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Mersea Island Portal

The romantic lure of Island life is alive and well just off the coast of Essex. Mersea Island, nestled between the river Blackwater and Colne estuaries is approximately nine miles south-east of Colchester, and is without doubt one of the county's best kept secrets.

The island is approximately five miles by two miles, and has a perimeter of twelve miles encompassing the town of West Mersea and the village of East Mersea. The name is a derivation of the Anglo Saxon word ‘Meresig’, which dates from the early 10th Century and means 'island of the pool'.
 
   

Tourist information

West Mersea Beaches Beach Description A large sandy beach with a Victorian esplanade and a river nearby. It has sand banks and shallow water making it an excellent beach for windsurfing.
West Mersea Water Water Quality The water quality is constantly monitored and the results are posted on notice boards.
Mersea Island Beach Safety Bathing Safety There are shallow waters here but bathers should be aware that there are submerged stones and rocks further out that may be a problem at low tides.
Mersea Island Litter Litter Mersea is considered a clean beach.
Mersea Island Facilities Beach Facilities Toilets, cafés and beach huts on Victoria esplanade. There are several campsites nearby.
Mersea Island Seaside Activities Seaside Activities Swimming, windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing.
Mersea Island Wildlife & Walks Wildlife And Walks West Mersea is good for bird watching and seals may be seen in the area. Check Places of Interest for Cudmore Grove.
Mersea Island Directions Getting There West Mersea is on Mersea Island. It can be reached by the Strood which is the Island's only link to the mainland. Take the B1025 from Colchester. On reaching the Island take the road to the right into the town where signposts will guide you to your destination.
Mersea Island Parking Parking There is free parking by the seafront or pay parking on the beach.
Mersea Island Transport Public Transport A good local bus service exists, serving routes between Mersea and Colchester.
Mersea Island Tourist Info Tourist Information Tourist Information Centre, http://www.visitcolchester.com