This Edwardian seaside town is situated on the East Coast, with a lively town centre and a beautiful beach. With colourful architecture and a bustling promenade, this town has a quintessential English charm perfect for a staycation.
The long sandy beach makes Felixstowe the perfect location for those wanting a place to soak in the sun. Pack a bucket and spade for the kids and once the sea has warmed up, have a paddle. There are lots of coffee shops along the beachfront, including the Cliff Top Café which has stunning panoramic views of the coast as well as The Boardwalk Café Bar which also serves grill meals.
The town centre is chock full of familiar chain stores and independent shops, ideal for some retail therapy. There is guaranteed to be the perfect place for visitors to find a fun souvenir to remember the trip by. Along the high street are also a great selection of eateries, serving cuisine from all over the world, including traditional fish and chip shops.
Take a longer walk north of the centre to Felixstowe Ferry, at the mouth of the River Deben. Here, sit and take in the bustling maritime life or even travel the river yourself on a boat trip. Bawdsey Beach, on the other side of the river, is a picturesque sandy beach which has great views of Felixstowe and the coast.
Along the seafront there are lots of seaside amusements which the whole family can enjoy. Mannings Amusements is home to classic arcade games and slot machines and Ocean Boulevard Fun Park has outdoor entertainment including bumper cars and water rides. South of the beach is Landguard Fort, which guests can take a tour of and learn about the exciting military history of the area.
The Spa Pavilion hosts an incredible variety of shows, including family-friendly entertainment. The beautiful Sea Gardens is situated next door and there is lots of plant life to discover here as well as picture-perfect sea views.
Just under an hour’s drive from Felixstowe is The Pavilion Fun Park, a pirate-themed park with rides for all ages. There are plenty of rollercoasters, high ropes adventures, water rides and adventure golf courses to keep the children entertained. For a more sedate outing, visit the naturally beautiful Suffolk Coast and Heaths, where children can explore the vast woodlands. There are also opportunities to hire water-sports equipment for those wanting to try something new.
The bigger town of Colchester is a 45-minute drive away and this historic spot has plenty on offer for an all-day outing. Explore the 12th Century Castle in town, where there are interactive exhibits to learn about its heritage. Have lunch with a view of the castle in the park just outside. Or, visit one of the many cafes in town for a freshly-made meal.
For active travellers, traverse the challenging yet rewarding National Trust route around Stour Valley and Dedham Vale, where there are unforgettable countryside views. Along the way, visit Flatford Mill, home to the farmer Willy Lott which appeared in several paintings by John Constable.
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