
Shotley Marina
A charming marina offering peaceful walks, boat watching, and ferry trips with stunning views of the River Orwell and Felixstowe docks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day

Shotley Marina
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming marina offering peaceful walks, boat watching, and ferry trips with stunning views of the River Orwell and Felixstowe docks.
"Lovely place away from gambling machines and crowds. Bonus being, no parking charges."

🚶♀️ Scenic Walks
Explore the beautiful coastal paths along the River Orwell and Stour. Dog-friendly too!
🚢 Ferry Adventures
Take a ferry to Harwich or Felixstowe for a fun day out exploring new places.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Marina Views & Boat Watching
Shotley Marina
Watch boats glide through the lock and admire the impressive container ships at Felixstowe docks.

The Shipwreck Pub
Shotley Marina
Enjoy a pint and a meal with friendly service and great views of the marina.

River Orwell & Stour Path
Shotley Marina
Take a bracing walk along the scenic coastal paths with beautiful water views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Ferry Fun & Local Gems
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks
Explore the beautiful coastal paths along the River Orwell and Stour. Dog-friendly too!
🚢 Ferry Adventures
Take a ferry to Harwich or Felixstowe for a fun day out exploring new places.
🍺 Pub Grub & Views
The Shipwreck pub offers good food, drinks, and marina views.
🅿️ Free Parking
Plenty of free parking available, making it an easy and affordable visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks
Explore the beautiful coastal paths along the River Orwell and Stour. Dog-friendly too!
🚢 Ferry Adventures
Take a ferry to Harwich or Felixstowe for a fun day out exploring new places.
🍺 Pub Grub & Views
The Shipwreck pub offers good food, drinks, and marina views.
🅿️ Free Parking
Plenty of free parking available, making it an easy and affordable visit.
🚢 Ship Spotting
Great spot to watch large container ships and smaller boats navigate the waterways.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shotley Marina is widely praised for its friendly atmosphere, beautiful waterfront views, and convenient amenities like free parking and The Shipwreck pub. Visitors enjoy the peaceful ambiance, the opportunity for scenic walks, and the fascinating sight of boats and large container ships. It's considered a great value day out.
"Really friendly Marina and pub. Good beer and food in the pub (The Shipwreck). Clean facilities. Great all round. Good to get a ferry across and explore The Stour."
Travis Martinson
"Nice place for a walk, plenty to see. Harbour across the river where you can see the cranes unloading the container ships. A lock where the boats come into the marina. A pub nearby serves food and drinks all day.
Plenty of parking."
David C
"Lovely place away from gambling machines and crowds. Bonus being, no parking charges. There is two public houses there to take rest, refreshments or meals. There are better views of Felixstowe docks from Shotley,"
Nobby C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shotley Marina is accessible by car with plenty of free parking available. You can also reach it via public transport, often involving a bus service from Ipswich or surrounding towns. For a scenic route, consider taking a ferry from Harwich or Felixstowe.
Yes, there is ample free parking at Shotley Marina, which is a significant plus for visitors.
Absolutely! You can catch a ferry from Shotley Marina to Harwich or Felixstowe, offering a delightful way to explore the area.
The nearest towns include Ipswich to the north and Harwich across the river. Shotley Gate is also very close by.
Yes, Shotley Marina is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering walks, views, a pub, and ferry access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Shotley Marina, and parking is also free, making it a very accessible destination.
Shotley Marina is generally accessible throughout the day for walks and viewing. The Shipwreck pub has its own operating hours.
No advance booking is typically required for general visits to Shotley Marina. If you plan to dine at The Shipwreck, booking a table might be advisable, especially during peak times.
Yes, there are public facilities available, including restrooms and the aforementioned pub, The Shipwreck.
The marina area is relatively flat and accessible, and the free parking is close by. However, some of the coastal paths might have uneven terrain.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks along the river, watch boats coming and going through the lock, spot large container ships, and relax at The Shipwreck pub.
The marina itself offers lovely views of the boats, and from the shore, you get great perspectives of the busy port of Felixstowe across the water.
Yes, Shotley Marina and its surrounding walking paths are very dog-friendly.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for ship spotting, with views of large container ships in the nearby port of Felixstowe.
It's known for its peaceful, old-fashioned charm, offering a relaxing escape away from busy crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Shipwreck pub is located at the marina and serves food and drinks all day.
The Shipwreck pub offers good beer and food, described as a local gem by visitors.
Besides The Shipwreck pub, there are other public houses nearby for rest and refreshments.
While not explicitly stated, pubs generally welcome families. It's a good spot for a casual meal during a day out.
The scenic walking areas around the marina would be suitable for picnics, though specific facilities aren't highlighted.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of boats in the lock, the expansive views of Felixstowe docks, and the serene riverfront. The golden hour light can be particularly beautiful here.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the marina's peaceful atmosphere.
Yes, the views across to Felixstowe docks provide excellent opportunities to photograph the impressive container ships.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is fine. Be mindful of any private property or security areas if photographing specific vessels or facilities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive river views and marina, while a telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant ships.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
🚢 Ship Spotters and Maritime Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waterways: Ferries and Views
The marina itself provides excellent vantage points for watching boats of all sizes. You can observe yachts and smaller vessels navigating the lock, a fascinating process for many. Across the River Orwell, the Port of Felixstowe is a major hub, and Shotley Marina offers impressive views of the massive container ships as they arrive and depart. This makes it a prime spot for ship enthusiasts and anyone interested in maritime activity.
For those who enjoy a bracing walk, the Stour and Orwell path winds its way around the marina and along the riverbanks. These paths offer beautiful, ever-changing scenery, from tranquil waters to industrial port views. It’s a chance to breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy the natural beauty of the Suffolk coast.
The Shipwreck Pub: A Local Hub
Many reviews highlight the pub's pleasant atmosphere and its convenient location right at the marina. It provides a place to rest, enjoy refreshments, or have a full meal while taking in the views of the boats and the water. The availability of food and drinks all day adds to its appeal as a convenient stop for visitors.
While specific menu details aren't always provided, the consistent positive mentions suggest it's a reliable choice for a casual dining experience. It contributes significantly to the overall charm and appeal of Shotley Marina as a destination for a relaxed day out.
A Peaceful Escape: Atmosphere and Amenities
One of the significant advantages of visiting Shotley Marina is the ample free parking. This makes it an easily accessible and cost-effective destination for day-trippers. The availability of clean facilities and the dog-friendly nature of the area further enhance its appeal for a relaxed outing with family or pets.
Beyond the marina itself, the surrounding area offers opportunities for exploration. The proximity to Chelmondiston and the walking routes along the River Orwell and Stour provide options for longer excursions for those who wish to extend their visit.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit