Things to see and do on the Peninsula
Walking
There are many walks around the peninsula including a coastal footpath that starts from the Orwell Bridge. Others include a delightful short walk from Woolverston Marina to Pin Mill and a circular walk (9miles) round Alton Water.
Cycling
The quiet back roads and twisting lanes of the peninsula offer a relaxing ride for all levels of cyclists. For those who can't bring their own, cycles are available for hire at Alton Water, where you can also do a circular ride that is mostly off road.
Sailing
Alton Water Sailing Club hires and gives tuition on a variety of boats, and windsurfers. There are also marinas at Wherstead (Fox's), Woolverstone (Royal Harwich Yacht Club) and Shotley. Holbrook Creek and Pin Mill have moorings.
Horse Riding
Alton Water
The Alton Water Reservoir offers a variety of activities, including sailing, windsurfing, walking and cycle rides.
There is ample space for parking (parking fees payable), a cafe and cycle hire. (Not all available all year round).
Royal Hospital School
The Royal Hospital School is a co-educational boarding and day school. The buildings and playing fields are not open to the public, but the view from the Stour shoreline is well worth seeing.
Holbrook Creek
The creek provides tidal moorings for a variety of small craft and it is a pleasant place to stop and watch the world go by. Walks from the creek follow the shoreline and the large number of birds make this a popular place for birdwatchers all year round.
Erwarton Hall
Built during the late 16th century, Erwarton Hall was the home of Anne Boleyn's aunt. Anne herself spent some of her childhood there, and there is also a reasonable chance that Henry VIII visited the Hall. The Hall is not open to the public.
Erwarton Church
When Anne Bolleyn was executed there is a strong tradition that her heart was buried in this church. Excavation in 1838 revealed a heart-shaped casket containing dust. This was re-buried under the organ. The early medieval building was much rebuilt in the 15th Century.
Shotley
Shotley village extends for several miles along the bank of the Orwell from Shotley Point at the end of the peninsula. There are extensive views over the river to Felixstowe Container Port and over the Stour to Harwich. For those who enjoy watching ships this is an ideal destination. Ships also feature in the War Cemetaries at Shotley Church, with war graves from both world wars, including some for German and Netherland sailors.
Pin Mill
There is a pay and display car park at Pin Mill, where you will find the Butt & Oyster pub and the Pin Mill Studio Gallery, (which also serves cream teas). There are nice walks along the river where you can see the numerous house boats and sailing barges.
Harkstead
Harkstead Church is situated quite some distance from the main village, but is well worth a visit. The tower has just been renovated and the interior, much restored in Victorian times still has some of the original features.
Freston
At the right time of year the bluebell woods in Freston are a delight to walk through. Freston Tower is a six-storey, 16th century folly. Owned by the Landmark Trust it is open to the public for 2 weekends every year.
