Discover hidden gems of Harwich on a guided walking tour

Built 1911, one of the oldest unaltered purpose-built cinemas in Britain. Previously a furniture storehouse stood on this site which burnt down in 1910. In the early days of cinematography shows were given in booths and various existing halls but after a number of tragic fires, Parliament passed the Cinematography Act 1909 which specified structural fire precautions. The Electric Palace was therefore one of the earliest purpose made cinemas in the country.

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. It was a popular departure point for paddle steamers until after the First World War. The Pier Ticket Office is charming, typical example of late 19th century architecture. It previously had two storeys, but was without the bell cage. The ticket office now houses the Ha’penny Pier Visitor Centre (an information office for Old Harwich run by the Harwich Society). The Visitor Centre is open daily from May 1st until the 2nd weekend in September. It also houses the ‘Harwich and the New World’ exhibition which has free admission and gives information on links with early voyages of exploration including Jamestown and Christopher Newport and the Mayflower and Christopher Jones.

Constructed in 1853 it was a popular departure point for paddle steamers until the First World War. The name of the pier originates from the ½d (half an old penny) toll that was charged. Today, the charming and typically 19th century ticket office is home to the local historical society. The Visitor Centre is open daily from 1 May to 30 September and free guided tours of Old Harwich run every Wednesday and Saturday in the summer at 2pm. The pier also has a cafe, free moorings for visiting yachtsmen, and provides the best vantage point to see ships coming in and out of the Haven.

Harwich is a town in Essex, England, and one of the Haven ports, located on the coast with the North Sea to the east. It is in the Tendring district. Nearby places include Felixstowe to the northeast, Ipswich to the northwest, Colchester to the southwest, and Clacton-on-Sea to the south. It is the northernmost coastal town within Essex. Its position on the estuaries of the Stour and Orwell rivers and its usefulness to mariners as the only safe anchorage between the Thames and the Humber led to a long period of maritime significance, both civil and military. The town became a naval base in 1657 and was heavily fortified, with Harwich Redoubt, Beacon Hill Battery, and Bath Side Battery. Harwich is the likely launch point of the Mayflower which carried English Puritans to North America and is the presumed birthplace of Mayflower Captain Christopher Jones. Harwich today is contiguous with Dovercourt and the two, along with Parkeston, are often referred to collectively as Harwich.

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.

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.

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 harbor. Withdrawn from service in 1862 and now houses a museum of local interest.

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.

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.

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 defense 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).