A NEW visitor guide to Harwich and Dovercourt is being created to draw in tourists and highlight the town's hidden gem of attractions.

The Harwich and Dovercourt Bay tourism group is putting together the visitors' guide for 2019.

It aims to include all the key tourism attractions and businesses in Harwich and Dovercourt Bay, and highlight what's available to visitors looking for food and drink, accommodation, heritage, family and other activities and how to get the best out of the area, whether on a day trip or a longer holiday.

There will be features on tourism attractions and businesses as well as articles on the maritime history, getting around, and the estuarine environment.

Paul Milsom, chairman of the Harwich and Dovercourt Bay tourism group, said it is important that as many people as possible got involved.

He added: “We know what a hidden gem Harwich and Dovercourt Bay is and just how much it has to offer, but if we want to continue to build thriving and successful towns then we need to be better at sharing how great it is with the wider world.

"This guide will encourage visitors to the area to not just visit one or two things, but open their minds to explore so much more – whether it is our great shops, dining at our restaurants and cafes, or taking time to enjoy the seafront, not to mention our rich history.”

Copies of the guide will be free to visitors, and also available online via the historic Harwich website www.historicharwich.co.uk and on social media.

To get involved or be featured, email Cathy Shelbourne at cathy@seashellcommunications.co.uk or call. 07764 212451.