48 Hours on Mersea Island: A Weekend Guide
Mersea Island may be small, but it’s packed with enough charm and character to make it worth more than just a day trip. From pastel beach huts and fresh seafood to alpaca walks and coastal caravan stays, this Essex gem is the perfect spot for a weekend by the sea. Here’s how to spend 48 hours soaking it all in.
Day 1: Settling Into Island Life
Morning:
Cross the tidal causeway (The Strood) and enjoy the feeling of leaving the mainland behind.
Stop off in West Mersea High Street for coffee and cake at Coastal Coffee. Browse the independent shops before heading down to the water.
Afternoon:
Hire a Cool Coastal Hut for the day. It gives you a cosy base right on the beach, stocked with deckchairs, games and even a kettle. Perfect for relaxing between strolls.
Lunch at the famous Company Shed or West Mersea Oyster Bar. Think platters of oysters, crab, prawns and smoked fish — seafood doesn’t get fresher.
Evening:
Take a windswept walk along the beach to see the pastel-coloured huts at golden hour.
Book dinner in a cosy island pub — The Victory and The Coast Inn are great options for hearty meals with sea views.
Day 2: Explore Beyond the Beach
Morning:
Begin with a family-friendly visit to Mersea Alpacas 🦙. It’s a unique experience where you can meet and even walk these gentle animals.
If you’re child-free, swap alpacas for a slow start with breakfast in bed at your accommodation.
Afternoon:
Families can enjoy a gentle estuary boat trip or paddling at Cudmore Grove Country Park, which has open fields, woodland, and a pebble beach to explore.
Alternatively, take a slow wander along the coastal paths and keep an eye out for birdlife and seals that are sometimes spotted in the waters nearby.
Evening:
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Mehalah’s, a rustic seafood restaurant slightly off the beaten track, known for its friendly service and generous portions.
Watch the sunset with a glass of wine or a hot chocolate — the wide estuary skies make for spectacular evening light.
Where to Stay on Mersea Island
Beachside Caravan Parks – Mersea has several holiday parks right by the sea, perfect for a classic British seaside stay. You’ll find static caravans, lodges and pitches for those bringing their own vans. Great for families or groups who want space and flexibility.
The White Hart Inn – A boutique pub with rooms in West Mersea offering coastal views and a stylish yet cosy vibe.
Holiday Cottages & Fisherman’s Homes – There are plenty of self-catering options dotted around the island, from modern family homes to quirky seaside cottages with buckets of charm.
Why a Weekend Works Best
A single day is enough to get a taste of Mersea, but a weekend lets you experience both sides of the island: the lively seafront of West Mersea and the peaceful coastal walks around East Mersea. You’ll have time to slow down, sample more of the food scene, and enjoy the rhythm of the tides without rushing back to the mainland.
Mersea Island is one of those rare places that works for everyone. Families will love the alpacas, coastal walks and caravan stays, while couples can make the most of the oysters, pubs and romantic sunsets. It’s small, charming and completely unpretentious — and that’s exactly why it makes the perfect 48-hour escape.
Just visiting for the day?
No problem — I’ve also written a guide to The Perfect Day on Mersea Island, including food hotspots, the famous pastel beach huts and our top tip for hiring a Cool Coastal Hut.
