An Essex island where tidal causeways, seafood huts, and sweeping estuary views make it a rewarding spot for walking holidays and outdoor adventures along England’s east coast. Linked to the mainland by the Strood causeway and close to Colchester and the Essex Way, Mersea offers both peaceful beach walks and rich wildlife habitats.
Mersea Island, the most easterly inhabited island in the UK, is split into West Mersea — known for its bustling harbour, fresh oysters, and colourful beach huts — and the quieter East Mersea, home to country parks and wide, undeveloped beaches. The island’s flat, open landscapes are shaped by the Colne and Blackwater estuaries, with saltmarsh, mudflats, and sandflats teeming with birdlife year-round.
For walkers, the Mersea Island Causeway Walk and Mersea Island Coastal Path offer easy, scenic loops. The Essex Coast Path passes close by, and seasonal tides add a sense of adventure — always check times before setting out.
Essex Coast Path (Mersea Island Section) – Loops around much of the island’s shoreline, with views over the Blackwater Estuary and Colne.
Cudmore Grove Country Park Trails – Easy nature walks through meadows, woodland, and along the sea wall.
Mersea to Brightlingsea via Foot Ferry – Seasonal crossing linking two coastal walking hubs.
