The Navyard in Harwich (historically the King's Yard) is a prominent waterfront area along King's Quay Street. It features a major commercial cargo wharf and has deep historical roots, dating back to a naval dockyard founded in 1326. The site is also home to the Navyard Wharf, a hub for Roll-on/Roll-off cargo ships serving the North Sea

The Harwich Treadmill Crane is believed to be unique, being the earliest surviving example of this type of structure in England. It is now the sole visible element of the 17th century naval dockyards, which developed from a supply base in this important deep water harbour during the Spanish and French Wars of the 15th and 16th centuries, and became properly established around 1660 in reponse to increased hostility with the Dutch. 

Up a track of the Main Road, you will find the moated circular Redoubt Fort, built in 1808 to defend the harbour against the threatened invasion of Napoleonic forces. It mounted ten 24-pounders and housed a regiment of soldiers with sufficient food and stores to withstay a lengthy siege. 

The name of the pier originates from the ½d toll charged. Construction of the pier began in 1852 and it was first opened in July 1853. It was a popular departure point for paddle steamers until after the First World War.

The Pier Ticket Office is 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) and you can buy tickets here throughout the festival weekend.