Find us on Facebook

/VisitMerseaIsland

Look at our Instagram

/visitmerseaisland

The authoritative guide to Mersea Island

Follow us on Facebook

/VisitMerseaIsland

Take a look at our Insta

/visitmerseaisland

the visit mersea island blog

Luxury Glamping at Mersea Barns

Luxury glamping on Mersea Island offering a fantastic, luxurious glamping break in the beautiful countryside of Mersea Island. A perfect spot to relax, unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet of Mersea Island. Our shepherds hut and safari tents are perfect for families or couples looking for a quiet countryside retreat.

See below

Hi there I have already submitted a piece about Monkey Beach Cottage 7 weeks ago.  Please advise what is happening! I am on 07973 741148 Thanks Richard

Monkey Beach Cottage

Exceptional self-catering holiday accommodation with stunning sea views , just moments from Mersea beach.

THIS IS ME ARTISAN MARKET

Essex's Largest Artisan Market - Monthly !!

5 Reasons You Should Rent a Beach Hut In Mersea This Summer

The famous pastel beach huts on Mersea Island have been named some of the UK’s most instagrammable. But did you know you can rent one? We tell you why we think they are worth the investment to upgrade your seaside experience.

Island House

We welcome you to stay at Island House

Mersea Vineyard

Mersea Island lies between the estuaries of the Blackwater and Colne rivers, about nine miles south of Colchester. The present Mersea Island Vineyard was established in 1985. Today there are about ten acres, five grape varieties, producing some twenty thousand bottles each year. Legend has it that...

WEST MERSEA TOWN REGATTA

The biggest event on the Mersea Island calendar is always the West Mersea Town Regatta! The date for the Regatta is of course is of course completely reliant on an afternoon tide to ensure enough water for the afternoon's events to take place. The past few years have seen some miserable weat...

‘HIGH HOE’ COTTAGE EAST MERSEA

Phil & Carol invite you to stay at their romantic holiday retreat lying only 1 hours drive from the M25. ‘High-Hoe’ in the East of Mersea Island is the perfect escape from the stresses of the modern world. A very old dwelling that almost fell down, it has been rescued, lovingly res...

The Coast Inn

Riverside Bar and Restaurant on the Island of Mersea, The Coast Inn welcomes you with it's friendly atmosphere and stylish blend of traditional wooden floors, modern leather sofas and a cosy real log fire. Whilst exploring the 'olde' part of Mersea Island, you will discover The Coast Inn sitt...

Maria’s Vintage Tearoom

Maria's Vintage Tea Room at Mersea Island Vineyard,offers everything from tea, coffee and cake to a full lunch, with regular favourites and daily specials on the menu. Also available is the full range of wines from the Vineyard and beers from Mersea Island Brewery. Open 7 days a week. 10.00am...

east mersea fossil finds

Did you know that 300,000 year old fossils such as monkey, bear, tusked elephant and bison have been found in the East Mersea cliffs?

titash indian restaurant

Titash Indian Cuisine Colchester is a local Indian restaurant in Essex. They are experienced in providing Indian food, indian dishes, indian menu, curry dishes and indian cuisine. The address for Titash Indian Cuisine is 40A High St, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex CO5 8QA. *Information & photo ...

coopers beach holiday park

Coopers Beach Holiday Park on the unspoilt Mersea Island in Essex, has stunning views across the Blackwater Estuary and direct access to the beach. Great for families and couples alike, with fun daytime options like the heated outdoor pool (open 27 May - 5 September) as well as an indoor pool...

the art cafe

If you enjoy really great food served in a relaxed atmosphere with fabulous coffee amongst some of the best original art on offer locally then we think the Artcafé is just the place for you. ~ The Artcafé currently has two locations, one nestled just a 'scones' throw from the beach o...

wwii decoy bunker in east mersea

A decoy bunker stands in East Mersea to the north east of the island. Purposely built in this deserted area to house engines for pumping kerosene on to dummy buildings, it was hoped that these, when set alight would persuade enemy bombers to drop their bombs on this position. BR2 East Mersea was a...

east mersea to brightlingsea foot ferry

Did you know you can catch the foot ferry from Mersea Stone in Cudmore Grove Country Park to Brightlingsea Harbour across the River Colne? The custom built ferry boat has a ramp which can be lowered to allow for wheelchair users and cycle access as well as foot passengers using the service. By tak...

boat trips with seaskiprcom

seaskipr.com is our unique boat trip, sailing tour and river cruise experience with accommodation. We sail the Blackwater River, the Crouch and the Colne, and are based in West Mersea, Essex, UK. Our approach to sailing gives our guests the taste of sailing these beautiful waters, creeks and fleets ...

