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Suffolk Coastal

Hemley

Attractions and Places To See around Hemley - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Hemley are primarily centered around its historical church and the surrounding natural landscape. This small village in East Suffolk is situated near the River Deben, offering scenic views and opportunities to enjoy the natural environment. The area provides a variety of points of interest, from historical structures to tranquil natural spots. Visitors can explore a mix of cultural sites and natural features in and around Hemley.

Best attractions and places to see around Hemley

  • The most popular attractions is Bawdsey Ferry, a facilities that crosses the River Deben, connecting Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey Quay. It offers a seasonal transport option for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Another must-see spot is Kyson Point, a river and natural feature. This tranquil spot on the Deben Estuary is ideal for walking, with only the sounds of birds and the wind for company.
  • Visitors also love Shotley Pier and Marina, a historical pier and marina. Originally built in 1894, it is a significant historical structure offering views across the River Stour.
  • Hemley is known for its historical sites, natural river landscapes, and unique facilities. Visitors can explore ancient churches, scenic estuaries, and historical piers.
  • The attractions around Hemley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 30 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Bawdsey Ferry

Highlight • Rest Area

There is a cafe at the ferry. Make sure you check the timetable and make sure you have some cash for the ferry.

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Shotley Pier and Marina

Highlight • Rest Area

Shotley Pier was built in 1894 to enable the Royal Mail to travel between Shotley Gate and Harwich. As well as mail, coal, munitions and sailors also travelled on its rails – the pier is the only railway pier in Suffolk.

At the beginning of the 21st century, it fell into a state of disrepair. A fundraising campaign in 2018 enabled supporters to purchase the pier and begin renovations. The works are still ongoing today.

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Ramsholt All Saints Church

Highlight • Religious Site

Ramsholt All Saints Church: The late 13th/early 14th century tower is slightly oval and tapering, but this is exaggerated by the three hefty buttresses which were built with the tower and reach right to the top. The belfry openings are lancet shaped, made with stone frames and brick relieving arches. Brick is also used for the put-log holes (for horizontal scaffolding). As well as flints, the fabric also includes some locally found lumps of septaria, compressed clay from the river bed. The inverted V marking the former nave roof line on the east of the tower also continues across the east faces of the nearest buttresses. Because of the buttresses, (one facing due west), the placing of the three belfry openings and the ground floor window are unusual. The nave doorways are circa 1300, and many of the windows are of that time, with the east one having intersecting Y tracery. The nave and chancel are one width, though roofed separately, with the wall being rendered. The south porch is perhaps 17th century and has a brick lined entrance arch and three brick framed niches above it.
More information: roundtowerchurches.net/suffolk/suffolk-l-w-2/suffolk-ramsholt

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Rendlesham Forest UFO Trail

Highlight • Trail

Rendlesham Forest was planted as commercial woodland in the 1920s.

The forest was the setting for a well-known UFO incident in 1980. Servicemen at RAF Woodbridge saw lights in the trees. They reported discovering a conical object, about the size of a car, floating in a forest clearing, which disappeared as they approached. 🛸

There are toilets at the car park, and a network of gravel trails to ride.

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Kyson Point

Highlight • River

Kyson Point is a lovely spot on the Deben Estuary, where you can find serene walking with only the sounds of birds and the wind for company. A short walk away is the National Trust-owned Kyson Hill, which rewards with fine views of the estuary.

Ensure you're aware of tide times, as Kyson Point can be impassable during high tides.

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Tips from the Community

Sarah H
June 22, 2025, Bawdsey Ferry

The cafe has closed permanently per Google maps. Hoped for a replacement but no sign of any café on the Bawdsey side now (June 2025)

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The south leg is a lot of gravel roads and bridleways. Once off the ferry it's all tarmacked.

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Mark Stevenson
February 7, 2025, Bawdsey Ferry

Great little ferry in a beautiful place

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Neil Sneade
September 15, 2024, Bawdsey Ferry

The next crossing point upstream is Melton, so this saves a big detour! £4 one way with a bike - cash only though. The ferry shuttles back and forth across the estuary mouth on demand so you won't have to wait long. Runs Easter-April on weekends, then daily until end of September, 10am-5pm.

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It's a dead end for roadies as there's only one tarmacked road to it but it's a nice ride and there's the Tinto Café horsebox at the car park, which does hot drinks, sandwiches and toasties, cakes and snacks. Officially it closes at 4pm but it was still serving at 4.30 when I was there, thankfully.

