Ha'penny Pier Visitor Infomation Centre

Work began on the Ha'penny Pier in 1852 and it opened in July 1853. It was so called because of the ½d toll charged (like a platform ticket). Originally the pier was twice as long as, but one half burnt down in 1927. It was a popular departure point for paddle steamers until after the First World War. The Pier Ticket Office is charming, a typical example of late 19th century architecture. It previously had two storeys, but was without the bell cage. The ticket office now houses the Ha'penny Pier Visitor Centre (an information office for Old Harwich run by the Harwich Society).