stay at brans estate

You are welcome to stay in our three bedroom house located in the heart of West Mersea within a few minutes walking distance to the main attractions, shops and the seaside. Bran's Estate comprises a cosy dining room and a generous kitchen on the ground floor, with a table for 6 people, along with a ...

little lodge

Little Lodge offers stylish contemporary styled self-contained accommodation in West Mersea just minutes from the anchorage, restaurants, world-famous Company shed, yacht club and local cafes. This is a real couples or small family getaway. The living area is open plan to the dining and kitchen area...

mersea island watersports

www.mersea-island-watersports.co.uk or find us on Facebook, Instagram or YouTubeOur passion is to make the water accessible for all. Founded in 2013 with six paddle boards and two instructors within only a few weeks we expanded our fleet of paddle boards to cope with the growing demand a...

waterways bed and breakfast

Waterways Bed and Breakfast is opposite the Peldon Rose Inn just before the Strood leading to Mersea. There are three en suite rooms available and a variety of options for Breakfast are included. Guests have the full use of the garden which is over 2 acres which leads down to the Sea Wal...

stuck by the tide

It's amazing how often the topic of the high tide at the Strood comes up in conversation on Mersea. Locals want to keep the Strood as it is, others want to see it raised and many holiday makers worry they will be stranded on or off the island for days on end!! Either way, the flooding of the s...

new skate park on mersea island

The skate park is located on the village green between the School Gardens on Barfield Road and Reymead Wood. Since opening, the skate park has given the local youngsters a place to congregate and use their skateboards, bikes and scooters in a modern, safe enviroment. The addition has bee...

did you know about mersea barrow

Just up the East Mersea road as you come onto Mersea Island, is a conspicuous mound on the left. It is thought to be a Romano-British burial barrow, to AD 100-120 (although in 2012 there is a growing school of thought that it may be a purely Roman burial mound). The mound was excavated in 1912...

east mersea witch or innocent girl

In the cemetery of St Edmund’s Church in East Mersea there lies an unusual grave….. The grave of Sarah Wrench has an iron cage placed over the top. Local legend has it that the cage was positioned across her remains to stop her, an alleged witch, from escaping back into the w...

cudmore grove country park

At the eastern end of Mersea Island, at Cudmore Grove you’ll find a sandy beach, impressive views, grassland, meadows for relaxation and walks that will take you past interesting historical sites and an abundance of wildlife. The park is popular on hot summer days, with its sandy beach and co...

red squirrels on mersea island

Article from BBC Essex, 5 February 2015. Organisers of a project to bring red squirrels to an Essex island are hoping the animals will soon start to breed. Twenty squirrels have been released into the wild on Mersea Island since 2012, following a repopulation programme across East Anglia...

the earthquake of 1884

The most destructive earthquake known in Britain for over 500 years happened at 9.18am on April 22nd 1884. The earthquake only lasted for up to ten seconds, but in that time Colchester and the surrounding area was reduced to chaos. Walls buckled and cracked & windows shattered. In some areas, ...

the tudor fort at east mersea

Henry VIII was a heavy spender and he was the monarch who ordered the construction of the fort or blockhouse at East Mersea near East Mersea Stone. This was one of several defensive works erected in fear of invasion by France and Spain. The triangular fort was built around 1547 and was of...

what was author

Margery Allingham's first published novel, Blackkerchief Dick, was set on Mersea Island, where her family spent many holidays. England's easternmost inhabited island, Mersea Island is a few hundred yards off the Essex coast, about 7 miles from Colchester. In the 1920s, the island was a po...

world war 1 zeppelin crash

During WW1 troops were stationed on the island, Mersea had become a restricted area and the beaches and the Strood were patrolled daily. Mersea people sometimes saw German airships coming over and witnessed bombing raids and although in view of later aerial horrors we are inclined to be ra...

there was once a golf club in east mersea

There was once a Golf Club in East Mersea, during the 1930’s a young Walt Disney is rumoured to have played a round of golf here – on a visit to England…..

china kitchen

China Kitchen is convientiently located next to the car park behind the library on the High Street in West Mersea, serving modern chinese takeaway. Please click here to be redirected to china Kitchens website including their takeaway menu. ...

was there ever a railway on mersea island

The early 1900’s was when the golden age of seaside towns was gaining in popularity and the railway made travelling there easy and affordable for all classes of people. Heavy goods and coal was brought to Mersea by boat and barges up until the end of the first World War and in 1911 a group of...

anglo saxon fish traps and mersea island

What is a coastal fish weir? ‘Were’ is an Anglo Saxon word meaning fish trap. It is an artificial barrier created within an inter-tidal zone which is an area that is above water at low tide and under water at high tide. In other words, the area between the tide marks. The weir was cons...

