Felixstowe: UNLONDON at the traditional English seaside
At the southern-most point of Suffolk, the charming seaside town of Felixstowe has been overlooked in the past… be one of the first to rediscover this Edwardian gem and its retro buzz.
If you’re after a traditional English seaside break in Suffolk then Felixstowe is for you.
Where is Felixstowe in England
Felixstowe is a charming Edwardian seaside town, nestled between the rivers Orwell and Deben, in Suffolk, East of England. It takes just under two hours to get to Felixstowe from London by train, changing at Ipswich.
What makes Felixstowe special
This is the archetypical seaside resort of good times past that you can enjoy today – an idyllic reminiscence of gentler, more peaceful times when all you all have to worry about is ‘another ice cream?’ or ‘another dip in the sea’ after a leisurely time on a pristine beach. UNLONDON? Oh, yes.
Stroll the Felixstowe Promenade
Felixstowe has a vibrant town centre and has a great selection of activities and attractions.
Stroll the promenade along the seafront with its fine architecture, colourful beach huts and four miles of lovely sandy beaches.
Overlooking the waters are the lavish and well-tended subtropical Seafront Gardens, with their colourful and unusual planting, historical features and structures, hotels and B&Bs and the pleasant town perched on the cliff above.
Things to do in Felixstowe
Places to head for on the seafront include The Alex, the buzziest place in the town, with downstairs café and upstairs brasserie serving oysters, steaks and lots of seafood and shellfish. Enjoy the view from the sea-facing outside terrace.
Nearby is Fish Dish serving superb fish and chips but also fish dishes such as charcoal-grilled sea bass and sea bream, fish pie and salt and pepper squid.
Also on the Undercliff Road opposite the leisure centre the Little Ice Cream Co does exactly what it says on the tin!
Head to Beach Street
Housed in a colourful shipping container complex with a wonderful range of small independent and artisan businesses is Beach Street. An exciting place to eat, drink and shop on Felixstowe seafront, take your pick from New York-style pizzas, waffles and crepes, Vietnamese street food, vegan food at Hank’s Dirty, and a great range of craft ales at Hopsters.
The Spa Pavilion hosts shows and performances throughout the year and Felixstowe Pier has lots of amusements and rides and café.
While you’re here visit the Felixstowe Museum in Landguard Fort or have a have a cup of tea at the View Point Café while observing the harbour traffic where the rivers Stour and Orwell conjoin and head out to sea.
All aboard the ferry!
There are two ferries in Felixstowe, at either end of the town.
If you fancy getting up close and personal with the biggest container ships in the world, there’s a Harbour Ferry boat ride between Felixstowe in Suffolk and Harwich or Shotley Gate in Essex. While you’re waiting have a cup of tea in the View Point Café.
At the river’s mouth at the village of Felixstowe Ferry you can take, yes you guessed it, a ferry across the river Deben to Bawdsey. The ferry area is a great place to explore, with a number of eateries including the Ferry Café. Established in 1946, this quirky café offers 50s-inspired nostalgia with local fishing history and an American diner vibe.
Felixstowe across all seasons
The Victorians built their railways to give city dwellers unbridled access to the wholesome seaside and whatever time of year, that’s what you’ll get in Felixstowe: salty, fresh air. Breathe it in deep… you’re as far from the hustle and bustle of London as you could possibly get. Deep breath… UNLONDON.
Where to stay in Felixstowe
You’ll want to stay at The Fludyers. Very UNLONDON.
Getting to Felixstowe by train from London
You can get to Felixstowe by train from London Liverpool Street station, the journey takes around 1 hour 52 minutes, and has 1 change at Ipswich station. Our trains are accessible and feature free Wi-fi and plug points in-between seats. First Class and catering are available on most of our London to Ipswich intercity services.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, you should check out our Weekender ticket, which lets you travel out on a Friday or Saturday, and return on a Sunday or Monday.
Book train ticket to Felixstowe
FAQs about Felixstowe staycations
Its seafront and beaches, which are among Suffolk’s hidden gems.
Yes it is, except in the main tourism season from May to September. But you can still take your pooch for a walk on the Prom.
It takes just under two hours to get to Felixstowe from London by train, changing at Ipswich.
Yes you can, the beach gently slopes to the sea and there are lifeguards in summer.
Photography courtesy of Suffolk Coast