Underrated UK seaside town gets £1.78 million boost including beautiful seafront gardens

While this town is better known for its port, its seaside facilities are being upgraded and its Victorian and Edwardian architecture revamped in a bid to bring the area back to its former glory

A seaside town is seeking to reclaim its status as a tourist destination with a multi-million-pound facelift.

While Felixstowe in Suffolk is a popular day trip destination, in recent years, it has become better known for its container port, the largest and busiest in the UK. However, it seems the council is now more focused on making Felixstowe a place for seaside daytrips. The South Seafront area is just one of its revitalisation efforts.

The plan is to transform the Victorian facilities and bring new events and festivals to the area, turning the seafront area into “an attractive place to live, work and visit all year round, in the daytime and the evening”.

Felixstowe’s sand and single South Beach have traditional seaside vibes, featuring Victorian buildings, ice cream shops, and stands selling inflatables. It leads to the lively Felixstowe Pier, a classic amusement park that has arcade games, penny machines, mini bowling, and cafés.

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The £1.78 million South Seafront Project focused on improving this area, including adding a large, modern café and restaurant. This followed a huge £4.8 million rejuvenation of Felixstowe Seafront Gardens back in 2015. Set between the town and the beach, these late-Victorian gardens were given a makeover and now feature winding paths through the plant beds, serene ponds, and natural springs.

The local council has also been considering plans to pedestrianise the road running alongside the promenade, which would allow more space for seafront strolls. Plans include better lighting, space for pop-up stalls and outdoor seating, and a shuttle bus service from town.

Felixstowe already has lots going on for families seeking a day at the seaside. With a heatwave on the way, you may want to plan a day trip soon. On the seafront, you’ll find Ocean Boulevard Fun Park, a cute funfair where kids can spin around on water dodgems or bounce on inflatables.

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In town, visit the small Felixstowe Museum, which manages to pack in plenty of exhibits from the town’s past. From archaeological finds to seaside memorabilia and maritime displays from Felixstowe’s port, there’s always an interesting array of items to see.

Setting off from Felixstowe are a variety of boat trips, either along the coast or along the River Orwell. Enjoy a day of seal watching, particularly around the historic fortress of Landguard Point. Or simply sit back and enjoy the views across the North Sea.

Nearby Harwich also offers a regular ferry service to Hook of Holland, and offers overnight sailings so you can fall asleep and wake up on the Continent, ready for adventures.

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