Outside Colchester Is A Coastal Town With Beaches, Antique Shops, And Historic Military Forts

Pretty much every American knows that a group of pilgrims left England on a ship called the Mayflower in 1620 — the rest is history. But what many people don't know is that the Mayflower was most likely built in Harwich, a town in Essex that's spread across a narrow peninsula between the River Stour and the North Sea. The humble abode of the ship's captain, Christopher Jones, still stands amid Harwich's lanes, bearing a commemorative plaque for passersby to snap photos. Curious visitors can wander around inside for a glimpse of life in another era.

Aside from exploring the links between old England and the U.S., visitors can stroll along a Victorian-era Ha'penny Pier or sit on a bench to gaze at ships moored in the sea. Sun-seekers will find miles of shoreline all around Harwich and the adjacent Dovercourt neighborhood, with pebbly beaches to put down a towel and lounge amid the sound of crashing waves. 

Trains from Colchester, to the west, take barely 30 minutes, while London is a 90-minute train ride south. Harwich is also easily accessed by train from Cambridge, one of the prettiest cities in England. A bevy of accommodations such as The Alma Inn or The Bottle Kiln make it easy to turn a day trip to Harwich into a relaxing weekend getaway.

History buffs can delve into the Napoleonic era at Harwich Redoubt Fort, a 200-year-old garrison. Though it never faced any battles, the redoubt was built during the height of the Napoleonic Wars in case of an attack along the English coastline. The fort has a unique circular design with a rounded courtyard where military reenactments take place. A visitor on Google Maps describes it as "a really interesting piece of history, suitable for all ages."

Beacon Hill Fort is about a 10-minute walk away. A visitor on Google Maps says it's a "brilliant place for all the family." The fort was built atop a gentle slope surrounded by trees at the end of the 19th century, as a replacement for an earlier garrison from the Napoleonic era. Wander through tunnels and climb up the turrets to look out across the sea.

While military fiends explore the forts, eager shoppers can browse antique stores. Unique Antique Shop on Dovercourt's High Street beckons customers with a large window display of treasures such as ceramic tableware, statues, and vintage lamps at various prices. Meanwhile, anyone looking for Roman coins should stop by Little Piece of History, a short walk away. It stocks everything from Viking trinkets to fossils.

When visiting a seaside town like Harwich, spending time at the beach is a must. Harwich Beach is a stretch of pebbly sand near the end of the Harwich peninsula. A paved promenade parallel to the shore leads visitors to Low Lighthouse at the far end of the beach. More casual sightseers who don't want to get sand in their shoes can find a bench along the promenade on which to relax. Irlam's Beach, meanwhile, is just south of town. Framed by marshy grasslands, it's an "untouched paradise" according to the Express. It's ideal for sunbathing or walking a four-legged companion across the dunes. "Bring everything you need as there is nothing here but nature and the sea," recommends a visitor on Google Maps.

When hunger strikes, Lambard's Salt House, a historic seafood shack opposite the Mayflower captain's house, serves seasonal, hearty meals and fresh fish. Alternatively, Pieseas Chippy is highly-rated on Google Maps for its fish and chips, steak and kidney pies, cheeseburgers, and chicken wraps. 

For more beach adventures, Clacton-on-Sea, a charming town with award-winning sands, fresh seafood, and family-friendly activities, is about an hour south on the train, while Thetford, a quaint town with ruins, museums, and restaurants, is further inland.