
Walberswick Ferry
A charming, cash-only ferry connecting Walberswick and Southwold, offering nostalgic rowing boat trips and welcoming dogs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light

Walberswick Ferry
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, cash-only ferry connecting Walberswick and Southwold, offering nostalgic rowing boat trips and welcoming dogs.
"A must when in Southwold, a favourite with all the children & something they ask to do everytime we are in Southwold."

Cash is King 💰
The Walberswick Ferry operates on a cash-only basis. Make sure to have change ready for your crossing!
Dog-Friendly Adventures 🐕
Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard the ferry, making it perfect for a coastal trip with your furry friend.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 176 reviews
Website
walberswickferry.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ferry Crossing
Blackshore Harbour
A quintessential experience, this small ferry offers a nostalgic journey across the River Blyth.

Crabbing Fun
Walberswick Beach
A beloved activity for families, try your luck catching crabs with simple lines and bait.

Coastal Walks
Walberswick to Southwold
Enjoy scenic strolls along the Suffolk coast, with the ferry providing a convenient link between villages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash is King 💰
The Walberswick Ferry operates on a cash-only basis. Make sure to have change ready for your crossing!
Dog-Friendly Adventures 🐕
Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard the ferry, making it perfect for a coastal trip with your furry friend.
Crabbing Essentials 🦀
Bring bacon for bait and buckets for crabbing! It's a hit with kids and a classic Walberswick activity.
Park Smart 🚗
Parking is easier in Walberswick, but Southwold has more amenities. Plan your route accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash is King 💰
The Walberswick Ferry operates on a cash-only basis. Make sure to have change ready for your crossing!
Dog-Friendly Adventures 🐕
Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard the ferry, making it perfect for a coastal trip with your furry friend.
Crabbing Essentials 🦀
Bring bacon for bait and buckets for crabbing! It's a hit with kids and a classic Walberswick activity.
Park Smart 🚗
Parking is easier in Walberswick, but Southwold has more amenities. Plan your route accordingly.
Check Operating Times ⏰
Ferry times can vary seasonally. It's best to check in advance to avoid disappointment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Walberswick Ferry for its charm, affordability, and friendly service. It's a beloved family tradition and a convenient, nostalgic way to travel between Walberswick and Southwold. Some note that it can get busy and is cash-only, and parking logistics require a bit of planning.
"A great time saver when hiking along coast from Southwold down to Dunwich. Very friendly and equally skilled crew who make a tricky job look very easy. It’s just a few minutes to be rowed across but in more inclement weather or it’s busy they also use a motor boat which is a tad quicker but less nostalgic."
Stuart Williams
"Diddy couple of rowing boats for a quick crossing if you are on foot or push bike. Handy service to have and can get busy. Useful to park on the Walberswick side where there's loads of space but limited food and drink, to pop over to Southwold where there's bugger all parking but good food and drink options. Has that been planned deliberately? Haha"
Tommi Rusted
"A must when in Southwold. We have done this through generations of our family. (Five generations of us have used this) it’s a favourite with all the children & something they ask to do everytime we are in Southwold. We love that this is a small family affair. Everyone welcome, cycles / bikes / dogs, they are very accommodating. This allows us to go across to Walberswick when staying in Southwold & have a wonder.
Cheap to use, great service & a favourite with the little ones."
Stephanie Donaldson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ferry operates from Blackshore Harbour in Walberswick, connecting it to Southwold. You can drive to Walberswick and park, or walk along the coast from nearby areas.
Yes, parking is available on the Walberswick side, which tends to have more space than in Southwold.
Absolutely! The ferry is accommodating and welcomes cycles and bikes, making it easy to explore both Walberswick and Southwold.
While the ferry itself is small, the crew is generally helpful. It's advisable to contact them in advance for specific accessibility needs, especially if using a motor boat option.
The Walberswick Ferry is the most charming and direct way for foot passengers and cyclists. For longer distances, consider local buses or taxis.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ferry is very affordable, typically costing around £1 per adult each way. Prices can vary slightly, so it's good to have cash ready.
No booking is required. You can simply turn up and pay with cash on arrival. It's a casual, walk-on service.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and are weather dependent. It's best to check their local listings or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The ferry may not operate in very inclement weather for safety reasons. The crew will make a decision based on conditions.
No, the Walberswick Ferry is a cash-only service. Please ensure you have enough cash for your return journey.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Walberswick offers a beautiful sandy beach, excellent crabbing opportunities, charming vintage shops, and lovely coastal walks.
Southwold boasts a pier, lighthouse, fish and chip shops, Adnams brewery, and a vibrant harbour area.
Yes, Walberswick beach is sandy and often less crowded than Southwold's main beach, making it ideal for families with children.
While you can't crab directly from the ferry, Walberswick's shores are perfect for crabbing. The ferry gets you to the ideal spot!
The ferry typically uses small rowing boats for a nostalgic experience, but a motor boat is also available for quicker crossings, especially when busy or in less ideal weather.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Walberswick has limited food options, but Southwold, just across the ferry, offers numerous pubs, cafes, and famous fish and chip shops.
Sole Bay Fish Company at the harbour is highly recommended for fresh fish and chips. Harris and James also offers ice cream and treats.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a great idea, especially if you plan to spend the day crabbing or enjoying the beach.
The White Hart Pub in Blythburgh is a starting point for some walks that lead to Walberswick, and The Harbour Inn in Southwold is a popular spot for a pint.
Southwold offers a variety of dining options, from traditional pub fare and seafood to ice cream parlors and cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charming rowing boats, the ferryman at work, and the scenic river views. The journey itself is picturesque.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon, offers beautiful light for capturing the ferry and the surrounding coastal landscapes.
Southwold's pier, lighthouse, and colourful beach huts provide excellent photographic subjects. The harbour is also very photogenic.
The ferry crew are generally friendly and often happy to be photographed, especially if you've had a pleasant crossing.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens if you want to capture details from a distance.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit