Enjoy the beautiful beaches and hospitality of West Mersea island...
West Mersea is a picturesque island found in between the river Blackwater and river Colne estuaries, located in the countryside to the south of the historic roman town of Colchester.
Accessible via The Strood Causeway which floods at high spring tides, Mersea Island feels like an adventure the moment you arrive. With beautiful beaches, a good choice of restaurants, pubs, and cafes there is a vibrant coastal community surrounding the local boat yards, sailing clubs, water sports and lifeboat station.
Cafes
Mersea Island has lots of choice if you are looking for breakfast, lunch and coffee! From The Island Art Cafe and Coastal Coffee in the heart of the village in West Mersea to Mersea Barns in East Mersea. There is also The Black Pearl and Two Sugars cafes nearer the sea front. The Gilt Rooms and The Vineyard Cafe offer a more traditional English tea experience.
Pubs
West Mersea has two pubs located on the sea front The Coast Inn and The Victory. Both offering great sea views, food and drink. The Fox is located further inland, and The Dog and Pheasant in East Mersea. The Sandbank bar is located just inside Seaview holiday park but free for all to use. The Peldon Rose is found just the other side of the causeway and a good place to have a quick drink if the tide is over the road!
Restaurants
Mersea is probably most famous for its seafood, The Company Shed and The Oyster Bar being great places to start with fresh seafood straight from the boat. There are however many more options with the Waterfront Bistro, Gilt Rooms, Mehalas, and Titash Indian to name a few, alongside the pubs which all offer full menus.
Mersea Oysters
Mersea oysters have been harvested since the roman times and are famous the world over. You can sample these delights from The Company Shed, The Oyster Bar, and Dukes sea food all located along the sea front on Coast Road in West Mersea.
Beaches
With clear blue skies, when UK weather allows and sweeping views of the estuaries, West Mersea beaches are a spectacular and beautiful place to spend the day. From the cliffs(!) at Cudmore Grove, the long beach expanse and beach huts near the esplanade stretching past Cobmarsh island round to shingle point, there is something for everyone.
Sailing
West Mersea has two sailing clubs; Dabchicks and West Mersea Yacht Club. Both can be found along Coast road and offer full sailing facilities for members, annual sailing programmes and racing events. More details available direct from each club.
Water Sports
Mersea Island is a great starting point for exploring the creeks, numerous small islands, and our unique coastline, or heading further out into the estuaries for more open water. Mersea Island Water Sports located in the middle of the waterfront offer tuition, paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing and kayak hire.
Walks
There are many great walks all over Mersea island, West Mersea is the more populated, and East Mersea coastline you can walk for miles without seeing another person. Cudmore Grove is a popular starting point for many walks, but pick a spot and you can walk along the entirety of the island coastline which is approximately 13 miles in length.
Boat Trips
There are several options for boat trips and boat hire across Mersea Island. West Mersea being the busier of the two with Lady Grace boat trips running regularly throughout the day, trips to Radio Caroline which is permanently moored in the Blackwater, and various Rib, private boat hire and fishing trips available. East Mersea has regular ferry crossings to Brightlingsea depending on the time of year.