Harwich Hotels

From here, visitors can take direct ferry services to Denmark and the Netherlands, although others may simply prefer to stay local and learn more about this area's remarkable maritime past.

Places of interest:

Harwich Redoubt

Probably the main sight in the town is the Harwich Redoubt, a unique circular fort that was built during the Napoleonic Wars and is now a tourist attraction. Although the British, thanks to the extraordinary tactical thinking of Lord Nelson, had emerged victorious just three years earlier in the Battle of Trafalgar, the Essex coastline was still under threat from potential invasion when the fort was built in 1808.

The Electric Palace Cinema

One of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the country, the Electric Palace Cinema celebrated its centenary in November 2011 and is now a Grade II Listed building. The venue has welcomed many notable figures over the years, from the esteemed actor Kenneth Cranham to HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

Where to stay and dine

For a welcoming, sophisticated venue, choose the superb Pier Hotel at Harwich, or consider the Hotel Continental or the Premier Inn Harwich if you're looking for other quality Harwich hotels at great value for money. As you might expect for its location, Harwich is homed to several popular seafood and fish-themed restaurants. One of the best regarded is The Alma Inn, which offers delectable Spanish, British and seafood dishes, while the Thai Up At The Quay provides some of the best Thai cuisine in the region.

Further afield:

Visit nearby Felixstowe, another historic port, and see the town's formidable Landguard Fort. This landmark, which is the location of what many historians consider was the last failed sea-born invasion of the English mainland, in 1667, houses the Felixstowe Museum, showcasing local social and military heritage. From Harwich, you could also take a day trip to the historic market centre of Ipswich, which is famed for its majestic Regent Theatre and is the home of the beloved Ipswich Transport Museum.