Premier Inn Harwich

Yes, Harwich is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy history, coastal views and a slower-paced seaside atmosphere. This historic port town has maritime roots, with connections to the Mayflower and naval hero Samuel Pepys. You’ll find cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings and museums like the Harwich Maritime Museum and the Redoubt Fort. Whether you're into naval history, quirky local landmarks or just want to enjoy a peaceful walk along the waterfront, Harwich is a great choice for a day trip or a weekend break.

It is! Harwich sits right on the Essex coast, where the rivers Stour and Orwell meet the North Sea. It’s the northernmost coastal town in Essex and has long been an important maritime hub. The town is known for its working harbour, historic piers and nearby beaches like Dovercourt Bay, which is just a short walk away. 

The town of Dovercourt is directly next to Harwich, and the two are often considered part of the same area. Dovercourt has its own beach, promenade and a more traditional seaside resort feel, while Harwich is more historic and port-focused. Just a bit further inland, you’ll find Parkeston, which is home to Harwich International Port. 

Harwich is famous for its maritime history. It was a key naval base during the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars, and it’s believed to be the launch point of the Mayflower, the ship that carried the Pilgrims to America in 1620. The town is also known for its historic lighthouses, the Electric Palace Cinema, one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the UK, and the Ha’penny Pier, a Victorian pier that’s still in use today. 

Yes, Harwich has a selection of shops, especially in the Old Town and nearby Dovercourt. You’ll find independent boutiques, antique stores and local craft shops selling everything from nautical gifts to handmade jewellery. 

It does! Harwich itself has a small shingle beach, but the main beach area is Dovercourt Bay, just a short walk away. Dovercourt Bay is a Blue Flag beach with sand and shingle, a long promenade and plenty of space for walking, paddling or just relaxing by the sea. There are also other nearby beaches like Beacon Hill Beach and Irlam’s Beach if you’re looking for quieter spots.

Yes, Ha’penny Pier is a historic wooden pier that dates back to 1853. It was once a departure point for paddle steamers and is now a peaceful place to stroll, enjoy views of the harbour and grab a bite to eat. The pier also houses a visitor centre and a small exhibition about Harwich’s maritime connections, including its link to the Mayflower. It’s one of the few remaining working wooden piers in the UK.

There’s plenty to keep you busy in Harwich. You can:

• Explore the Redoubt Fort, a circular 19th-century fortress with tunnels and military exhibits.

• Visit the Harwich Maritime Museum and Lifeboat Museum to learn about the town’s seafaring past.

• Walk along Ha’penny Pier and enjoy views of the estuary. 

• Catch a film at the Electric Palace Cinema, a preserved Edwardian cinema.

• Discover the Captain’s House, home of Christopher Jones, captain of the Mayflower.

• Take a ferry across to Felixstowe or Shotley during the summer months.

• Enjoy local seafood at one of the pubs or cafes along the quay. 

For adults, Harwich is a great place to unwind and explore at your own pace. You can:

• Enjoy a heritage walk through the Old Town, spotting historic buildings and quirky landmarks.

• Visit the Ha’penny Pier Visitor Centre and learn about the town’s maritime links.

• Take in the views with a drink at a quayside pub or enjoy a seafood lunch by the water. 

• Explore local art galleries and antique shops.

• Attend one of the town’s seasonal festivals, like the Sea Shanty Festival in October.

• Take a boat trip or ferry ride for a different perspective of the coast.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.