Holiday rentals and lettings in Mersea Island

The island of Mersea is an idyllic holiday destination famous for its enchanting scenery and tranquil atmosphere. On this holiday, you can relax with a stay in the charming holiday rentals near the sandy beaches. Mersea Island is ideal for enjoying the fresh air, bird watching, and for those who wish to immerse themselves in the wilderness for a few days. With large green spaces, fascinating history, seafood restaurants, and pubs, the island offers plenty to do and discover.

Overlooking the sea, you will enjoy a retreat in a quiet area with easy access to the beach. Inside your accommodation, you will have at your disposal rooms with television for watching movies in the evening; fully equipped kitchens to prepare the best dishes; a living area with wide views outside, and a large garden with enough space for you to bring your dog with you to enjoy as well. Plus a large outdoor terrace area overlooking the Essex coastline.

To the west, you will find West Mersea, the island's capital with shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, long beaches, museums, and more. Mersea is known as an essential centre for sailing and water sports. However, the town remains an unspoiled, much sought-after place to visit despite all this activity. By contrast, at the eastern end of the island of Mersea, tiny East Mersea is a small hamlet with a pub, a shop, and a church. However, it is the gateway to Cudmore Grove Country Park.

Cudmore Grove Country Park is a popular spot on the island because of its sandy beach, abundant wildlife and walks that lead to interesting historical sites. You can discover historic features such as World War II bunkers and gun emplacements, as well as 300,000-year-old fossils such as monkeys, bears, and bison. The park It's one of the most popular spots to spend hot summer days on the beach and for those who want to watch wading birds during the winter. Winter is the best bird-watching season, such as sea ducks and grebes in the Colne estuary.

A popular 13-mile challenge for experienced walkers, the coastal route around Mersea Island takes you between the gentle wilderness of the north coast and the resorts of the south coast. The walk will take about 3 hours through the low Jurassic cliffs, the woodland of Cudmore Grove Park, the sand and shingle beaches, and colourful beach huts that dominate the south coast route back to West Mersea. If you're looking for a less demanding, family-friendly walk, you'll find several spots on the island such as the walk along the West Mersea fishing village area with places to stop and eat overlooking the sea.

Mersea Island Watersports is the ideal place to start exploring the coves and small islands of this coastline and learn new water sports. You can experience the thrill of speeding through the open water windsurfing; take a leisurely stroll stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. You will also find activities such as Wingsurfing which combines the feeling of surfing with the sensation of flying, similar to windsurfing. Finally, the walking ferry from Mersea Stone in Cudmore Grove Country Park will take you across the River Colne to Brightlingsea Harbour to enjoy the watery views.

Don't miss Mersea Island's biggest event, the West Mersea City Regatta. Be entertained by the highlights of the regatta day such as the grease pole event where you'll have to test your balancing skills to see if you can make it to the end of the pole to grab the flag; stop by the stalls to sample the street food and maybe find a treat; during the evening watch the fireworks display.

The Coast Inn is a bar and restaurant offers a friendly atmosphere with modern leather sofas, a cosy log fire, and a menu worth trying. The quality of the atmosphere and the food make it one of the favourite places to eat on Mersea Island. Come and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There is a menu for every occasion. For breakfast, you can find the classic breakfast with sausage, beans, egg, and mushrooms. Whilst lunch or dinner offers fish and chips, lasagne and prawn curry.

Offering boat tours of Mersea Island and the Blackwater Estuary, Estuary Rib Tours is an enjoyable experience that shouldn't be missing from your list of things to do in Mersea. Book a 1 hour, half-day or full-day tour from Mersea and enjoy a trip exploring the coastline. It's a lovely opportunity to experience the scenery and local wildlife from the water.

Oysters have been one of Mersea's most acclaimed products since Roman times, so don't miss out on trying this delicacy at the West Mersea Oyster Bar. This is one of the best places to enjoy quality fresh seafood dishes, as well as Mersea's own native oysters. On the other hand, The Company Shed has also gained a reputation among locals and tourists alike as the best restaurant to try dishes such as crab, lobster, fish, and mussels.

The ArtCafe is a cosy place that reflects its love of real home-cooked food. Enjoy the best coffee, fresh sandwiches, homemade pastries, and imaginatively prepared dishes. Stop by for breakfast, envelop yourself in the aroma of freshly ground coffee while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and a full English ArtCafe. A visit to this café is the perfect way to start your day.