ray island and mysterious tales

Ray Island lies to the right of the Strood as you come across onto the island. The large sandy mound rising out of the surrounding saltings is owned by the National Trust who brought the land in 1970. According to volunteer warden David Nicholls, the National Trust brought it for three main reasons...

do you believe in ghosts have you heard about the roman soldier who walks the strood

During the Roman times, Mersea Island was a Roman outpost and wasn't too far away from the extremely important Roman settlement of Colchester, Essex. Quite possibly the oldest ghost seen in the UK is the apparition of a Roman Soldier which has been seen crossing the Strood, the ancient causeway whi...

oysterman digs up a bronze age timber track

An oyster fisherman is thought to have stumbled across a 4,000-year-old track once used by the Bronze Age elite of Essex to expand their settlements. Daniel French discovered the wooden planks almost half a mile offshore from Mersea Island as he was harvesting the shellfish. His discovery last mon...

england coast path mersea island report by natural england

England Coast Path – proposals published for second stretch in Essex Report proposes improved public access to more of the Essex coast. The 13 mile route stretches around the coast of Mersea Island, Essex. Objections or representations invited during the next 8 weeks. Natural England ...

the little beach hut company

The Little Beach Hut Company makes a trip to the beach a day to be remembered by providing you with your own pretty little hideaway by the sea, equipped with all you need to eat, drink and play at the beach so you can have a hassle free, fun day without lugging half your home with you. Based on Mer...

mersea islands only recorded witch

1542 was the year the first English Act against witchcraft was passed & this was quickly repeealed before too much harm was done. In 1563 a later Act netted many vitims, Essex was the first to hang a 'witch' under this Act in Chelmsford in 1566. An alleged Mersea witch was presented to the Ess...

world famous mersea oysters

Oysters have been cultivated in the creeks around Mersea Island since Roman times. It's said that the Romans loved osyters so much that they used to tow them in nets behind their boats all the way back to Rome. For the Romans, oysters were a food staple and a vital resource. Oyster shells had many...

mersea barns

Mersea Barns is a new addition to Mersea. Opened in March 2019, on the site of the old Pick-your-Own, Mersea Barns is a café restaurant and shop offering high quality, freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, teas, coffees and cakes. You can also got take aways and snacks. Ther...

did you know the new seekers had a recording studio in east mersea

The New Seekers are an English pop group formed in 1969, over the years the group had many hits including the famous 'I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing'. Members of the group, including singer Eve Graham, lived at Rewsalls Farm in East Mersea where they had a recording studio....

mersea island holiday park

Enviably situated very close to the beach, Mersea Island Holiday Park boasts a truly peaceful setting amidst the idyllic countryside. With on-site facilities including an indoor heated pool, adventure play area, arcade and Muddy Ducks Clubhouse with seasonal family entertainment overlooking the Blac...

golf

There was once a Golf Club in East Mersea, during the 1930’s a young Walt Disney is rumoured to have played a round of golf here – on a visit to England….. The East Mersea Golf Club opened its doors in 1910 with nine holes and overlooking the River Colne and Blackwater ...

farm shops

Bonners Barn can be found at the start of the Strood just before you cross it onto Mersea Island. Traditionally a greengrocers, Bonners Barn now also stocks local produce as well as delicious just picked fruit and vegetables....

mersea island nutrition club

The Nutrition Club number 3 will start in October., if you fancy learning about how the food that we eat works with our bodies, to create health or sickness then this is for you. Hosted by Exercise Physiologist/nutritioinst expert Donovan Blake with 30 years experience in the field of health and we...

avoid horrors at halloween

Probably the most frightening thing about Halloween for adults aren’t ghost stories, ghastly costumes or the prospect of teenagers throwing eggs at your house - it’s the likelihood that your children will collect so many sugary sweets that they will inevitably gorge on them in one night,...

mersea monsters raise monster amount for charity

Mersea Island 5 star Bootcamps grabbed their Pumpkins, dressed up & worked out in fancy dress in aid of the Charity Mencap. On Wednesday 30th October at all sessions members and non members not only raised their pulses but they raised cash too! Participants wore silly hats, outfits and prizes ...

essex outdoors

Essex Outdoors provides high quality outdoor learning opportunities, from activity days and Forest Schools through to residential experiences and adventurous expeditions With four centres in Essex offering a wide range of activities and with great transport links to London and the Eastern region, w...

a great day out to walk around the island

When I speak to people on Mersea Island, the majority of them, even those who have lived here for years, have never challenged themselves to walking the circumference of the Island. For those who are physically fit and able to do so, it is a great day out and a great achievement! I myself have...

seaview cafe

With the kids holidays upon us, why not take the kids to the beach and let Seaview Cafe feed you with either an eat in or takeaway menu.Using local produce where possible, we are offering good qulaity food at affordable prices. Please see tripadvisor for our review and visit our website for full men...

