Local Ferries in Suffolk

The Ferries in Suffolk are local ferry services in southeastern England, United Kingdom: some connect Suffolk with Essex to its south while others cross rivers within Suffolk.

A ferry for foot passengers and bicycles across the River Deben between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey, and provides continuity for the Suffolk Coast Path and Regional Cycle Route 41. The ferry operates from Easter weekend until the end of October on a varying timetable, and can also be used as a water taxi to moored yachts.

Prior to 1894 the small passenger boats ran ferry trips. In 1894 Sir William Quilter, owner of Bawdsey Manor, established a steam-drawn chain ferry which the family owned until 1931. From 1931 until the start of WW2 Charlie Brinckley then operated a launch for passengers with his son Robert (senior). Bawdsey Manor was purchased by the RAF in 1936 to become RAF Bawdsey and the ferry was closed to the public during WW2. After the end of the war a daily service was operated until 1974 under contract to RAF Bawdsey and since 1974 it has operated on summer weekends only. The Bawdsey Ferry is mentioned in three Acts of Parliament, the 'Felixstowe & Bawdsey Ferry Railway Act 1887', the 'Felixstowe and Bawdsey Ferry Railway (Extension of Time) Act 1890' and the 'Felixstowe and Bawdsey Ferry Rly.(Abandonment) Act 1892'

A small ferry operates across the River Butley for foot passengers and for cyclists (no tandems) using Regional Cycle Route 41. It is operated by volunteers on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 11am to 4pm within the season, which is Easter Saturday to 30 September. Telephone: 07913 672499 but no bookings. Ferry does not operate when wind is Force 5 or above. Sponsored by the Alde & Ore Association. More information is available from the notice on the pier. The ferry claims to be the smallest licensed ferry in Europe.

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