Harwich is not really a tourist town as such but is an important port, boasting cruise ship and passenger ferry terminals as well as a freight-only dock.
From here you can travel to Holland, Scandinavia and Germany and the influence of the sea is all around here - from the days of King Edward II who granted the town's royal charter in 1139 to modern day businesses who depend on the links to survive.
It's thought Vikings may have been the earliest inhabitants of Harwich as a 9th century ring was discovered during excavation work in the town.
For some more history, visit Old Harwich - a conservation area with one of the largest concentrations of grade two listed buildings in Essex.
