Ha'penny Pier

You'll spot Ha'penny Pier from the seafront at Felixstowe the moment you round the corner - a proper Victorian structure that's seen better days but hasn't lost its character. Built in the 1880s, it juts out into the North Sea like it's got somewhere important to be, and from the end you get views back across the coast that are worth the walk alone.

It's a straightforward experience: you walk the length, take in the water and sky, maybe watch the fishing boats. There's no arcade or café at the far end - this isn't Southend or Clacton. What you get instead is a bit of old seaside charm without the crowds. Kids won't stay long unless they're the type who enjoy spotting boats, but for walkers or anyone after a quiet spell facing the water, it does the job. The structure itself is interesting if you care about Victorian engineering - the ironwork's aged well.

Felixstowe itself sits right on the coast, making Ha'penny Pier an easy addition to a day out. If you're staying at Suffolk Sands or Felixstowe Beach Holiday Park - both within a couple of miles - it's an obvious spot to head for a morning stroll before breakfast or a sunset walk. Access is free and there's no time limit, though it's windier out there than you'd expect. Go on a clear day if you can; the Suffolk coast doesn't do much shade, so dress accordingly.