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Take it Easy by Public Transport

Day 1 - Colchester

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Drop your bags at the Greyfriars Hotel for check in later, taking time to enjoy morning coffee on the outside terrace before heading out to explore the city.  

Next door to the hotel is Colchester Castle, the largest Norman Keep in Europe and built on the foundations of the ancient Temple of Claudius. The excellent Castle museum tells the local stories of Queen Boudicca herself who raised an army against the Romans and burnt Colchester to the ground as well as the infamous Witch Trials of the 1600’s.

Nearby Colchester high street has several good options for lunch or you might like to head into the quieter lanes for Tymperleys, a traditional restaurant housed in the 16th Century, former Clock Museum.  

Firstsite Art Gallery is a fairly new addition to the town, built by modern architect Ralph Vinoly, this unusual crescent-shaped building, clad in ‘Tecu gold’, houses touring art exhibitions and a permanent Roman mosaic as well as a café and a lovely gift shop with a good selection of art books. 

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Day 2 - Mersea Island 

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After breakfast, catch a bus down to Mersea Island, experiencing the vast, panoramic views across the flat, Essex countryside and crossing over The Strood, the access road to Mersea which floods at high tide.

The charming Mersea Museum is in the centre of West Mersea, next to the church and recounts stories of traditional island activities such as fishing, oystering, wild fowling and boat building.  Exhibitions change regularly and there are puzzles and quizzes for children.  

Browse the gift shops and galleries near to the museum before walking down to the harbour where you can sample the local Mersea Native Oysters (only when there is an ‘R’ in the month) or the Rock Oysters (available all year round).  Oysters and other seafood are available at The Company Shed down at the harbour or there are various other eateries if you fancy something other than seafood. 

Take a bus or local taxi over to the other side of this small island to visit Cudmore Grove, East Mersea, a Country Park with walking trails, a beach and here you can find a bench and enjoy excellent views over Brightlingsea and Point Clear.

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