If you’re keen to get away from it all but don’t want to travel too far from London, consider Mersea Island. Just nine miles from the ancient Roman town of Colchester, Mersea is one of my favourite places to escape to. My family have been visiting this little island for years so I may well be biased but if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, it can’t be beat. The burgeoning food scene is an added bonus.
Dog-friendly Mersea Island: the must-sees
It depends what you’re looking for, really. West Mersea is home to the hub of the island but the East is much quieter. The town centre has its own museum, not to mention a library and a whole host of independent shops – many of them selling antiques and quirky home furnishings – while the East has much more of a rugged feel.
Get a feel for the island by taking a 20-minute boat trip on Lady Grace with Mersea local, Stacey Belbin. These run all day, every day from the jetty in the harbour and cost just £3. Dogs are welcome aboard, too. In fact, this is where Ernie first put his sea legs to the test – and he loved taking in all the sights and smells!
A trip to Mersea Island Vineyard is a must. I’m a big fan of the Mersea Mehala (it’s a dry white) but if you visit before it’s Wine O’Clock, a coffee and cake at Maria’s Vintage Tea Room onsite is just as nice. Dogs are not allowed in, but there are tables outside. You can also stay at the vineyard, which is also home to a brewery and often hosts weddings.
It’s worth checking out the foot ferry over to Brightlingsea from East Mersea too, which takes just nine minutes. You can catch the boat to this quaint seaside town from Cudmore Grove Country Park during the summer months. The journey (£2 for adults and £1 for both children and dogs) certainly beats the 40-mile round trip by road.
Dog-friendly Mersea Island: the best walks
Cudmore Grove Country Park is pure dog heaven. This lovely park hugs the coast and has great year-round walks. There’s a real family atmosphere here – and the nautical-themed kids’ play area only adds to that. Cudmore Grove is a great place to search for fossils. Incredibly, a 300,000-year-old artefact was recently unearthed by the cliffs. The park also has historic World War Two pillboxes as well as meadows and sheltered paths by the reservoir.
The wonderfully named Monkey Beach in West Mersea is also a great place to enjoy a stroll with your dog. It can get rather muddy – as the above picture of Ernie proves! – but a recently installed boardwalk will help you avoid the worst of it. Plus, after you and your four-legged friend have stretched your legs, there are a whole host of pubs and cafes along the front where you can stop and refuel.
Dog-friendly Mersea Island: the best pubs and cafes
Many of the pubs on the island are pet-friendly – including The Fox Inn, which has its own section for dogs and their owners and plenty of treats behind the bar. It’s the same at The Dog and Pheasant, where dogs are allowed in the garden and Bessie’s Bar. The Coast Inn, right on the waterfront, is also well worth a visit and The Victory at Mersea is another popular dog-friendly destination and you can also stay over – keep reading to find out more.
One of the latest eateries to open on the island is Waterfront Pizza. If you like handmade pizza, you’ll love this place, which caters for everyone from carnivores to vegans. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the restaurant but they are welcome outside, where you’ll find plenty of benches. Takeaway pizzas are also available – perfect for eating on the beach. If it’s coffee and cake or brunch you’re after though, head to Coastal Coffee, where dogs are welcome inside and out.
Make sure you pop in to Mersea Barns, too – a lovely cafe and gift shop where the focus is on local produce. Dogs are welcome in the garden and heated glass room, which is really lovely on a sunny day. The cafe serves enormous slices of cake as well as a delicious all-day menu although I thoroughly recommend trying the Sunday roasts – they’re great! You can also stock up on beer, wine, artisan food and local artwork once you’ve eaten.
Mersea is famed for its seafood, however, and if it’s crab, lobster or mussels you crave, head to The Company Shed. It’s not dog-friendly but it would be wrong not to mention this family-run restaurant as it is almost an attraction in itself. The Shed, as it’s affectionately known, is always busy but it doesn’t take bookings so arrive early to avoid disappointment. The Deck, by Waldegraves Holiday Park, also serves excellent seafood – and dogs are welcome inside.
Dog-friendly Mersea Island: where to stay
The Victory at Mersea has recently been refurbished and offers reasonably-priced rooms – but there are a whole host of holiday parks to choose from. Most have fantastic facilities and are close to the island’s main attractions. If it’s peace and quiet you’re after, check out the dog-friendly caravans at Away Resorts, which is right next door to Cudmore Grove Country Park. If you’d prefer somewhere with a bit more going on though, try Waldegraves Holiday Park, which even has its own dog walking area. It’s also here that you’ll find the lovely Palm Tree.
How do I get to Mersea Island?
Mersea is approximately one hour away from London by car. Head towards Colchester on the A12 and from there, pick up the B1025 Mersea Road and follow it all the way to the island. By train, Colchester is your best bet and from there, a 20-minute taxi ride will take you to the heart of the island.
Where can I find out more?
See visitmerseaisland.co.uk. And if you don’t want to get stranded on the Strood (Mersea gets cut off from the mainland twice a day at high tide), make sure you check the latest tide timetable before you travel.
Had never head of Mersea Island but sounds fab and LOVE the colourful beach huts!