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A Slice of Island Life
Follow the River Colne down to Mersea Island, home to the Colchester native oyster, and the ideal place to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Go for a paddle on the beach, bird-watching in Cudmore Grove Country Park, a boat trip out into the estuary, or simply for a walk across the tranquil island.
Choose from East or West Mersea - the west is a small fishing town, with some sandy beaches and a selection of shops, restaurants and pubs. The east is more rural with wild natural beaches and large open spaces.
Easily accessible by car or public transport from Colchester City Centre, Mersea Island is ideal for a peaceful day out surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Mersea Island is also a great place to discover local produce - a platter of fresh Mersea seafood, with a glass of local wine from Mersea Island Vineyard!
The most populated part of Mersea Island is West Mersea, which acts as a hub for the island. In the small town centre you'll discover shops and restaurants as well as tourist attractions such as the Mersea Island Museum, and the parish church of St Peter and St Paul. The island has a fascinating history, and evidence of Roman settlement remains, most notably in the Mersea Barrow - a Roman burial mound.
Head for the seafront, and the far west of the island and you'll discover an area populated by fishing boats and sailing vessels,as well as some fine seafood restaurants and one of three pubs on the island.
As you head anticlockwise around the island you can witness the beaches turn from mud to shingle and then into sandier fare as picturesque pastel-coloured beach huts appear once you near the holiday camps and more traditionally touristy side of the island that bustles with activity during the peak season.
The eastern side of Mersea is primarily rural farming-land but significantly also includes the island's only country park, Cudmore Grove.
Cudmore Grove is a fantastic nature reserve, with walks that provide stunning views over the estuary towards Brightlingsea. Wild beaches, bird hides and nature trails contribute to the visitor experience, and a large impressive children's play area combined with an old WWII pill box that is ripe for exploring make it a great day out for young children too.
East Mersea is also home to Essex Outdoors activity centre, and the Mersea Island Vineyard.
At High Tide the causeway on and off the island floods and can leave you stranded! Don't get stuck, and check the tide times at the bottom of this page.
You can walk around the entire island on a mixture of footpaths and public beaches, however some planning is required to avoid high tides. You can find an excellent guide to walking the perimeter of the island on www.essexwalks.com
Today's Mersea Island Tide Times
The only way on and off Mersea Island (unless you have a boat) is via the Strood Causeway. At very high tides the strood can become impassable and crossing is not advised. The water depth can be deceptive and local emergency services do not look kindly upon rescuing cars attempting to cross!
Tide times can only be acurately predicted a few days in advance and flooding over the Strood causeway is likely if the water level is above 5m, or 4.5m if it is windy and the water is rough. We generally advise to leave an hour either side of such a high tide before attempting to cross, although on occasion the road can be flooded for longer.
Today's tide times can be found below, or click the link to plan further ahead.
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Great things to do on Mersea Island
Number of results: 15
Address
West Mersea Marine, Coast Road, West Mersea, CO5 8LSWest Mersea
The inaugural ‘ West Mersea Food & Drink Festival ‘ launches in August 2023.
Address
Mersea Island, EssexMersea Island is the perfect place for walking, whether you would like a short stroll of "The Old City" or a longer walk along the "Strood Channel", there are plenty of beautiful views and an abundance of wildlife to see along the way.
Address
Waldegraves Lane, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8SETelephone
01206 382898Colchester
Ideal family park. Private beach. Grassland sheltered with trees and four fishing lakes, boating lake, crazy golf, footgolf, golf driving range, heated swimming pool, pitch and putt. Family entertainment. Licensed bar and restaurant.
Address
Mersea Island Museum, High Street, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8QDTelephone
01206 385191Colchester
Exhibits of Mersea's social history, natural history, archaeology and fishing industry, including a fisherman's cottage display. Special exhibitions and gift shop.
East Mersea
Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference at the eastern tip of Mersea Island. The park includes a sandy beach and open grassland, perfect for picnics and great views.
Address
Mersea Island Holiday Village, Fen Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8UATelephone
0330 1277345East Mersea, Colchester
Mersea Island Holiday Park is a peaceful and tranquil park set in 22 acres of mature Essex coastal countryside.
Address
Waldegraves Holiday Park, Waldegraves Lane, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8SETelephone
01206 381195West Mersea, Colchester
The Granary offers a superb selection of hot and cold meals taking advantage of the masses of quality fresh produce local to Mersea Island.
Address
Waldegraves Holiday Park, Waldegraves Lane, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8SETelephone
01206 383166West Mersea, Colchester
A charity run Festival for the whole family.
Address
Coast Road, West Mersea, Essex, CO5 8LTTelephone
01206 381600West Mersea
The West Mersea Oyster Bar is all about offering quality fresh fish & seafood dishes & of course some of the best oysters that can be found in the world.
Address
Rewsalls Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8SXTelephone
0345 200420Colchester
Essex Outdoors provides high quality outdoor learning opportunities to the young people of Essex, and the wider community.
Address
Bromans Lane, East Mersea, Essex, CO5 8UETelephone
01206 302200East Mersea
Seasonal foot ferry connecting Brightlingsea, East Mersea and Point Clear
Address
Mersea Island, CO5 8PATelephone
07938 273739Mersea Island
Estuary Rib Tours offer boat trips around Mersea Island and the Blackwater Estuary. Book a 1 hour trip, half day or full day for a fun trip exploring this stretch of the Essex coastline.
Address
Rewsalls Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, CO5 8SXTelephone
01206 385900East Mersea
Producers of fine wines and real ale (cask and conditioned).
Address
129 Coast Road, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8PATelephone
01206 382700Colchester
Fish for sale and no frills seafood restaurant. Bring your own bread, butter and drink. Seafood platters.
Address
Mersea Island, CO5 8PATelephone
07791 859624Mersea Island
Boat trips from West Mersea crabbing pontoon all year round.
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