I love a long walk by the beach, but a few streets away deprivation lurks behind the scenes.
Felixstowe is a charming seaside town in Suffolk, and somewhere I often like to escape to for a beach front walk. With its long stretches of sand and colourful beach huts that line the promenade, its one of my favourite places to visit in the summer.
Feeling sluggish after the festive break, I fancied a nice long walk to blow away the cobwebs. Pulling up on a bleak January day though, the town looked a little different in the depths of winter.
The warm glow of summer with busy beaches and queues outside the chippie can make anywhere look like a holiday hotspot. But when the crowds are gone, it’s easier to see that away from the main tourist areas, the town looks a little tired and down in the dumps.
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According to the “Hidden Needs” report from the University of Suffolk, some parts of Felixstowe are among the top 20% most deprived areas in England. A 2022 Public Health Report also identified Felixstowe as one of the most deprived areas in Suffolk, alongside towns like Ipswich and Lowestoft.
Areas like Grange Farm and the Docks are the most deprived, while Old Felixstowe and nearby villages face fewer challenges, according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), which evaluates factors such as income, employment, health and education.
But despite the chilly weather and rather bleak statistics, the seaside town still has plenty to offer visitors.
A walk through Felixstowe offers a delightful mix of coastal views, and historic landmarks. I love a stroll along the seafront promenade, taking in the colourful beach huts and sweeping views of the North Sea.
The shingle and sandy beaches are perfect for a relaxing walk and many a time we’ve been down to the water to let the waves lap at our feet.
In warmer weather I’ve even had a dip or two in my time, bobbing around in the water staring back at the pretty Victorian seafront.
The iconic Felixstowe Pier offers great views over the sea and The Boardwalk Bar and Cafe offers food and refreshments out on the deck. If you visit later in the year, there is often live music nights and candlelit decking, serving up Mediterranean nightclub feels right here in Felixstowe.
Then there is the beautifully maintained Seafront Gardens, filled with flowerbeds, fountains and seating areas, and the nearby Landguard Nature Reserve offers peaceful walking routes through nature, ideal for birdwatching and coastal scenery.
As you continue, you’ll catch sight of Beach Street – a relatively new development packed full or quirky shops, bars and restaurants. One of my favourite places to stop after a blowy walk along the front, it has a boho beach vibe.
A vibrant space for community events and activities, it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, shop for second hand clothing or shabby chic homewares.
Time to head back to the car and get into the warm, past Mannings Amusement Arcade with its familiar sounds of whistle, bells and music. With no problems parking down on the Prom, a chilly winter’s day rewards visitors with uncrowded beaches and easy access to everything that’s open.
Sadly though, all too many British seaside resorts suffer from a perception of being “down-at-heel” due to a combination of historical, economic and social factors. But deprived or not, there is nothing quite like breathing in the salty air at Felixstowe.