A Weekend Guide To The Shotley Peninsula: Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB
Just across the Essex border in Suffolk, is the Shotley Peninsula. It is sandwiched between the River Stour and the River Orwell and is part of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB (Area of Natural Beauty). It is such a peaceful area with small villages, lots of walks and the sky is so free of light pollution that during the night of my stay I was able to see the Milky Way!
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Shotley Peninsula
Shotley Gate
Bristol Arms Shotley Gate
Shotley Gate is the area at the very tip of the Shotley Peninsula. Visitors can choose from several Shotley Peninsula pubs, however a great choice is the Bristol Arms Shotley Gate pub. It’s right on the banks of the River Stour. Welcoming everyone (walkers, sailors, dogs, children, locals etc) since the mid 1800’s they serve food and drinks and have tables outside, overlooking the river. On a nice day, it’s a lovely place to sit back and enjoy the views.
The Bristol Arms pride themselves on sourcing as many of their ingredients as they can from local suppliers within a 20 mile radius. Main courses cost around £11.
(Another Shotley Peninsula pub is the Rose Pub in the village of Shotley. There are sometimes special events held on the field behind the pub, such as car shows and meets.)
Shotley Marina
A little further along and an easy walk from the Bristol Arms, is the Shotley Marina. It is located right opposite the port of Felixstowe which sits on the other side of the River Orwell. The cargo ships are absolutely GINORMOUS. Visitors to Shotley Marina can cross over a small lock and walk around the harbour area. There are plenty of benches to sit and look out at the port.
Departing from Shotley Marina is the Harwich to Shotley Ferry. This is a foot and bicycle ferry that takes 7 minutes to cross the river. (You can find more things to do in Harwich here). There are approximately 6 ferries a day departing from Shotley (one an hour) and 6 returning from Harwich. An adult single ticket costs £4.
The Shipwreck & The Shipwreck Lofts
Another pub/restaurant in Shotley Gate is The Shipwreck. This is right in Shotley Marina. The restaurant does have outside tables, but there is a bit of a car park and a sea wall in front of it, so the river views aren’t quite as nice as those at the Bristol Arms.
HOWEVER they also have accommodation called The Shipwreck Lofts. The rooms are located on the 2nd floor and have river views, with balconies and free toiletries.
Wild Camping near Ipswich
Nether Hall Farm
If you are looking for something that embraces nature a little more, Nether Hall Farm in Harkstead village is a 15 minute drive from Shotley Gate. They offer wild ‘off the grid’ camping as well as glamping in Shepherd Huts.
There are 7 pitches altogether, set between the trees. They are spread out, so it feels like you have your own personal space. As mentioned, they are ‘off grid’, so there is no electric. Each pitch has a water supply, a picnic bench and a fire pit (logs are available for purchase).
Cars are left in a small parking area, away from the pitches, and guests can use a wheelbarrow to transport their equipment and belongings.
It’s not completely ‘wild’ in the sense that there are composting toilets (which are actually quite nice and have hot water and soap), along with a hot shower.
As well as the camping pitches, Nether Hall Farm have 2 Shepherd Hut glamping cabins. One hut sleeps two people and the other can accommodate 3. There is a log burner in each, and one free bin of logs are provided. A pan and a kettle can be used on the burner. If guests want a bigger cooking area, they are welcome to take barbecues or a gas stove can be hired for an additional fee.
Bedding is not provided (but there are mattresses), so pillows and sleeping bags are needed. Just like the camping site, the huts have no electricity either.
Harkstead Beach
A short walk from the camp area is Harkstead Beach, which is a mix of sand and rocks. It is possible to swim or use paddle boards or kayaks. The River Stour in this area is tidal though and it can have strong undercurrents. It’s best to swim when the tide is coming in. Similar with the paddling, go up river when the tide is coming in, then head back towards the beach and ride the current when the tide turns.
If you’re not a fan of water sports, the beach is a nice place to go for a peaceful walk along the river.
Things To Do On The Shotley Peninsula (& Nearby)
Alton Waters Sports Centre
Honestly, I’m in two minds about recommending Alton Waters Sports Centre. I think it is VERY expensive for what it is, and there are definitely more budget friendly equivalents in Essex. But here is the information if it’s something you are interested in. They have a range of walking trails but they also offer various equipment rental, such as peddle boats, kayaks and stand up paddle boards.
I wouldn’t bother taking your own equipment, as the launch fee costs (£17) almost the same as a 1 hour rental (£18 which includes life vest hire too etc). With your own equipment you are expected to carry insurance and have an Anglian Water approved life jacket, so in the long run, it’s better just to use the Anglian Water equipment. There is also a parking charge.
They also have a campsite with 88 pitches with electric hook up options. Camper vans, caravans and tents are all accepted and pets are welcome. There is a 2 night minimum stay and there is an additional fee for the electric, awnings etc.
Shotley Vineyard
Shotley Vineyard is open for tours and tasting. It costs £15 and lasts for approximately 90 minutes. They also serve afternoon teas on Friday and Saturday for £30 for two people. The afternoon tea comes with a hot or soft drink, or for an additional fee one of the wines from the vineyard can be included.
Jimmy’s Farm
Located on the edge of the Shotley Peninsula in Wherstead, around 20 minutes from Shotley Gate, is Jimmy’s Farm. You may have seen Jimmy’s Farm on TV, with a TV series of the same name first airing on the BBC in 2004.
Jimmy’s Farm has over 100 species/breeds of animals including: farm animals, lemurs, reptiles, exotic mammals and butterflies. There’s an adventure play area, a farm shop selling locally produced items and even a woodland pub (open during school holidays).
Dedham/Flatford Mill
A 30 minutes drive from Shotley Gate is Dedham AONB. If you are looking at using your own paddle boards or kayaks, I think this area is a better option. Permits are required for paddling on the River Stour but they are much cheaper than the launch fee alone at Anglian Water. A 24hr pass is £5.20 with an annual pass costing just over £45 (which includes insurance). The British Canoeing website will give you all the information you need.
Alternatively the Dedham row boats are a fun option. The Boatyard is a lovely river side restaurant/cafe, or set back in the village, is the Essex Rose Tea Room, which is part of Wilkin & Sons (Tiptree jam).
Flatford Mill and Dedham Vale was inspiration for many paintings created by the artist ‘John Constable’. Flatford Mill is a National Trust property.
