Things to do
Mersea Boating Lake
Whether you are an expert in the water or keen to dip your toe in and try something new Mersea boating lake is a must visit on the island. Here you can try an array of water based activities including kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddleboarding. There is also an inflatable aquapark, can you complete the course without getting wet?
Mersea Vineyard
Sample the local wine! All of the wines here are made using the grapes from the vineyard. You can also try the local ale here, including the award winning, Oyster Stout or pop in to the Vineyard cafe for coffee and cake.
Crabbing
Head down to the jetty with your bucket, crabbing line and some bacon and see who in your party is the crabbing champion! Dangle your legs, and your crabbing line, over the edge and reel them in. Then, have fun at the end watching them scurry back into the water.
Cudmore Grove
Take a picnic and head to this fantastic nature reserve. Set in 102 acres of coastal landscape there is something for everyone here. Starting with a pirate themed adventure playground for kids and a refreshment kiosk. Further along there are opportunities to experience history with WWII pillboxes. Travel down to the sand where you can enjoy coastal walks and perhaps some fossil hunting.
Lady Grace Boat Trips
Take a trip around the harbour or sail a little further along the River Blackwater. There are lots of opportunities to spot the wildlife including everyone’s favourite local, Sammy the Seal, who is often spotted in Mersea Harbour.
Colchester Zoo
A 20 minute drive from Mersea Island is Colchester Zoo. Set in 60 acres of land and home to over 160 species this makes for a great family day out. See animals from all over the world from the Edge of Africa to the Kingdom of the Wild and the Rainforest Walkthrough. There are live talks throughout the day where you can find out more about the animals.
Places to Eat
The Coast Inn
A lovely, family owned restaurant looking by the scenic Blackwater estuary. Here the special boards are defined by the fishermen’s daily catch. Open seven days a week, the mussels and the roasts are a favourite for many locals.
The Company Shed
Mersea’s original seafood restaurant, offering tapas style fish dishes. Here, you can bring your own wine and bread (or purchase it from the restaurant) and feast on a variety of different seafood options, including mussels and the infamous Mersea Oysters. A must for seafood lovers!
https://www.the-company-shed.com/
The White Hart Inn
After a big renovation this restaurant reopened in 2022. The chef changes the menu seasonally and uses locally sourced produce. There are menu options for more casual dining or the main menu which includes choices for vegans, vegetarians and kids.
https://whitehartinnmersea.co.uk/
The Fox Inn
A 5 minute walk from West Mersea Park, The Fox Inn offers both a casual free house vibe on one side and an A-La-Carte restaurant, The Vixen, on the other. There is also a full size pool table and an outdoor family seating and play area.
http://www.thefoxmersea.co.uk/
Mersea Barns
A popular cafe and shop destination. Mersea barns offers lighter snacks or main meals and a fun play area for children outside. In the school holidays, various events and activities are organised for children such as scavenger hunts and orienteering. Definitely worth a visit!
