Lighthouses?

[pyrojames]

I'll have the children on the boat this weekend for the first time that they will remember, and want them to have a nice time, so the beach (Felixstowe), a castle (Orford) and a lighthouse (??) are proposed. The only problem being I can't think of a "traditional" style lighthouse within easy striking distance of Ipswich. Does anyone have a recommendation?

 

[eastcoastbernie]

Isn't there a lighthouse at Orford Ness? Obviously, there's the Southwold one, but maybe that's too far for you.

 

[rudolph_hart]

There are a couple in Harwich, both walking distance from the Pier Hotel. One in the old town (privately owned?) and another along the front towards Dovercourt (which was strictly-speaking a lower leading mark) which has a small museum inside.

While you're there, the kids will love exploring the old WW1/2 forts nearby. Oh, and a visit to the Napoleonic War period Redoubt fort is great fun. They're all about 10-15 mins walk from each other.

Other than that, its Orfordness or Southwold

Hope this helps.

 

[MrCramp]

I think there is a dissused lighthouse at Aldeburgh. I reckon this is it on the multimap aerial view below. If you look at the yacht club (which is on the inland water) and then look across the bank to the sea, you can see a round tower. Don't think this is the Orford Ness one, but might be wrong.

web page

A brilliant place to take kids is Thorpeness which is about a mile north of Aldeburgh, just keep walking north along the seafront/beach. We walked along the beach to get there and took the bus back. A visit to the "House in the clouds" will be remembered by young kids for the rest of their lives. You can also go in the windmill there. The "boating lake" is purpose built and is child-safe as only around 2 ft deep. see the link

http://www.suffolkcam.co.uk/thorpeness11082001.htm

Actually any adult would enjoy a walk around Thorpeness, it is really worth a visit, and those of you with kids aged 5 to 15 should consider a visit when you next sail to Aldeburgh.

Now I just hope you all like it having given such a strong recommendation!!

PS You don't need to go to the beach that you mentioned, just go to Thorpeness, and visit the castle on the way!!