A Day by the Sea in Felixstowe

Fancy owning your own little patch of The Suffolk Coast? Dreaming of the beach hut life? Felixstowe now has 27 new traditional style beach huts, set around a quirky fish-shaped lawn and just a stone's throw from the sea available for long-term hire. 

If you're looking for a short-term hire beachside base for your holiday, then check out the new Beach Chalets by the sea, designed with accessibility in mind, the chalets just a stone’s throw from the new Activity Park, which features climbing walls, sports equipment and games such as pétanque and ping pong. 

The Beach Chalets also have access to accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities.

To hire the chalets please email SeashoreVillage@eastsuffolk.gov.uk for more information, availability and to book.

Felixstowe’s stunning four-mile coastline blends sandy and shingle beaches which were awarded a Blue Flag and Seaside Award in 2024 celebrating the excellent water quality and pristine beaches.

Head on down to South Beach; the sandier of the two and make yourself at home on the sands for a day spent relaxing with family or friends. Don’t forget your bucket and spade- essential tools for an epic sandcastle building competition! Paddle in the shallows, sunbathe, or simply spend some time chatting with friends and family in a sunny spot. If you’re after a more peaceful escape, Felixstowe North Beach is a little more secluded. Bring a book and some snacks to while away the time, or take a leisurely swim in the calm, refreshing waters. 

The beaches are well-equipped, with public toilets at several points along the coast, including Felixstowe Leisure Centre, Beach Station Road, Manor Terrace, and near Martello Park. There are kiosks serving ice creams, hot and cold drinks, and snacks, as well as plenty of parking within walking distance of the beach. While there are no lifeguard patrols on Felixstowe Beach, tide times can be checked online to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable swim. Dogs are allowed on some sections of the beach, so be sure to check the signage along the promenade.

It wouldn’t be a seaside holiday without a walk along the prom! Take a leisurely wander along Felixstowe’s charming promenade and soak up the lively atmosphere. Be sure to stop by Felixstowe’s iconic modern Pier, where you can get good value from a handful of change playing on the slot machines in the arcade, grab a bite to eat at the Boardwalk Cafe Bar, or simply enjoy the sea breeze and the view.

Continue along the prom and pause to take in the beautifully landscaped Seafront Gardens which give Felixstowe its reputation as ‘The Garden Resort of East Anglia’. These grade II listed gardens have been lovingly restored and comprise flower beds, trickling water features, and winding pathways that offer stunning views of the coast.

If you have energetic youngsters in tow, the Martello Park play area is the perfect spot to let them run off some energy, with climbing frames, slides, and plenty of space to explore.  Don’t miss the recently added activity park, between Sea Road and the Promenade, which offers fitness equipment, climbing walls, ping pong, chess and petanque, free to all! 

No visit to Felixstowe would be complete without a trip to Mannings Amusements, a family favourite that has been delighting visitors of all ages for generations. Originally built in the 1930s, this much-loved attraction has retained all of its nostalgic charm while continuing to innovate its offering to entice new generations of holidaymakers.

Step inside and exchange a few coins for the chance to win prizes on the classic penny-pushers, try your luck at the grabber machines, or take on the latest arcade games. With a new crazy golf course planned for 2025, do not miss this staple of Felixstowe’s seaside fun.

Perched along Felixstowe's picturesque seafront, the Spa Pavilion is a beloved theatre and dining venue offering panoramic sea views, great entertainment and good food. The art deco auditorium plays host to an array of shows and performances, with something for everyone.

This summer, the Spa Pavilion's lineup includes Cirque Enchantment 2025 a magical production featuring superb choreography, breathtaking live vocals, and mesmerizing circus acts; The Frog Prince a quirky pantomime adventure perfect for families; Big Girls Don't Cry, celebrating the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons; and The Manfreds - Keeping It Live in '25, showcasing one of the finest bands from the 1960s era.

Before the show, visit The Lounge, located on the upper floor, which serves a diverse menu ranging from British seaside classics to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, along with homemade cakes and pastries. During the summer months, The Terrace on the ground floor opens, and sells ice creams and takeaway options like fish and chips, which can be enjoyed in the alfresco seating area overlooking the beach and shipping lanes. 

Felixstowe is steeped in history, with Landguard Fort standing as one of its most significant landmarks. Sitting proudly at the southern tip of the town, the fort has played a crucial role in coastal defence for centuries, famously repelling a Dutch invasion in 1667. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved walls, wander through underground tunnels, and take in sweeping views across the estuary.

Just a short stroll away, Felixstowe Museum brings the town’s rich past to life with a fascinating collection of exhibits. Housed in a former submarine mining establishment, the museum is packed with artefacts, including wartime memorabilia, model ships, and displays on Felixstowe’s maritime heritage. Folks of all ages can delve into Felixstowe’s military history, uncover the town’s Victorian seaside heyday, or admire the unusual artefacts from the past. 

Eating out in Felixstowe offers a delightful variety of options, whether you're in the mood for elegant dining, relaxed beachfront vibes, or hearty Italian dishes. The Alex Brasserie, perched with stunning sea views, serves up a sophisticated menu featuring everything from fresh seafood to classic British fare, perfect for a special occasion or a casual lunch.

Just a short stroll away, Beach Street is a vibrant hub of quirky, colourful shipping containers transformed into eclectic eateries and bars, offering everything from gourmet burgers to artisan coffee. For those craving Italian, Café Bencotto is a must-visit, with its warm, rustic atmosphere and mouth-watering selection of wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Felixstowe’s dining scene truly has something for everyone.

The View Point Cafe, located on the Landguard Peninsula, offers visitors a unique dining experience with panoramic views of the Orwell Estuary and the bustling Port of Felixstowe. Open daily, it serves an array of dishes, including all-day breakfasts like the Fisherman’s Breakfast and the hearty Handballer’s Brunch, as well as fish and chips, homemade soups, and a variety of cakes and pastries. The café features both indoor seating with expansive windows and a spacious outdoor terrace where patrons can watch massive vessels navigate the port, assisted by tugboats and towering quayside cranes. 

And of course, no trip to the seaside is complete without an ice cream! Be sure to pay a visit to The Little Ice Cream Company, open 364 days per year, with over 100 flavours to choose from!

Take to the water and explore Felixstowe from a different perspective with fantastic boat trips that really showcase the beauty of the coastline. The Harwich Harbour Ferry is an unparalleled way to see the bustling ports of Felixstowe and Harwich, with a round-trip tour offering views of giant container ships, historic landmarks, and perhaps a chance to spot seals and seabirds along the way. Tickets start at just £13.20 per adult and £11 per child, and the round trip takes 60 minutes.

For a unique chance to experience wildlife in its natural environment, set sail on a seal-watching trip departing from Felixstowe Ferry. These excursions take you out to the sandbanks of the Walton Backwaters, where you can observe the resident colony of grey and common seals basking in the sun or bobbing about in the water. With adult tickets priced at £29 and children’s tickets at £24, it’s a fantastic opportunity to see these beguiling creatures up close and in their natural habitat. And if you don’t get a good look, then the company even promises you a free trip to make up for it.

Check out our Felixstowe Guide to plan your visit or stay!