Ballasthill Reach

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Suffolk Tendring

England

Ballasthill Reach

The Bradfield Memorial Stone Recently installed (Aug 2021). Dedicated to the memory of the fallen in all wars and the 75th anniversary (2020) of VE and VJ Days. Erected by the Bradfield Community at the edge of the village playing field. — The Bradfield Memorial Stone Credit: Tony Peacock

Ballasthill Reach is a picturesque and serene location situated in Suffolk, England. Nestled between the towns of Felixstowe and Shotley Gate, it is revered for its stunning natural beauty and its unique blend of sea, estuary, and creek.

At Ballasthill Reach, visitors are greeted by the mesmerizing sight of the North Sea meeting the River Orwell estuary, creating a breathtaking backdrop. The estuary, with its calm and tranquil waters, provides a perfect haven for various species of wildlife. Birdwatchers flock to this area to catch a glimpse of rare and migratory birds, such as avocets, marsh harriers, and spoonbills.

The creek, known as Ballasthole Creek, enhances the charm of the location. This small, winding waterway is flanked by lush marshland and reed beds, which provide a habitat for numerous water creatures. It is not uncommon to spot seals basking on the sandbanks or playful otters swimming gracefully in the creek.

Ballasthill Reach is also steeped in history. It was once a bustling harbor during the 19th century, serving as a crucial trading point for cargo ships. Today, remnants of its maritime past can still be seen through the abandoned dockyards and historic buildings that dot the landscape.

This idyllic location offers a multitude of recreational activities, including walking trails, fishing, and boating. Visitors can explore the area by foot or take a leisurely boat trip along the estuary, soaking in the natural splendor that Ballasthill Reach has to offer.

In conclusion, Ballasthill Reach in Suffolk is a captivating destination that seamlessly combines the beauty of the sea, estuary, and creek. Its diverse wildlife, rich history, and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Ballasthill Reach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.949094/1.1064888 or Grid Reference TM1332. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Bradfield Memorial Stone

Recently installed (Aug 2021). Dedicated to the memory of the fallen in all wars and the 75th anniversary (2020) of VE and VJ Days. Erected by the Bradfield Community at the edge of the village playing field.

Tony Peacock

View of the EDME Malt Extract chimney towering above a house in Mistley from the village square

Looking south-southeast.

Robert Lamb

Old Milestone, B1352, High Street, Mistley

The milestone was originally located on the High Street, Mistley at TM 1181 3178. It was later moved against the wall of a building on Mistley Quay, see Link , then temporarily put in to store during property development, and has now been re-installed in the Swan Basin, High Street. Parish of Mistley (Tendring District), Carved stone post, originally erected in the 19th century. A replacement for the cast iron post that would later have been fitted to the milestone is located close by, see Link Inscription reads:- LXI / Colchester / 10 / Mistley : : (Harwich / 11) Milestone Society National ID: EX_COHH61

Bob Horlock

Replacement Milestone, B1352, High St, Mistley, Swan Basin

This milestone is located in the Swan Basin, against the far wall to the right of the original stone milestone EX_COHH61, Link. Parish of Mistley (Tendring District). It is a replacement for the original cast iron post, Bendall iron casting design, erected by the Essex Second District turnpike trust in the 19th century. Cast iron posts on this Colchester to Harwich route were made to be bolted on to the original stone milestones. Inscription reads:- HARWICH / 11 : : COLCHESTER / 10 : : MISTLEY / TO / LONDON / 61 : : BENDALL / IRON AND BRASS / FOUNDERS / PLOUGH AND MACHINE / MAKER / LAWFORD / ESSEX /1834 Milestone Society National ID: EX_COHH61AR

Bob Horlock

Bradfield Parish Church, Essex

Bradfield Church (Saint Lawrence), taken from the car park of the Stranger's Home Inn.

Pebble

Boat on the River Stour

A sailboat on the River Stour at low tide.

Pebble

Stream in New Mistley

The stream ends up in the Landooze Rill in the Stour. I suspect the land behind the fence will soon be re-developed.

Glyn Baker

A Glimpse of the Stour

The CCTV cameras of the Wharf in New Mistley can just be seen at the bottom of the frame. The weather coming from Suffolk looked ominous (and it was).

Glyn Baker

Allotments in New Mistley

A scrap of land between the B1352 and the railway.

Glyn Baker

The Wharf at New Mistley

Taken through the locked gates to the wharf

Glyn Baker

Mistley Station

Chris Holifield

Mistley Railway Station Platform

Chris Holifield

Secret Nuclear Bunker

This nuclear bunker is laughingly listed on Ordnance Survey maps as "Secret Nuclear Bunker". Obviously no longer a secret, this bunker used to form a part of the cold war nuclear defence system and was a regional seat of government. Should the worst happen, the local area would be governed by the officials who would shelter here. This bunker would also be in communication with numerous Royal Observer Corps outposts dotted around the countryside similar to the one shown in TQ5247, so that they could assess the damage caused by a nuclear attack. It was open to the public until comparatively recently (hence the name on the Ordnance Survey map) but now stands empty, a monument to something that thankfully didn't happen.

Hywel Williams

Bradfield Church

Rog Frost

Secret Nuclear Bunker - can now be yours

Now for sale with planning consent given for use for storage. Subterranea Britannica has a good page with a couple of pictures Link

. TM1231 : Secret Nuclear Bunker states it was intended as a regional seat of government. Probably not true - this was merely an anti aircraft operations room. Regarding the contradiction of openly calling it secret, everyone knows that the building on the left of TQ3078 : Vauxhall Bridge is the MI6 HQ!

Roger W Haworth

The Fountain at Mistley, Essex

In the 18th century the wealthy Richard Rigby M.P. had ideas to change Mistley into a spa town and he had many building built, which included the Swan Fountain in this picture. Behind it, the large building on the right was once the malting office and now converted into private houses. The building on the left is now a craft centre.

Robert Edwards