Bawdsey Ferry - Image 1
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Bawdsey Ferry Suffolk

4.7
·7 reviews·, United Kingdom

A charming foot ferry connecting Felixstowe to Bawdsey Quay, offering scenic river crossings and coastal exploration.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, late morning

Catch the ferry buzz

CrowdMedium
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Bawdsey Ferry - Image 1

Bawdsey Ferry Suffolk

Best Time

Weekends, late morning

Catch the ferry buzz

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming foot ferry connecting Felixstowe to Bawdsey Quay, offering scenic river crossings and coastal exploration.

4.7
(7 reviews)

"A magical hop across the River Deben for a perfect family day out!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Cash for the Ferry

The ferryman prefers cash, so have change ready for a smooth crossing! :moneybag:

Family-Friendly Fun

Kids love the ferry ride and spotting seagulls. A magical hop for a family day out! :child:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 7 reviews

Type

Ferry Terminal

🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Scenic Ferry Crossing

The Scenic Ferry Crossing

River Deben

A quick, picturesque journey across the River Deben, offering lovely coastal views. A highlight for families and cyclists alike!

Bawdsey Quay Exploration

Bawdsey Quay Exploration

Bawdsey Quay

Discover local eateries, enjoy fresh seafood, and witness the unique seagull feeding frenzy. A delightful stop after your ferry ride.

Coastal Walks & History

Coastal Walks & History

Bawdsey Coastline

Explore remnants of war, Martello towers, and grand estates on scenic walks along the Suffolk coast.

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Ferry Fun & Family Adventures

The Bawdsey Ferry is a charming foot ferry connecting Felixstowe to Bawdsey Quay. It's a quick, scenic hop across the River Deben, perfect for families and cyclists. Remember to bring cash for the fare!

Timing Your Coastal Crossing

Check ferry operating times before you go, as they can vary seasonally. The crossing itself is brief, but factor in time to explore Bawdsey Quay and its surroundings. It's a popular route, so consider off-peak times for a more relaxed experience.

Best Times

When
Weekends, late morning
Why
Catch the ferry buzz
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more peace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

“All aboard the little ferry! 🚲⛴️ A perfect family day out at Felixstowe Ferry — big smiles, tiny boat, and a magical hop across the River Deben to Bawdsey Quay. 🌊✨”❤️ #suffolkdaysout #beachdays #countryliving #suffolk
suffolkrefurbs
16 likes • 334 views

Bring Cash for the Ferry

The ferryman prefers cash, so have change ready for a smooth crossing! :moneybag:

Family-Friendly Fun

Kids love the ferry ride and spotting seagulls. A magical hop for a family day out! :child:

Bawdsey Beach 🏖️ Taking the ferry across to Old Town Felixstowe was a regular weekend occurrence, over we went for a tasty fry up in the morning or a fish & chip lunch, & a spot of crabbing, bliss. So it felt pretty special taking my own family across last weekend 🥰 Full circle happiness, does anyone know the word (in any language) to describe the joy, pride, disbelief, and excitement of doing s...
nibblestipples
16 likes • 545 views
The last ferry back after a fantastic and exhausting day walking the coast of Suffolk at Bawdsey. From Felixstowe, cross by ferry and walk to East Lane - remnants of war, martello, block house, grand estates long gone, the encroaching sea, and autumn sun growing hazy as it lowers in the sky.
andrewsmith_art
53 likes • 356 views

Cyclists Welcome!

Bring your bike across for free! Perfect for exploring the Suffolk coast. :mountain_bicyclist:

Seagull Spectacle

Witness the dramatic seagull feeding frenzy at the quay. Fascinating, but stand clear! 🐦

What a superb day of cycling!! BSE to Felixstowe with some hints of @wolf_way_suffolk The ferry isn’t actually running yet but the ferry man took pity on us and gave us aloft across to Bawdsey anyway 🥹 Lots of fun and the usual antics along the way 🤣 a bit of hedge bothering from @lisa_smith_50 along with some cutlery juggling. 😂 A perfect Saturday 🚴🏼‍♀️🚴🏽🚴🏼‍♂️ #bikelife #suffolk #seaside #cy...
thecyclevault
29 likes • 683 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash for the Ferry

The ferryman prefers cash, so have change ready for a smooth crossing! :moneybag:

Family-Friendly Fun

Kids love the ferry ride and spotting seagulls. A magical hop for a family day out! :child:

Cyclists Welcome!

