught fish can also be bought from two different stalls; one close to the jetty, the other to be found a little way inside the boatyard.
For details of the Felixstowe Ferry,Bawdsey, and the Landguard, Harwich, Shotley Foot Ferries go to http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/suffolk.html
Fishing, Sailing and Water Sports
Beach and sea fishing, sailing and all kinds of water sports are popular on the Deben and immediate sea coast. The Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club (http://ffsc.co.uk) is an obvious magnet for leisure and competition sailing. Water and Jet-Skiing and canoeing are also very popular. For further details contact the East the Suffolk Water Ski Club through their web site at http://www.eswsc.co.uk
For walkers and cyclists, opportunities are endless, not least along the sea and river walls. It is possible and exhilarating to stroll all the way into Felixstowe and beyond to Landguard point if you have the stamina, with only a minor diversion from the sea wall around Cobbold Point. Similarly, for the more energetic walkers or cyclists, there is a path alongside the beautiful River Deben all the way through to Woodbridge via Waldringfield, although river bank erosion now necessitates deviating along some minor roads between Waldringfield and Martlesham creek For hardened hikers, the Ferry is on the Suffolk Coast and Heaths long distance Path, and for the less ambitious, there are numerous possibilities from the Ferry varying in length and severity between Felixstowe and Woodbridge. See also http://www.ramblers.org.uk/info/paths/suffolkcoastandheaths.html or http://www.walkinginsuffolk.co.uk/
The designated Route 1 Suffolk Cycle Way also passes through the Ferry on its way across the River Deben. Between April and October, trippers, walkers and cyclists may cross over to Bawdsey on the foot ferry. This opens up the mouth watering expanse of the Suffolk Heritage Coast right the way up to Southwold and beyond. Cyclists or long distance walkers might take in Rendlesham Forest, Snape, Orford, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, Dunwich and Walberswick on the way, to name just some of the riches to be discovered in this magnificent part of Suffolk. For further information see http://www.visit-suffolkcoast.co.uk/cycling.php or http://www.cyclebreaks.com/aboutsuffolk.htm
Swimming anywhere near the fast and dangerous River Deben estuary is to be avoided at all times. Just a little way along the sea wall going towards Felixstowe, past the line of huge rocks recently laid down to bolster the sea defenses, swimming is possible however right the way up as far as Felixstowe and beyond, depending of course on weather and sea conditions. An indoor pool is also available at Felixstowe Leisure Centre. For further information, try http://www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourfreetime/leisure/
One of the oldest in Britain, the well known Felixstowe Golf Club is to be found virtually on our back door step with the Club House located about a quarter of a mile back up the road towards Felixstowe (see http://felixstowegolf.co.uk) Parties of up to six golfers can be accommodated and would be very welcome.
A very popular local sport, excellent outdoor facilities are available at the Felixstowe and Suffolk Bowling Club (for further information go to http://web.onetel.com/~fsbc/) and indoor at the Felixstowe Leisure Centre on the sea front (see above for web site)
The well established Felixstowe Lawn Tennis Club is well appointed with good facilities and welcoming of visitors. A prestigious tournament is held every August and visitors or players would be very welcome. For more information see http://felixstowetennis.co.uk.
The coast, river valleys and heathlands from the Orwell through to Mimsmere and beyond are widely recognized and celebrated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is littered with nature reserves and remote unspoilt fresh and salt water wetlands. Bird and animal watchers can enjoy a rich and outstanding variety of wildlife throughout the region. For further information refer to http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/reserves/suffolk.asp or http://www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/
Two Martello Towers, built all the way round the South-East coast to counter the threat of an invasion by Napoleon, dominate the coastline at The Ferry. One decaying in splendid isolation on the Golf Course, the other magnificently preserved and converted into a domestic home on the sea wall just beyond the Victoria pub.
Just beyond Felixstowe at the farthest point South-west on the coast from The Ferry, and guarding the entrance to the Rivers Orwell and Stour, stands Landguard Fort. Facing across the magnificent Orwell estuary to Harwich and guarding the passage of river traffic inland as far as Ipswich and Manningtree this has been a defensive site since the Viking raids on Saxon settlements all along this coast. The current Fort is largely Victorian in origin, although remains dating from both World Wars are unusually intact and evocative. (For further information see http://www.landguard.com/)
Picture showing World War 2 viewing towers at Landguard Fort juxtaposed to the modern Felixstowe Container Port
Sutton Hoo just across the River Deben from Woodbridge is an internationally renown site for Saxon remains and would be a must on anyone's itinerary in this region. (See http://www.suttonhoo.org/ )
Woodbridge itself has many interesting historical features deserving of a trail, but the old Tide Mill by the boatyards and river front is especially popular. ( See http://visitwoodbridge.co.uk/suttonhoo.htm )
Further afield, Orford ( http://www.castles-abbeys.co.uk/Orford-Castle.html ) and Framlingham Castles (http://www.castles-abbeys.co.uk/Framlingham-Castle.html) are magnificent medieval specimens and well worthy of a visit.
Felixstowe town center is about one and a half miles back up the road from the Ferry. A pleasant variety of shops can be found here including a surprising number of well known High Street stores. The town is well endowed with coffee houses, cafes, restaurants, pubs and wine bars. On the sea front, the Alex is a very lively and popular modern establishment where people are happy to sit and chat in the warmth inside or out.
Felixstowe still boasts a quaint local cinema, although half of the original has been converted into a Bingo Hall. Regular live rock music can be found at Corks and Splitz on the sea front and at the Falcon on Walton High Street. Exercise junkies might try the Leisure Centre and indoor swimming pool by the pier on the sea front. (For a more comprehensive guide to Felixstowe, go to http://www.norfolkcoast.co.uk/location_suffolk/vp_felixstowe.htm or http://www.britinfo.net/index_Felixstowe.htm )
The nearest large town with all the trappings of modern city and night life is Ipswich. This may be reached effortlessly by rail from Felixstowe or by car down the A14, a fast modern dual carriageway. (For detailed information on Ipswich, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipswich )
Woodbridge, slightly smaller than Felixstowe is also worth a visit, giving visitors a taste of a more typical small Suffolk town. (See http://www.visit-woodbridge.co.uk/ for more.)
If you've got this far, you must be exhausted. Come and stay with us for a speedy recovery!
Stay, Relax, Enjoy
Where Are We? Facilities Tariff and Booking Terms and Conditions