Felixstowe is a busy Ferry port on the Essex Coast - with a narrow shingle and sand beach spanning many miles, from the twn centre to the port entrance. The area is alive with small and large boats, which are a joy to watch. Speedboats mix with the large continental cargo ferries and many, many sailing boats from the various marinas which span the estuary up to the new river crossing road bridge. The character of the town varies along the coastline - from the affluent yatching clubs, down to the centre along the Seafront with its tourist seaside attractions, down to the nature reserve and the ancient 12th century fort, which leads to the ferry habour area and the mouth of the estruary and many more marinas and sailing clubs.