When travelling, you have to make sure you're able to cater for the whole family - including your four legged friends! Luckily, there are plenty of great dog-friendly destinations to visit in and around Colchester, and we're here to share some day-trip inspiration.
Getting There: Can I Take the Bus to Mersea Island?
There are several bus routes from Colchester which service Mersea Island; some of these routes may take longer and require changes to reach your intended destination (depending on the service). You may also experience delays during High Tide, which you'll have much more flexibility avoiding if you were to drive.
Many of the major bus companies operating within Colchester do allow dogs on their services - including First Bus, Arriva and Hedingham and Chambers – but, again, this offering is subject to rules and may incur additional charges, so be to research these beforehand to ensure you’re not caught out.
An aerial view of Mersea Island. The island is home to beautiful pastel beach huts, stretches of beach and green spaces, as well as lovely local restaurants.
Dog-Friendly Things to do in Mersea
One of the best dog friendly things to do on Mersea Island is taking a trip around the island, with your pup in tow! Join Stacey, skipper and owner of Lady Grace Boat Trips, on one of a variety of trips from 20 minute ventures to 2 hour wildlife excursions, meaning that you’ll be able to find the perfect trip for your interests. Suitable for up to 11 people and well-behaved dogs, Lady Grace Boat Trips operates all year round with a variety of trips on offer, all ages are welcome.
Alternatively, if you'd prefer to be closer to land, one of Mersea’s finest offerings is its beaches! As an island, it not only boasts great bodies of water, but also its sandy stretches. You may specifically enjoy Cudmore Grove, which offers grassland, meadows and a sandy beach – this varied park is home to interesting historical sites and an abundance of wildlife.
Be sure to keep an eye out for local signage with rules regarding leads. These may change seasonally and by area, so please follow any posted guidelines for the safety and comfort of all visitors.
For a more laid-back day, relax in the sunshine (or the rain!) in one of Mersea Island's iconic beach hurts with The Little Beach Hut Company. These dog friendly huts are fully equipped with kitchen areas, are dog friendly and are available for both day hire and longer periods.
When on the island, you'll spot a seemingly-endless supply of boats. While some are privately owned, others are used to take visitors on around-the-island adventures!
Pup Friendly Places to Eat
Whether you fancy artisanal pizza, a lighter lunch from a café or a tasty pub lunch, you don’t have to worry about going hungry if you have your pup with you!
Starters, salads, pizzas and gluten free bases – the team at Waterfront Pizza are keen players in the pursuit of pizza perfection. Their aptly named venue sits on the waterfront, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Blackwater Estuary, and they’re dog friendly too!
Alternatively, for a lighter option, why not visit one of Mersea’s pup-friendly cafes? The Island Art Café boasts tasty cakes and hot drinks, while Coastal Coffee West Mersea is the place to go for coffee and baked goods. Both of these cafes welcome well-behaved dogs!
If you’re feeling a little bit peckish and looking for an upmarket pub lunch, why not visit the Victory Pub? They serve seasonal salads, sandwiches and tasty main dishes, including local export Mersea Oysters!
Another great option is The Fox Inn, which serves up traditional home-cooked meals, caters for different dietary requirements, and has dog friendly spaces.
Grab your cameras, as Mersea Island is well-known for its beautiful beach huts.
Why not visit our other 'dog friendly day trip' blogs for more inspiration? Other destinations you may enjoy include Chappel, and Colchester itself!
