Living in Felixstowe

Living in Felixstowe

Felixstowe is a Suffolk coastal town that has found a comfortable balance between seaside character and everyday practicality — making it a growing draw for families, professionals, and retirees alike. The town's defining feature is its expansive seafront, which stretches for miles and offers everything from traditional pier entertainment and well-kept gardens to quieter stretches ideal for dog walking, cycling, and family days out. Beyond the beach, the port area rewards exploration with maritime heritage, and the nearby countryside opens up a network of excellent walking routes. Community life here is genuinely active, with regular markets and seasonal festivals giving the town a warmth that larger coastal resorts can struggle to sustain. Lower-than-average crime rates and a strong neighbourhood feel make it a particularly appealing prospect for those moving from busier urban areas.

One local landmark worth singling out is Landguard Fort, a well-preserved coastal fortification that sits at the mouth of the River Orwell and offers a fascinating window into the area's military history. At the other end of the atmosphere spectrum, Felixstowe Ferry is a tiny hamlet just north of the main town where a small passenger ferry crosses the River Deben — the cluster of seafood shacks and informal dining spots alongside it has become something of a local institution.

Schools and education

Felixstowe is well served at primary level, with several well-regarded schools across the town including Grange Primary, Manor Primary Academy, and Brackenbury Primary. For secondary education, Felixstowe Academy is the main provider within the town itself. Families in the wider area — particularly in the village of Trimley St. Martin, which sits just inland — also have access to Trimley St. Martin Primary School. For sixth form and further education, as well as a broader range of secondary options, Ipswich is within easy reach and offers a strong selection of schools and colleges.

Transport and connectivity

Felixstowe's transport links are a genuine selling point. The A14 provides fast road connections, putting Ipswich around 15 minutes away by car and Cambridge reachable in roughly 90 minutes. For those commuting to London, the rail network is the headline act: Trimley station and connections through to Ipswich provide direct services to London Liverpool Street, with Ipswich itself just 12 miles from the town centre. Journey times from Ipswich to the capital typically run under an hour and a half. Local bus services link Felixstowe to Ipswich town centre in approximately 35 minutes, making the city's employment, retail, and cultural offer readily accessible without a car.