Cars etc
Please! Do not drink and drive!
Roads into Historic Harwich are the A120 (connects with the A12 North-East of Colchester) and B1414 (from Clacton). Follow both roads to Historic (Old) Harwich. When you finally reach water you’ve arrived!
If you have a designated (non-drinking or teetotal) driver then there is limited street parking, quayside parking (not cheap) plus one other public car park in Historic Harwich (Wellington Road). Further street parking is available towards Dovercourt but please be courteous to residents.
Trains
Greater Anglia is the only train operator locally and all trains connect with mainline services at Manningtree (London Liverpool St, Stratford, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich & Norwich). The Harwich branch line is known as the Mayflower line, has great views over the Stour estuary and is only 21 minutes end-to-end.
There are currently no weekend engineering works anywhere in Essex, Suffolk or Norfolk likely to impact travel to Harwich for the 2024 Ale Trail 2-6 May 2024 (but please be aware of industrial action on Tuesday 7th May).
Finally, please check with Greater Anglia or National Rail if you need clarification or in case of last minute changes.
Buses
There are several bus services from out of town. All serve Dovercourt Town Centre and Harwich Train Station.
The 102/104 are First Essex services from Colchester, calling at Ardleigh, Lawford Manningtree, Mistley and Bradfield on the way. The 102 & 104 both serve Wix & Little / Great Oakley. Please use Travel Info – other travel information services are available >> First Essex 102/104 timetable <<
Hedingham Buses operate the no. 3 service between Harwich and Clacton. This is mostly hourly on weekdays and two hourly the rest of the time. The last bus towards Clacton is 1835. There isn’t a Sunday service. Please check the timetable and their social media pages before using this bus.
Ferries
The Harwich Harbour Foot Ferry operates a small vessel between Harwich, Shotley & Felixstowe. It is strongly advisable to prebook. Please note services are weather and season dependent.
Stena Line operate twice daily services between Harwich International (Parkeston Quay) and Hoek Van Holland
Statement
All information was believed correct at the time of publication but may have changed. The above information was updated on 1st May 2024.
Please check with the appropriate operator or travel information website before travelling.