One of the most beautiful coastal destinations in Essex, Mersea Island is known for its amazing beaches, wildlife, Mersea Oysters and more. Mersea Island is a great location for a day out if you’re local, or a short coastal weekend away in the UK!
How to Get to Mersea Island
The two best ways to get to Mersea Island are by car or public transport. If you are driving to Mersea, take the A120 towards Colchester and follow the signs for Mersea Island. For public transport, take a train to Colchester Station – from there, you can take bus 86 to Mersea! Be sure to check the tide times, as you will need to cross The Strood to get on to the island and it is not passable during high tides.
Things to Do in Mersea
One of the biggest attractions of Mersea Island is the beaches. The beaches in Mersea are enjoyed by locals and visitors across the UK. For picturesque beach huts, visit West Mersea Beach. If you’re looking for a beautiful dog walk with a sandy beach, grassland, meadows and an impressive view then you won’t want to miss a visit to Cudmore Grove Country Park! History buffs will love it there, as the area is known for historic features such as WWII pill boxes and gun placements. If you’re a sailing enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to sail on Mersea Island! With sailing and yacht clubs, as well as the Mersea Boating Lake, this is a wonderful place to sail for both experts and beginners.
Places to Eat in Mersea
You’ll never be short of outstanding places to eat on Mersea Island. The Granary Restaurant located on Waldegraves Holiday Park in West Mersea, newly refurbished in 2023, offers a great selection of hot and cold meals and a wonderful children’s menu. The White Hart Inn is also a fantastic place for a meal out on Mersea Island – as well as amazing food such as locally sourced oysters, they have six lovely guest rooms to stay in.
Places to Stay in Mersea
If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away, you’ll find some great places to stay on Mersea Island. If you’re planning a family trip, Waldegraves Holiday Park or Mersea Island Holiday Park where you’ll find great food, activities, and more to keep the whole family entertained. For a lovely dog-friendly stay, book a room at The Victory with wonderful views of the Blackwater Estuary. There are some amazing places to stay on Mersea, for just one night or an extended break! This is an ideal location for those looking to escape busy city life and soak up the calming coastal atmosphere of this beautiful island.
Visit Mersea Island
Browse our website for more things to do, events, and places to stay on Mersea Island. For help planning your visit, check out our itinerary planner.