The North Sea at Felixstowe


I took a 24-minute train ride to the seaside today (the British complain about their train service, but, oh, how I envy them!). I am currently staying in Ipswich, which is very near the east coast but not on it, so I decided to spend a few hours visiting Felixstowe.


Felixstowe was a popular tourist destination in the late 19th century as Victorians travelled here to partake in the healing thermal waters. There is some lovely Victorian architecture to remind us of the town’s former grandeur, although the train station has been turned into a mall and reduced to one short platform.




The architecture also indicates the nordic influence. It's easy for North Americans to forget the importance of North Sea Baltic trading.


The seafront gardens were initially developed in the early 1900s and it’s easy to picture Victorian ladies and gentlemen strolling through the gardens, stopping to greet their acquaintances, or take in the view.



There is a long promenade along the seafront, an amusement arcade (obligatory), but the pier is unfortunately closed.



Don’t be deceived by the elaborate villas and quaint beach huts. Nowadays, Felixstowe is the UK’s largest container port.




And now for some fun: a few of my favorite beach hut names!



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