Bring your bike across for free! Perfect for exploring the Suffolk coast. :mountain_bicyclist:

Seagull Spectacle

Witness the dramatic seagull feeding frenzy at the quay. Fascinating, but stand clear! 🐦

Check Ferry Times

Operating hours can vary, so confirm before you travel. 🕐

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bawdsey Ferry for its charm and convenience as a foot ferry connecting Felixstowe and Bawdsey. The short, scenic crossing is a highlight for families and cyclists, with many appreciating the friendly service and affordability. While the ferry itself is brief, the surrounding quay offers pleasant dining and walking opportunities.

"The Ferry from Felixstowe to Bawdsey is one of four foot ferries along the Suffolk Coast and takes just a couple of minutes to cross. You can take a bicycle across, but .. and should be obvious from the photos .. no cars!

The local fisherman will sometimes dispose of a small amount of fish heads and tails here, which creates a seagull feeding frenzy. I was there for feeding time and quite happy I missed all the flying poop!"

Russell Reed

"Fella (Andrew?) who runs the ferry is sound. Seemed like fun for the family (I was just passing through on a bike ride). Bring change."

Stuart Lynn

"I loved Bawdsey what a great day out. Loved the ferry crossing."

Delyse Murphy

What People Like

Charming ferry experience
Family-friendly adventure
Cyclist convenience

What People Dislike

Ferry can be cash-only
Seasonal operating hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The primary way is via the Bawdsey Ferry, a foot ferry that operates between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey Quay. It's a short and scenic crossing across the River Deben. You can also drive to Bawdsey Quay, but the ferry is a unique experience. Instagram+1

No, the Bawdsey Ferry is a foot ferry, meaning it's for pedestrians and cyclists only. Cars cannot be taken across. Reddit

Parking is available at both Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey Quay, though it can get busy during peak times. It's advisable to arrive early if you're driving. Instagram

Ferry operating hours can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It's best to check their schedule in advance, especially if you're planning a specific trip. Instagram

The ferry crossing itself is very quick, typically only a couple of minutes to get from Felixstowe to Bawdsey. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The ferry fare is generally quite affordable. It's recommended to bring cash as the ferryman often prefers it. Prices can vary, so it's good to have some change on hand. Reddit

No, advance booking is typically not required for the Bawdsey Ferry. You can usually pay on board. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the ferry is generally considered good value for money, especially for families and cyclists. Instagram

If the ferry is not running due to weather or other operational reasons, you would need to find an alternative route, which might involve driving around. It's always wise to check conditions if the weather is poor. Instagram

Dogs are generally welcome on the Bawdsey Ferry, especially if they are well-behaved and kept under control. It's always a good idea to confirm with the ferry operator if you have any concerns. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Bawdsey Quay offers a few charming spots, including cafes like Winkles and The Ferry Boat Cafe for breakfast or lunch. You can also find local ales at The Ferry Boat Inn and fresh catches at James Hunt fisheries. It's also a great starting point for coastal walks. Instagram+1

Yes, there are several options right at Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey Quay. You can enjoy breakfast at Winkles or The Ferry Boat Cafe, or fish and chips. The Ferry Boat Inn also serves local ales. Instagram

Bawdsey is known for its birdlife, particularly the seagulls that gather at the quay. You might also spot other coastal birds. Reddit

Absolutely! The ferry ride is an adventure for kids, and Bawdsey Quay offers a relaxed atmosphere with places to eat and explore. It's a perfect spot for a family day out. Instagram+1

The area around Bawdsey Quay is ideal for coastal walks. You can explore the Suffolk coast, discover remnants of war, and enjoy scenic views. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the charming ferry in action, the scenic River Deben, and the bustling activity at Bawdsey Quay. The coastal landscapes offer beautiful backdrops, especially during sunrise or sunset. Instagram

The seagull feeding frenzy at Bawdsey Quay provides a dramatic and unique photographic subject. The historical remnants along the coast also offer interesting shots. Reddit

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for coastal photography. Midday can be good for capturing the lively atmosphere at the quay. Instagram

As long as you are respectful and not intrusive, taking photos of the ferryman and the ferry operation is generally acceptable. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the coastal scenery and the ferry. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, especially the seagulls. Reddit

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