ONE OF THE UK'S BEST KEPT SECRET
'Mersea Island'
Mersea Island is an island (no ferry required) in Essex, England, in the Blackwater and Colne estuaries to the south-east of Colchester. Its name comes from the Old English word meresig, meaning "island of the pool". With it's microclimate, stunning sand & shingle beaches (perfect for hunting for shells), gorgeous views, fantastic restaurants it's truly a magical place to visit, relax and get away from it all.
#1
Getting to the Island
Mersea Island is just that - an Island! But you don't need a ferry to get there! Twice each day the tide rises and sometimes the road is completely covered and impassible for a short while. It's important to check the latest tide times here to ensure you don't get caught out.
#2
East & West Mersea
Mersea Island is separated into two sides, east & west, both equally beautiful. Our accommodation is based in East Mersea. There you'll find some of the most stunning beaches, Mersea Island Boating Lake (great for watersports), Cudmore Grove Country Park, Mersea Island Vineyard, Foot Ferry to Brightlingsea & St Osyths, Maria's Vintage Tea Room, amazing walks, fantastic restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes and if you're a lover of seafood - you're in a for a real treat!
West Mersea has a different feel to East Mersea, with a small town centre including cafes, restaurants, shops and a sailing club. In fact, sailing and fishing lend this town much of its character and is a very strong feature of the community and arguably the attraction the island holds for so many. Of course there are more stunning beaches in West Mersea too.
A Truly Magical Place
For more information on all the different activities, events and places to eat on Mersea Island check out:
#4
The Essentials
Inside the accommodation we've included a welcome folder that will give you all the information you need to ensure that you can spend as much of your holiday simply enjoying yourself.
Groceries
There is a small store on site selling the essentials - it's not badly priced for a park shop.
There is a Tesco Express, around 10 minutes away, that is great for all the essentials in West Mersea - postcode CO5 8QT.
The closest Tesco that offers click and collect is Colchester Hythe, about 15 minutes away - postcode is CO1 2TE
Restaurants & Takeaways
While the accommodation is extremely well enough equipped to make even a gourmet meal, you may not feel like cooking. Don't blame you, you're on holiday!
Have a browse through the takeaway menus we've provided for you in the accommodation welcome folder. We do highly recommend China Kitchen which is the best chinese takeaway we've ever had.
The Boathouse restaurant on site is pretty good but there are some absolutely fantastic restaurants on the Island. Check out here for some of the best ones.
#5
Nearby Colchester
Only 20 minutes away from Mersea Island is the town of Colchester - the former capital of Roman Britain! An interesting and historic town, it's rich history dates back over 2000 years. There's lots to do here from Colchester Zoo to Colchester Castle, ruins to visit, shops, restaurants, museums and lots more.
Equally great for kids and adults.
For more information on all the different activities, events and places to eat in Colchester check out: