This centrally heated group hostel is ideal for walkers on the north Essex section of the England Coast Path. It offers bunk beds in cabin-style rooms (guests should bring their own sleeping bags), along with hot showers and a drying room. There is also a self-catering kitchen and dining area and the hostel is close to all the towns amenities, including general stores, cafés and pubs. It is well located for both the north Essex section of the Coast Path and nearby Suffolk stretches. It is also accessible via Harwich and the harbour foot ferry to Shotley and Felixstowe. Harwich has excellent public transport links, with Harwich Town railway station within easy walking distance of the hostel and the coast path.

Update June 2026:  Although the KCIII path has been offically opened nationally, there are still sections where works are still underway re sign posting etc near us in Essex. We are awaiting the formal designation of the Harwich – Manningtree section, although most of the route is accessible where the route follows existing public footpaths.

The 1912 Centre is the former Harwich fire station, close to the railway station and just 50m from the promenade and sandy beach. The centrally heated hostel offers a large dining / recreational area and cabin style rooms, with two ground floor rooms suitable for disabled. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, showers & drying room. Youth Groups and Schools particularly welcome. BYO sleeping bag.