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It is not so common for a Christian place of worship – which encompasses the whole of heaven – to be dedicated to “ALL SAINTS”. Usually it is one (or occasionally two) named saints who hold the patronage of a church – and thus usually also of the parish or town in which it is located. But to find the origin of such a dedication, one has to go far back in history, because the model for this practice of dedication to ALL SAINTS can be seen as a pagan custom, according to which there were already central temples in pre-Christian times that were dedicated to all deities (PANTHEON). The probably most famous Pantheon, formerly a pagan temple and now a Christian place of worship, is located in the Italian capital.

Translated by Google

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Dave Porter
September 8, 2023, Bawdsey Ferry

Ferry across the estuary

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About 20m of the pier is now restored and open but that still leaves a lot left to do!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I visit near Hemley?

Hemley and its surroundings offer several historical points of interest. You can explore Ramsholt All Saints Church, known for its unique 13th/14th-century tower. Another significant historical structure is Shotley Pier and Marina, originally built in 1894. Within Hemley itself, the 14th-century All Saints' Parish Church is a Grade II* listed building.

Are there any natural features or viewpoints to enjoy around Hemley?

Yes, the area is rich in natural beauty. Kyson Point on the Deben Estuary is a tranquil spot perfect for walking, offering serene views and the sounds of nature. The River Deben itself provides scenic views and opportunities to enjoy the natural environment. You can also find viewpoints at Shotley Pier and Marina, looking out across the River Stour.

What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do near Hemley's attractions?

The area around Hemley is excellent for outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find routes like the 'Waldringfield & River Deben loop' or 'Hemley Church – The Maybush Pub loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum – River Deben Estuary loop'. You can find more details and routes in the hiking guide, running guide, and road cycling guide for Hemley.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities near Hemley?

Several attractions are suitable for families. Bawdsey Ferry offers a fun, seasonal transport option across the River Deben. Shotley Pier and Marina is also family-friendly, providing historical interest and views. For a unique experience, the Rendlesham Forest UFO Trail offers a network of gravel trails and a fascinating local legend.

What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1436942" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rendlesham Forest UFO Trail</a> and what can I expect there?

The Rendlesham Forest UFO Trail is located in a commercial woodland planted in the 1920s. It's famous for a well-known UFO incident in 1980. Visitors can explore a network of gravel trails, which are great for walking or cycling. There are also toilets at the car park and picnic benches, making it a good spot for a day out.

What should I know about visiting <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1888039" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bawdsey Ferry</a>?

Bawdsey Ferry crosses the River Deben, connecting Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey Quay. It operates seasonally, typically from Easter to October. It's primarily for cyclists and pedestrians. There is a cafe at the ferry, and it's advisable to check the timetable and bring cash for the fare.

Are there any specific considerations for walking at <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2969508" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyson Point</a>?

When walking at Kyson Point, it's crucial to be aware of tide times. The area can become impassable during high tides. It's particularly beautiful at low tide in the late afternoon during winter, when the sun reflects on the wet mud.

What are some unique architectural features of <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3403735" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ramsholt All Saints Church</a>?

Ramsholt All Saints Church features a late 13th/early 14th-century tower that is slightly oval and tapering, supported by hefty buttresses. The belfry openings are lancet-shaped with stone frames and brick arches. The building materials include flints and locally found lumps of septaria, compressed clay from the river bed.

Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?

Yes, there are some options available. For instance, there is a cafe located at Bawdsey Ferry. The fan-out queries suggest that visitors often look for pubs with walks nearby, indicating that such amenities are part of the local experience.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Hemley?

Visitors appreciate the mix of historical sites, natural river landscapes, and unique facilities. The tranquility of spots like Kyson Point, the historical significance of Shotley Pier, and the scenic ferry ride at Bawdsey Ferry are frequently highlighted. The komoot community has shared over 30 photos and given more than 60 upvotes to these attractions, indicating a high level of satisfaction.

Are there any dog-friendly options for walks or attractions?

While specific dog-friendly designations for all attractions aren't detailed, natural areas like Kyson Point and the trails within Rendlesham Forest are generally suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept under control and local guidelines are followed. Many of the nearby hiking routes also offer opportunities for dog walking.

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