stay in a lovely cottage on mersea island

Diane invites you to stay at Island Cottage her lovely, real cottage, on the Coast Road in West Mersea. The cottage is only a few minutes walk along the Coast Road from the Oyster Bar & Restaurant, The Coast Inn and the famous Company Shed. The Company Shed reguarly features in the nation...

crabbing at west mersea

If you’re after a great idea to entertain the kids (or adults!) on a budget, crabbing is a great idea! The causeway at West Mersea hard is the idea place to crab with specific areas marked to do this. Please take care to observe these rules if you go, as it is a working causeway fo...

the gilt rooms

The Gilt Rooms in Barfield Road is Mersea's newsest tea room serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday roasts and afternoon teas. When you visit The Guilt Rooms you will be spoilt for choice on cakes and delicious main meals and light bites too. All home made with fantastic hosts to make a...

how do i check the tide before i visit mersea island

We frequently get lots of questions about the tide from visitors to Mersea Island. In reality the tide only covers the Strood, which is the only road onto the island, usually twice a day for only one week during the month. Once the tide covers the Strood, the island really does once again become an ...

lady grace boat trips

ALL Lady Grace Boat Trips must be booked and paid for in advance to secure your trip. Trip options available are as follows: • 20-minute trip round Packing Shed Island - £20 for up to 6 people, £40 for up to 12 people • 1-hour Creeks Excursion - £50 for up to 6 people...

the dog and pheasant in east mersea

The Dog and Pheasant has been a public bar in the coastal village of East Mersea, Colchester since 1750 when the existing thatched cottage was the village pub. It has seen many changes over the years, with a more modern building becoming the public bar with the cottage the restaurant unti..

mersea island brewery

Mersea Island Brewery produce a range of distinctive real ales from award winning Oyster stout to refreshing Island Gold and everything inbetween. *Information & photo about Mersea Island Brewery is from their website which you can visit here....

mersea island fresh catch

Freshly caught fish from your local fishermen. Better value for money. Whole fish or filleted. We only sell fresh fish caught locally, by local fishermen in waters around Mersea, often our fish is so fresh, we don’t know what we are going to have until a couple of hours before we open! We ar...

is my dog allowed on the beaches at mersea island

We frequently are asked about the rules regarding dogs on Mersea beaches and we have a definitive answer for you right here! West Mersea Town Council say that Mersea beach works on a "Live and Let Live" basis and the beach is used by thousands of people for many leisure activities - sometimes t...

mersea island museum

We are an independent museum established in 1976 and occupying purpose-built premises in the centre of West Mersea, just to the east of the Parish Church. The traditional local activities of fishing, oystering, wild fowling and boat building are represented. The reconstruction within the museum of a...

the mersea centre mica

The Mersea Centre is owned and run by the Mersea Island Community Association (MICA) for the benefit of Mersea residents and visitors. There are regular events such as bands, jumble sales, dances, film nights, excercise classes and more. The MICA also offers a gym, a hall for hire and fully li...

children and dogs welcome to our award winning campsite

Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site Ideal for people looking for a quiet family retreat, situated by the sea and close to a country park in a small village on Mersea Island. The Farm has been owned by the Lord family since 1918 and the first tents were pitched in 1923, so the park has grown rather t...

how do i get to mersea island

We have had a few questions on how to get to Mersea Island, so we thought we would put some information together for you. Before setting off on your journey, ensure you check the tide times as this could affect your journey. Click here to check tide times. By Car From the A12 leave at junc...

who built the causeway onto mersea island

The only way to drive onto Mersea Island is over the Strood, but who built it? Mersea Island has a colourful history, Celtic people started to arrive on our shores from around 1800BC bringing with them their own domestic cattle which they interbred with the native variety. The Celts also intro...

mersea smugglers

Legend has it that Mersea and the surrounding area was well used by smugglers from the 16th to 19th century. The story goes that smugglers used to hide their stock at The Peldon Rose & The Dog and Pheasant in East Mersea. It is rumored that the smugglers would weigh down tubs of spirits and lowe...

the company shed

The Company Shed is a family run seafood restaurant located in West Mersea, Colchester, they have gained a reputation among locals and tourists alike as being the best restaurant to visit for dishes such as crab, lobster, fish, mussels, tiger prawns and more. Their extensive eat-in or take-away seaf...

west mersea oyster bar

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. The Colchester Rock Oysters & the Mersea Native Oysters are bred right here in the creeks of West Mersea & then processed in the s...

Would you like to contribute? 

If you are a local photographer, writer, artist, expert, or business, please get in touch and let us know if you can offer some content to the site so we can help visitors to get the best out of our beautiful island.