Top 10 Things To Do On The Shotley Peninsula

POSTED ON: 23/04/2018

The Shotley Peninsula is packed full of quirky and interesting things to do, sites to see and stories to uncover. Between the rivers Orwell and Stour, the peninsula is also a wonderful place to enjoy nature and to escape from our busy lives - whilst being conveniently close to Ipswich.

To help you begin your exploration of the Shotley Peninsula, we've selected our Top 10 Things To Do On The Shotley Peninsula...  

1. Explore the collections at the HMS Ganges Museum

HMS Ganges Museum, Shotley Marina 
"HMS Ganges was a major Royal Navy training ship established in 1865; this unique museum hosts FREE exhibition and houses almost 10,000 artefacts from boys and their families who trained at HMS Ganges between 1905 and 1976."
Click to find out more.

2. Enjoy a refreshing country walk

Across the Shotley Peninsula
"A characterful landscape between the Rivers Orwell and Stour, the Shotley Peninsula is a wonderful place for relaxing strolls and long walks. The variety of landscape for open fields to riverside, ancient woodland to coastline make the area an interesting and enjoyable place to explore by foot. And there are plenty of pubs to stop-off in!"
Read more in the Shotley Peninsula guide.

3. Experience Suffolk farm life at Jimmy's Farm

Jimmy's Farm, Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich
"Traditional Suffolk farm with a twist! Run by Jimmy Doherty of 'Jamie & Jimmy's Friday Night Feast', the farm is a great day out for families and couples a like. Visit the Wildlife Park where you can meet cows, pigs, sheep, goats and event more exotic animals such as meerkats, racoons and Teddy the Tapir! Plus Jimmy's Farm is home to an award-winning rustic restaurant, butchers, farm shop and regularly host events and fayres and their annual Festival."
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4. Visit the hidden gem that is Pin Mill

Pin Mill
"A quirky shoreline hamlet packed full of charm, stunning views and things to do. Pin Mill is home to the famous Butt & Oyster inn, which is said to be nearly 600 years old. Pin Mill is also a hub for creative activity; The Pin Mill Studio cafe which runs ceramic and painting activities throughout the day,visit the studio of photographer Anthony Cullen who also runs leading photography courses and discover the village's rich literary history."
Read more in the Shotley Peninsula guide.

5. Board the Foot Ferry to Harwich and Felixstowe

Harwich Harbour Ferry, Shotley Marina
"Head to Shotley Marina and board the Harwich Harbour Foot Ferry for a leisurely trip across the harbour to the port of Harwich. From Harwich which you can then get a second Ferry over to Felixstowe, explore the town or to on a seal watching trip over to Hamford Water." 
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6. Discover the best Suffolk produce at Suffolk Food Hall

Suffolk Food Hall, Ipswich
"One of the finest food stores in Suffolk. Suffolk Food Hall brings together the best produce from across the country including meats, cheeses, vegetables, chocolates and wines, beers and spirits. There is also the Cookhouse Restaurant serving spectacular panoramic views across the River Orwell and a seasonal menu which showcases Suffolk produce at it's very best. They also have regular events including cooking courses, a monthly quiz night and their hugely popular Tractor Fair."
Click to visit the Suffolk Food Hall website.

7. Take to the river with an Orwell River cruise

Ipswich waterfront
"The Shotley Peninsula is defined by the two rivers at it sides, so why not board a river cruise to enjoy the best views? From Ipswich there are three river cruise operators to choose from, each offering something different: Allen Gardiner; all year round brunch, lunch and dinner cruises down the Orwell, Orwell Lady; summer afternoon tea and sunday brunch cruises plus special sunset trips, 80s disco cruises and sightseeing cruises, Sailing Barge Victor; historic barge built in 1895 providing relaxing sailing along the Orwell with cream tea and supper cruises."
Read more in the Shotley Peninsula guide.

8. Enjoy the views of the Port of Felixstowe

Across Shotley
"The Port of Felixstowe is the UK's largest container port and one of the busiest ports in the world. However from the opposite side of the river at Shotley, you can enjoy spectacular views of the gigantic cranes and container ships and listen out for the distant rumbles of the containers being moved around and the ships coming in. Stop off at The Shipwreck bar and restaurant and enjoy some delicious food and drink whilst taking in the views."
Read more in the Shotley Peninsula guide.

9. Cycle, sail or stroll at Alton Water

Alton Water, Anglian Water Park, Stutton
"Visit Alton Water for an active day out; whether you hire a bike to take on the 8mile cross-country trail, take a stroll around the nature reserve or hit the reservoir for some watersports. The area is teeming with wildlife from badgers, nightingales and barn owls to rare butterflies and wildfowl and there are also spots for fishing, camping and a quirky cafe to relax in. Look out for when the Great East Swim comes to Alton Water; one of the largest open water swimming challenges in the country."
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10. Relive the story of Arthur Ransome's book 'We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea'

Pin Mill and Woolverstone
"Arthur Ransome's (author of the books 'Swallows and Amazons' and 'We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea') boat Nancy Blackett is a familiar sight sailing on the River Orwell, the very same river Ransome sailed down himself in the 1930s. The boat and the hamlet of Pin Mill feature in many of Ransome's stories and there is plenty of sights, trails and treats along the Shotley Peninsula that remember this literary legend."
Read more in the Shotley Peninsula guide.