Ha'penny Pier Harwich
A charming pier offering scenic ship-watching, convenient mooring, and a taste of local life with nearby pubs and amenities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Attractions are open
Ha'penny Pier Harwich
Best Time
Attractions are open

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming pier offering scenic ship-watching, convenient mooring, and a taste of local life with nearby pubs and amenities.
"Super place to sit and watch the world go by, especially the ships across at Felixstowe. Great ice cream too!"
Solo Docking Friendly
Pier has clamps for alongside mooring, great for single-handed docking. :ship:
Check Attraction Hours
Attractions may only be open school holidays & weekends. Plan accordingly! :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ship Watching
Pier viewpoint
Spectacular views of ships passing by, especially towards Felixstowe. A perfect spot to relax and observe maritime activity.

Harbour Ferry
Pier terminal
Catch the harbour ferry for a short trip and experience more of the local area.
Local Pubs & Dining
Alma Pub & nearby village
Enjoy a pint at the Alma pub with locals or explore other village eateries. Great ice cream and burger options available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Harwich Harbour Master & Facilities
Local Amenities & Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Solo Docking Friendly
Pier has clamps for alongside mooring, great for single-handed docking.
:ship:Check Attraction Hours
Attractions may only be open school holidays & weekends. Plan accordingly!
:clock:Provisioning Stop
Nearby store open late for snacks and essentials.
:shopping_bags:Relaxing Views
Sit back and enjoy the breeze and ship-watching. Great ice cream too!
:ice_cream:Tips
from all over the internet
Solo Docking Friendly
Pier has clamps for alongside mooring, great for single-handed docking.
:ship:Check Attraction Hours
Attractions may only be open school holidays & weekends. Plan accordingly!
:clock:Provisioning Stop
Nearby store open late for snacks and essentials.
:shopping_bags:Relaxing Views
Sit back and enjoy the breeze and ship-watching. Great ice cream too!
:ice_cream:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ha'penny Pier for its scenic ship-watching opportunities and friendly harbour master, making it a great spot for relaxation and solo docking. While facilities like electricity and water are absent, the nearby pubs and store offer convenience. Attraction hours can be limited, so planning is advised.
"Nice pier. Mooring alongside with clamps so suitable for single handed docking. Friendly habor master. No electricity. No water. 26vGBP for 47 foot in May 2025. Nice pub the Alma with lots of locals nearby. There are some more pubs in the litte nearby village. One can buy provisions from the store nearby that is opened 7.30 to 22.00"
Georg Breiner
"Super place to sit and watch the world go by, especially the ships across at Felixstowe. Great ice cream too!"
M Scott
"Really interesting, lots to see. I was only there to catch the harbour ferry but there was more to see."
Peter Jeynes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ha'penny Pier is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It's also a stop for the local harbour ferry, offering a scenic way to arrive.
Yes, the harbour ferry service connects to Ha'penny Pier, providing a convenient public transport option for exploring the area.
Absolutely! The pier offers alongside mooring with clamps, making it suitable for single-handed docking for visiting boats.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to the pier itself is usually free for walking and enjoying the views. Specific attractions or ferry rides may require tickets.
The pier is generally accessible, but specific attractions on or near the pier might have limited hours, often opening during school holidays and weekends.
Mooring fees can vary. For example, in May 2025, it was £26 for a 47-foot vessel. It's best to confirm current rates with the harbour master.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The pier offers alongside mooring but does not have electricity or water hookups. There are nearby pubs and a store for provisions.
Visitors can enjoy watching ships, take the harbour ferry, relax with a drink at the Alma pub, or explore the nearby village.
Yes, it's a pleasant spot for families to enjoy the sea breeze, watch boats, and grab ice cream or a burger.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Alma pub is right by the harbour, and there are other pubs and a burger bar in the nearby village.
A nearby store is open from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, offering provisions for visitors.
You can find pub fare at the Alma, burgers from the harbour wall burger bar, and general provisions from the local store. Ice cream is also a popular treat.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the ships passing by, the pier itself, and the charming local village. The harbour ferry also makes for interesting photos.
Late afternoon or early morning can offer beautiful light for ship photography. Evenings provide a relaxed atmosphere for capturing the pier's ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⚓ Sailors and Boaters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Sailing and Mooring at Ha'penny Pier
For those planning a visit, understanding the pricing is key. As an example, rates in May 2025 were quoted at £26 for a 47-foot vessel. It's always advisable to contact the harbour master directly for the most up-to-date pricing and any specific berthing instructions. The pier's location offers excellent views and easy access to the local amenities, making it a practical and enjoyable stop for boaters.
Exploring the Local Atmosphere
The pier is also a hub for local life. You can catch the harbour ferry from here, which offers a brief but interesting journey and a different perspective of the area. For refreshments, the Alma pub is a local favorite, known for its welcoming atmosphere and presence of locals, offering an authentic taste of Harwich. If you're looking for more dining options, the nearby village boasts several other pubs and a convenient store that stays open late, ensuring you can easily pick up provisions or enjoy a meal.
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