A fantastic project has taken place to restore the jetty used by the popular Felixstowe Ferry service on the river Deben

Felixstowe Ferry is a timeless fishing hamlet south of town of Felixstowe, set on the mouth of the river Deben, boasting a mixture of houseboats, unique residences, working boat yard, sailing club, cafe and fresh fish sellers. 

Across the river from Felixstowe Ferry is the historic village of Bawdsey and popular Bawdsey Quay. During World War Two, Bawdsey was home to a secret military facility and where Sir Robert Watson-Watt developed radar technology. 

To connect these two popular destinations, the beloved Felixstowe Ferry service is one of four foot ferries that operate in the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape, allowing people to hop across the river.  

£12,438 of Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) access funding was awarded to Felixstowe Ferry Boat Year for essential structural repairs on the jetty used by the ferry, as well as the replacement of rotten timber components. A Marine Management Organisation license was also required as the works affected the seabed. 

The Defra provides Access funding to National Landscapes and National Parks for physical and digital infrastructure improvements to make Protected Landscapes more accessible for people of all ages and abilities, and from all socio-economic backgrounds. 

Facilitated by the National Landscape team, several projects have taken place in the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape, to help even more people to enjoy spending time in our special part of the country. 

The seasonal ferry typically operates from Easter to October and is based on the Felixstowe side of the Deben. From Bawdsey, you simply hail the ferry with a giant paddle to cross the river!  

The ferry caters for walkers, cyclists, and dogs are also welcome. The new and improved jetty will allow people to continue enjoying the popular ferry for many years to come.