Felixstowe
Take a trip on the East Suffolk Train Line Ipswich-Felixstowe
From waterfront gem Ipswich to traditional seaside Felixstowe
Running from Ipswich to Felixstowe, the Felixstowe Line takes you from the county town of Suffolk, a waterfront gem, to Felixstowe, a vibrant Victorian seaside town.
The line is part of the East Suffolk Line Community Rail Partnership.
Ipswich waterfront
Ipswich
Ipswich is the county town of Suffolk, one of England’s oldest towns, and has a fine waterfront on the River Orwell with bars, cafes and the impressive Salthouse Harbour Hotel, great for lunch or a stay.
In Ipswich, enjoy an event at Dance East, dine at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel, take a tour at Ipswich Town Football Club or take a spin at Anglia Indoor Karting.
Just outside the town is the Suffolk Food Hall and Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park as well a Hollow Trees Farm.
Who knows, you might even see Ipswich Town fan Ed Sheeran in the town centre.
Where to stay: The Salthouse Harbour Hotel, but for something different try Freston Tower overlooking the Orwell Estuary.
Ipswich waterfront
Westerfield
The medieval parish Church of St Mary Magdalene has lovely stained-glass windows, of which St Mary of Magdala was designed by William Morris, one of the founders of the British Arts and Crafts movement.
Westerfield has two public houses, The Swan and The Westerfield Railway, both of which serve food.
Derby Road
Derby Road station is to the east of the town centre after the line has looped back from the north. Stop off here for the Ipswich Transport Museum.
Trimley
Trimley, or Trimley St Martin to give it its full title, lies between the rivers Orwell and the Deben, on the long narrow length of land from Ipswich to Felixstowe.
Stop off here for the Trimley Marshes Visitor Centre on the River Orwell.
You can also learn to sail here with the East Anglian Sea School.
Felixstowe seafront with the container port in the background
Felixstowe
Felixstowe is the largest container port in the country, but it is also a charming Victorian seaside town with seafront gardens, sandy beach, Victorian pier and historic Landguard Fort.
Why not take a Harbour Ferry Tour or a seal watching tour.
Beach Street is housed in a colourful shipping container complex with a wonderful range of small independent and artisan businesses. An exciting place to eat, drink and shop on Felixstowe seafront, take your pick from New York style pizzas, waffles and crepes, Vietnamese street food, a great range of craft ales and smoked food.
Where to stay: The Fludyers on Felixstowe seafront and across the harbour in Harwich, try The Pier, using the Harbour Ferry.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Felixstowe Line
The Felixstowe Line is a branch line of the East Suffolk Lines between Ipswich and Felixstowe.
- What stops are on the Felixstowe Line
The Felixstowe Line starts at Ipswich and there are stops at Westerfield, Derby Road and Trimley, before arriving at Felixstowe.
- How do I take the Felixstowe Line
The Felixstowe Line begins at Ipswich, on the Inter City line from London Liverpool Street to Norwich.
- What things are there to do in Felixstowe
Felixstowe is a traditional Victorian seaside town, with pier and sandy beaches.
Visit Landguard Fort.
Enjoy the eating and drinking outlets at Beach Road, set in a group of shipping container outlets.
Take a Harbour Ferry Boat Ride.
Stay at The Fludyers or across the harbour at The Pier in Harwich using the harbour ferry.
- Can I get from Felixstowe to Harwich
Take a Harbour Ferry Boat Ride. Stay in Harwich at The Pier. The Harbour Ferry Boat also goes to Shotley where you can visit Shotley Vineyard on the Suffolk Wine Trail.
- Can I see seals in Harwich and Felixstowe?
Yes, there are seal watching trips.
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