Photographing Felixstowe Ferry

If you are looking for a riverside photography location in Suffolk that offers wide waterscape views mixed with interesting detail then you have to go a long way to beat Felixstowe Ferry for versatility and interest.
Located at the mouth of the River Deben, Felixstowe Ferry is a quaint mix of riverside cottages, 2 martello towers, fishing shacks, a working boatyard and a wonderfully interesting riverbank full of ramshackle old boats. It really is a photographers paradise.
 

Mouth of the River Deben

Felixstowe Ferry can be reached by a riverside footpath which runs from Felixstowe seafront round to the river Deben. Follow this and you will pass two Martello Towers which date back to Napoleonic times before arriving at the fishing hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry. One the opposite bank of the Deben is Bawdsey Quay, with Bawdsey Manor house clearly visable amoungst the trees. The two settlements are connected by a small passanger ferry which runs across the river on demand.
Felixstowe Ferry boatyard has an interesting collection of fishing shacks which support the numerous fishing boats anchored offshore. Fresh fish can be bought from the shed next to the ferry.

Houseboats at Felixstowe Ferry

Take some time to wander the banks of the river. The derelict boats and houseboats here make really interesting subjects although most have past their glory days! Look out for the "Hippo boat" which is worth taking some time to admire. Whoever lives here definitely has a sense of humour!

The Hippo Boat

Felixstowe Ferry is worth visiting at any time of day as you are always guaranteed something interesting to see. The two Martello Towers stand as proud lookouts over the river entrance and make good subject matter. It would be worth planning a visit at sunrise to get a colourful backdrop to this tranquil Deben scene.


Felixstowe Ferry Martello Tower

 The purpose of my visit to Felixstowe Ferry today was to take some images for my 2013 River Deben calendar and I think I may just have captured a few suitable shots!