Museums

Harwich Redoubt is a circular fort built in 1808 to defend the port of Harwich from Napoleonic invasion. Currently open as a museum, the Redoubt is the largest ancient monument in the UK being restored by a voluntary group. Exhibitions include a large number of replica firearms. Battle re-enactments and other events are held during the summer months. (Open Sundays only 10am-4pm).

Harwich Maritime Museum, located in the former Low Lighthouse, was built in 1818 as one of a pair of lading lights for the harbour entrance. The museum is full of nautical memorabilia from photographs and paintings to ships and bottles and lighthouse bulbs. There are displays on the Royal Navy, including uniform and badges, and local commercial shipping. A fantastic view of the shipping activity in the harbour is obtained from the top floor. Harwich Town rail station is five minute’s walk from the museum which overlooks the harbour. On street parking is available close to the museum. The museum is accessible by foot via the foot ferry from Felixstowe. (Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 11am-3pm from 1st May to 31st August).

The High Lighthouse is 150 yards from the Low Lighthouse (Maritime Museum) and were leading lights for the channel into Harwich Harbour, but disused from 1863. The Lighthouse is 90 feet high and has 100 steps to the top where you can experience stunning views over the Harbour and Town. Various exhibitions are housed here during the summer months. Open from 1st May to mid September, Saturdays, Sundays,

Bank Holidays and Heritage Open Days 11.00am to 3.00pm. Monday & Friday 11:00 – 15:00 (during school summer holidays).

The Harwich Lifeboat Museum houses the old Clacton offshore lifeboat the “Valentine Wyndham-Quin”, which is a 37ft Oakley class of lifeboat. She was stationed at the Clacton Lifeboat station between 1968 -1984 and completed many honourable services. She was moved from Cromer to Harwich and the old Lifeboat boathouse was re-opened and refurnished to accommodate her. The lifeboat museum now contains a large collection of general and local lifeboat artefacts. Today the lifeboat museum is run by the Harwich Society and is open to the public during the summer period, 1st May to 31st August: Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun 11.00 to 3.00.

The Trinity Light Vessel is the last surviving example of a manned light vessel in British waters, which has been preserved in its original configuration and restored to a high standard of authenticity. The LV18 has already hosted various events, from Offshore Pirate Radio revivals to shanty singing and on-board exhibitions. Now that it has a permanent home at Harwich Quay it will be made available for a range of other functions.

Since 1999 LV18 has been cared for by a team of dedicated local volunteers and is owned by a charity set up specifically to save this nationally important vessel for her home port of Harwich. The vessel has been preserved and maintained intact, as the day she was decommissioned in 1994, with fully working engine room, electrical and mechanical systems, galley, mess room, original living quarters etc. The vessel also houses a large collection of maritime wireless communication equipment and will serve as a base for maritime and navigation based training and as a Community Resource.

LV18 is open daily from 11am – 4pm April –end October.

Harwich Museum which is housed within the former Bernard Uniform offices was officially opened in 2021. Whether you drop in for half an hour or half a day, there is plenty to explore whatever your age.

The Ha’penny Pier Visitor Centre is located on the Quay. Not only will you find a fascinating exhibition about the Mayflower, this is where guided walks start. Open daily from May 1st until the 2nd weekend in September. Tel: 01255 553610

Although she had been reclaimed by nature for the past 65 years, Beacon Hill Fort’s guns once guarded Britain through two world wars where she was the front line defence against an enemy naval invasion. Today the important historic landmark is set to become a trust, restored to its appearance 70 years ago, and will be offered for local community use.