Tidal Essex: Seafood Shacks and Serene Beaches

The allure of Essex's North Sea shores isn't as immediately striking as that of, for instance, the cliffs and coves along Cornwall The charm of this flat terrain lies in its vast open skies and untamed nature, even though it is interspersed with run-down holiday spots.

Read Next: The innovative Yorkshire town boasting Europe's largest food market

Stretching along the county’s 350-mile shoreline, from the Colne to Blackwater estuaries, lies Mersea Island Separated from the mainland by the tidal Strood Channel, which inundates it twice every day—sometimes submerging the causeway entirely—the island operates under the influence of these regular floods. Its small dimensions—a mere five miles in length and two miles across—contribute to an independent spirit and evoke a charmingly traditional ambiance characteristic of Mersea.

In West Mersea, the town located on the island, you'll find an operational harbor reminiscent of a quaint fishing village. Meanwhile, the surrounding countryside and the smaller settlement of East Mersea have a more laid-back atmosphere. Stretching between them are sandy and pebbly beaches adorned with holiday parks and beach huts.

Summertime brings an influx of visitors, with numbers peaking even more during the school holidays when things become especially bustling. The height of liveliness occurs during the Mersea Island Regatta , which occupies two August weekends with aquatic activities, boat competitions, and firework displays. During the off-season, shorebirds take the place of beachgoers.

For more see visitessex.com

How to get there

Mersea Island is approximately 10 miles away from Colchester, accessible either through the A12 or via the London-Ipswich railway line serviced by trains. Greater Anglia , connected to Mersea via First Bus (Numbers 67 or 86). The island can be easily explored by bicycle or on foot due to its compact size. Vehicles are allowed on the island.

Where to stay

The White Hart Inn located on West Mersea’s main road boasts six charming bedrooms, each uniquely named after nearby attractions and decorated with vibrant hues, spacious walk-in showers, and comfortable bedding. Bed-and-breakfast double rooms start at £185. The inn is just 250 yards away from Monkey Beach, a quaint stretch of stony shoreline. Additionally, it frequently hosts various events like jazz evenings.

Parkdean Resorts’ Coopers Beach Holiday Park offers three-night accommodations in a lodge for four starting at £409, directly overlooking the beach. It features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an on-site café, restaurant, and an adventure playground.

The Victory at Mersea It’s a tavern offering accommodation along the Coast Road in West Mersea. The cost for double occupancy starts at £116 per night including breakfast. An accessible room is also available.

What to do first

Enjoy a walk next to the vibrant beach huts lining Victoria Esplanade. Or, alternatively, take a hike along the 13-mile coastal path (which is part of the King Charles III Coastal Path in England It circles the island, beginning at West Mersea and following the sea wall alongside the Strood and Pyefleet Channels. The route includes stops at sandy and pebbly shores, as well as scenic vistas of low cliffs and forests.

Where to find souvenirs

East Mersea’s beaches Consist of sediments laid down by rivers during the Ice Age. Over time, erosion has exposed remains from extinct elephants and bison, but you're more apt to discover fossilized shark’s teeth, which are fairly prevalent here.

Gather tasty treats or presents from Mersea Barns in East Mersea.

What to see

Mersea is all about seafood. Despite the decline of its fishing fleet from past glory days, oysters continue to be a significant product. Cultivated in this area since Roman era, this practice is carried forward by seventh-generation oysterman Richard Haward, who provides his catch to London’s markets. Borough Market and restaurants nationwide.

You'll require some fortune to spot them, but Mersea hosts a local community of indigenous species. red squirrels In 2012, approximately 30 creatures were initially brought here, and even with the persistent risk of disease-spreading gray squirrels infiltrating from Strood, their population has now increased to about 50.

Where can I find something to drink?

Grab a spot at the picnic table. The Victory Step into the seaside garden, relax with a cold beer, a pitcher of Pimm’s, or a refreshing seasonal cocktail (the gin-and-juice Victory Breeze is particularly recommended), and witness the sunset casting fiery hues across the Blackwater estuary.

Where should you make reservations for dinner?

The White Hart Celebrating seasonal, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients, 's Contemporary British menu features Essex meats, Suffolk cheeses, and fish caught by nearby vessels. Notable dishes could consist of chateaubriand, seafood stew, or Mersea oysters, complemented with brews from East Anglia and English wines.

Where can one head for a trip to the beach?

West Mersea Beach offers the widest expanse of sand, providing plenty of room to spread out (you can also hire a beach hut for £65 daily). The water remains relatively shallow even when the tide is high. You'll find shops within the holiday parks where you can purchase buckets, shovels, and all your beach necessities.

Where can you head out for your midday meal?

West Mersea’s Coast Road waterfront features a cluster of modest seafood shacks. Head towards these. The Company Shed To sample dressed crab, scallops, fishcakes, or a seafood platter. The drink menu stays close to home by featuring options from Mersea’s microbrewery and vineyard.

Where can one locate areas with vegetation?

The meadows, scrubland, and sandy shore at Cudmore Grove Country Park Offer a serene spot for bird watching, leisurely walks, or enjoying a picnic. Keep an eye open for Second World War artillery positions along with native fauna such as red squirrels, butterflies, barn owls, woodpeckers, waterfowl, and adders.

You don’t have to pick between beer and wine. Mersea Island Vineyard. The seaside environment is perfect for cultivating Rechsteiner and Muller Thurgau grapes, and there’s also a microbrewery nearby. You can purchase the produce from these local efforts at Cork & Cap, the onsite store, and celebrate with a drink to mark your getaway weekend.

Here are three lesser-known facts about Mersea Island...

1) Mersea stands as the most easterly populated island in the United Kingdom.

2) The parish church of West Mersea was reconstructed in the 10th century following its destruction by Viking invaders.

3) During the Tudor era, East Mersea housed a fort constructed by Henry VIII as a defense measure against potential attacks from France and Spain.