Destination of the Week: Ferry Across Harwich Harbour

England’s most unusual piece of public transport? Arguably the Harwich Harbour Foot Ferry, which runs from the Essex port to its Suffolk counterpart, Felixstowe, across the mouth of the Rivers Stour and Orwell. The vessel ( below), a converted Second World War landing craft, provides the only public ferry link between Essex and Suffolk. Every day until the end of September it sails at least four times a day, each way, weather permitting.

The voyage takes just 15 minutes. The alternative journey by road or rail – the latter involving two changes – requires more than an hour.

The vessel itself has room for just 12 passengers – plus bicycles. The ferry forms part of National Cycle Network Route 1, which connects the south coast of England with the far north of Scotland, The standard fare is [pound]3.50, plus [pound]2 for a bike. Call 07919 911 440 to check if the service is operating.

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