How to Spend the Perfect Day on Mersea Island (and Why You Should Visit Year-Round)
If you’re looking for a seaside escape that feels a world away from busy city life, but without the long drive to Cornwall or Devon, Mersea Island in Essex is the answer. Just a short hop from Colchester, this little island is bursting with charm, from its tidal causeway entrance to its fresh seafood, colourful beach huts, and coastal walks. It’s a place that changes with the seasons, making it the perfect year-round destination.
Getting There: The Tidal Roads
Part of Mersea’s magic is how you get there. The island is connected to the mainland by The Strood, a tidal causeway that floods at high tide. Before you set off, check the tide times, or you may find yourself waiting in line as the water slowly recedes. For many, that sense of being “cut off” adds to the adventure — once you’re over the causeway, life instantly feels slower and simpler.
Stroll the Small High Street
Mersea’s high street might be compact, but it’s full of character. You’ll find a mix of independent shops, cosy cafés, and old-fashioned pubs that give the island a distinctly local feel. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan, stop for an ice cream, or browse quirky gifts before heading down towards the seafront.
Food Hotspots Worth the Trip
Mersea is famous for its seafood, and rightly so. The creeks around the island are home to some of the country’s best oysters, which have been farmed here for centuries. For the freshest taste of the sea, head to The Company Shed — a rustic seafood hut that’s all about no-frills, top-quality food. Just bring your own bread and wine, and tuck into platters of oysters, crab, and prawns.
Other favourites include West Mersea Oyster Bar, with its seafront setting, hearty portions, and child-friendly menu, and Coastal Coffee for the best brunch and cakes. Whether you’re in the mood for casual seafood or a cosy meal by the fire in winter, Mersea delivers year-round.
Iconic Pastel Beach Huts
No visit to Mersea is complete without a walk along the beach to see the famous pastel-coloured beach huts. Lined up against the sand, they’re as Instagrammable as they are nostalgic, giving the seafront that quintessential British seaside feel. Kids love running along the promenade, while adults soak in the views of the Blackwater Estuary and its big, open skies.
Cool Coastal Huts – Our Top Pick
On our visit, we stayed with Cool Coastal Huts, and we can’t recommend them enough. These beautifully decorated huts are available to hire for the day and come stocked with everything you need for the perfect seaside base — deck chairs, games, and even a kettle for tea.
Having a hut to call your own makes all the difference: you can relax between walks, keep the kids entertained, or just sit back with a book while listening to the waves. It’s a cosy, personal touch that elevates a simple day at the beach into something truly memorable.
Stay Longer: Lesser-Known Things to Do on Mersea Island
If you’re planning more than a day trip, Mersea has a surprising number of hidden attractions that make it worth staying the weekend.
Mersea Alpacas 🦙 – A family-run alpaca farm where you can get up close to these gentle animals, learn about them, and even take them for a short walk.
Mersea Island Vineyard & Brewery 🍷 – For grown-ups, a vineyard tour with tastings is a great way to spend an afternoon. The vineyard also produces local beer and cider, making it a must for foodies.
Local Farm Shops & Play Areas 🛒 – The island has several small farm shops selling local produce, jams, and baked goods. Many have outdoor play areas, making them an easy stop for families looking to stretch the day out.
Watersports & Boat Trips ⛵ – From paddleboarding and kayaking in summer to family boat trips along the estuary, Mersea has plenty of options to get out on the water.
Wildlife & Walks 🌿 – The island is brilliant for birdwatching and coastal walks, especially towards Cudmore Grove Country Park, where you’ll find open fields, beaches, and space to explore.
These hidden extras mean that Mersea isn’t just a one-day wonder — it’s a destination you can return to again and again and still find something new to enjoy.
The Perfect Day Itinerary on Mersea Island
Morning:
Cross the tidal causeway (check times first!).
Start with a stroll along the high street, grabbing coffee and pastries at Coastal Coffee.
Head down to the seafront and walk along the beach past the pastel beach huts.
Afternoon:
Settle into your hired Cool Coastal Hut and make it your seaside base. Kids can play while you enjoy a book or picnic.
Evening:
Early dinner at The Company Shed or West Mersea Oyster Bar for fresh seafood and oysters.
Head back across the causeway before the tide comes in, full of sea air and memories.
Why Visit Year-Round?
Unlike some seaside spots that only come alive in summer, Mersea is worth visiting in every season.
Spring brings wildflowers, quieter beaches, and those first warm afternoons.
Summer is, of course, perfect for swimming, crabbing, and long days in the sun.
Autumn is when the island feels peaceful again, with bracing coastal walks and hearty meals by the fire.
Winter has its own magic — think windswept beaches, hot chocolates in hand, and fewer crowds.
No matter when you go, the tidal causeway, the seafood, and the pastel huts are always there to welcome you.
Mersea Island isn’t about flashy attractions or big seaside arcades. It’s about slowing down, breathing in the sea air, and enjoying simple pleasures: fresh oysters, colourful beach huts, and days that revolve around the tide. With alpaca farms, vineyards, and coastal huts to hire, there’s more to Mersea than first meets the eye. Whether you’re booking a summer day at the beach or planning a bracing winter walk followed by a cosy pub lunch, Mersea has a timeless charm that keeps you coming back.
