Felixstowe Help Needed

[Trev]

Hello everyone,

I am planning my first visit to Felixstowe to photograph the ships coming in and out of the port. I have been told that there is ample parking by Felixstowe Fort in a car park with a cafe?

Does anyone know if there is a way I can find out when there are expected departures? I have seen the Felixstowe Port website that gives expected arrival times for ships but no details on expected departures.

Finally does anyone know if the times listed on the expected arrivals page on Felixstowe Port website are times due alongside or at the pilot boarding station?

Thanks for any help received

[Rick Vince]

Hi Trev,
        the place to head for, with free parking is the John Bradfield Viewing Area which is adjacent to Landguard Fort & can be found here: https://goo.gl/maps/HfDyycFay5L2
The Viewpoint cafe is at the same location.
Take a deckchair & a book- it might even be sunny

Felixstowe faces South and photography is better in the (early) morning or evening.
Felixstowe / Harwich harbour can often have quiet periods, at other times there can be a few simultaneous movements.

Harwich Harbour Authority's website showing some departures (including Felixstowe, Harwich, Ipswich) can be found here: http://apps.hha.co.uk/mis/traffic/Departures.aspx

The times listed on the Port of Felixstowe's expected arrivals page indicate times alongside.
Big ships, especially those which require to be turned 180 degrees before berthing, can be rounding Landguard Point (which is within view of the Viewpoint) 45 to 60 minutes before the indicated times of berthing.

The nearby Felixstowe seafront, i.e. Sea Road (a 2 minute drive from the viewpoint), also offers wide views of the North Sea and approaching & departing vessels, but is not really suitable for photography.

Ditto here: https://goo.gl/maps/ucDWkk9NeNs

Regards, Rick

[Patrick Hill]

As Rick has said it all, I'd just add that in the afternoon you could take the ferry across to Harwich for more photo opportunities - or walk along the beach to get ships approaching or sailing away from the point.

[Rick Vince]

Good points Patrick.
The ferry across to Harwich and/or Shotley, especially on a sunny day, is pleasant and provides good views towards Trinity container terminal.
http://www.harwichharbourferry.com/

Within easy walking distance from the ferry pontoon, Harwich has a variety of good places to eat, an RNLI station, a preserved light vessel, a small maritime museum and a Victorian pier dating from 1852. Choose a sunny day to visit, it's worth it.

Regards, Rick

[Russell Judge]

I was at the viewpoint last Friday and it is excellent for all incoming & outgoing vessels.
However as "MSC Anna" was on the nearest berth (Berth 8/9), she tended to block views of all other berths other than the very furthest (Trinity)
Suggested alternatives include the Harwich foot ferry which also goes to Shotley Gate which is one of my favourites spots provided you have a decent telephoto lens. Even there, the powers that be have placed a couple of old lightships in the way of the Landguard berths.
Back at the viewpoint carpark, the cafe is excellent with bacon rolls very reasonable.