Harwich Cruise Guide

Harwich is a regular stop for cruise ships heading for Scandinavia, and is one of the quieter ports, situated on the coast of East Anglia to the northeast of London.

The town is small, but it's well placed for visits to centres like Colchester, Ipswich and the delightful rural countryside of south Suffolk and north Essex, as depicted by painter John Constable.

Harwich provides a perfect opportunity to experience the quieter countryside of England. Welcoming pubs and pretty countryside await those who choose to explore.

But if the big city appeals, London is just 90 minutes away by direct train from the cruise terminal.

Sightseeing

Harwich is a good starting point for discovering the picturesque region of East Anglia. The nearby garrison town of Colchester is the oldest continuously occupied town in the country with its imposing castle. Ipswich, county town of Suffolk, retains much of its medieval street pattern and several buildings from this period remain. Medieval Lavenham boasts many fine half-timbered buildings. Cambridge, 110km (68 miles) away, is famous for its university and spectacular architecture.

Highlights

Guided walking tour of Old Harwich
Constable country
Day trips to London
Harwich Wireless and Television Museum
Cambridge
Bury St Edmunds

Tourist Information

Harwich Tourist Information
Iconfield Park, Parkeston, Harwich CO12 4EN, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 12555 06139.
Website: www.harwichconnexions.co.uk

Port website

Shopping

Harwich offers some local shops and services for the cruise passenger, but the main shopping opportunities are in the larger towns and cities inland.

Good options include fashion, woollen and woven goods, printed cottons and silks, local cheeses, chutneys, jams and biscuits, luxury food and chocolate, antiques, china and porcelain such as Wedgwood, Crown Derby, Royal Worcester or Royal Doulton.

Eating Out

There are several attractive pubs in the old part of Harwich, offering light (and more substantial) food during the day. Additionally, there are bakeries and cafes at which to grab a snack.

When To Go

The climate is temperate with mild to warm (but frequently wet) summers and cool wet winters. Weather varies from day to day, but generally East Anglia is one of the driest and sunniest areas of England. Take waterproofs, though.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Harwich.

Transfer Distance

3.2km (2 miles).

Transfer Time

5 minutes.

Transfer Notes

London is 2 hours 30 minutes away by road.

Key Facts

Region

United Kingdom

Time Zone

GMT.

Currency

Pound (£) = 100 pence.

Language

English.

Location

Essex, southeast England, UK.

Population

22,000.

Government

Constitutional monarchy.

Religion

Christian majority with Muslim, Hindu and Jewish minorities.

Social Conventions

Don't expect the British to speak anything other than English. Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. When visiting someone's home, a small gift is appreciated. It is polite to wait until everyone has been served before eating, and ‘please', ‘thank you' and ‘excuse me' are essential vocabulary.

Tipping:
In hotels, a service charge of 10 to 12% is usual, which may be added to the bill. 10 to 15% is usual for restaurants; if this has already been added to the bill, a further tip is not required.
Harwich is a point of embarkation for both Celebrity Cruises & Royal Caribbean Cruises heading off to the Baltic Sea. The countryside nearby is delightful if you can fit an extra day in before your cruise.
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