What’s The Palm Tree like?
This beautifully-maintained caravan is located on Waldegraves Holiday Park in Mersea Island, just moments from the beach. The Palm Tree, which sleeps four, is great for families but ideal for dog owners, thanks to its secure outside space. It’s perfectly placed for exploring everything the island has to offer, too.
How dog-friendly is The Palm Tree?
Excellent. Pets will find a special ‘Dog Box’ waiting for them, packed with toys, treats, bowls, dog shampoo and towels. They have plenty of outdoor space to enjoy too, which is a real bonus. Not only is there an enclosed deck, but a lovely private garden wraps around the back of the caravan. This is especially handy first thing in the morning and late at night! Both areas are gated and fully secure.
Waldegraves itself is great for dogs, too. There are lots of poo bins dotted around and even a special dog walking area, where holidaying dogs can be let off-lead. If you forget any essentials during your stay, you’ll be able to pick them up from the onsite shop. Owners Tina and Terry also provide collar tags with The Palm Tree’s details on, which is a nice touch. Up to three dogs can stay for free.
Tell me more about The Palm Tree
This two-bedroom caravan, a couple of roads back from the beach, feels like a real home from home. There are lots of nautical nods throughout and this is really evident in the spacious lounge/diner. Here, you’ll find artfully-displayed shells, red and blue striped cushions, lamps adorned with rope and driftwood wall art. A spacious corner sofa doubles up as a sofa bed and there’s a fold-out dining table and electric fire, as well as a flatscreen TV and DVD player. There is also a window seat – which Ernie and Stan loved – and books, DVDs and board games to keep you occupied on rainy days. Scented candles are dotted around the caravan too, which guests are encouraged to use.
In the kitchen, you’ll find red, white and blue crockery and cute mugs adorned with beach huts. The master bedroom also has lots of nautical touches and from here, a jack-and-jill door leads into the shower room. Here, you’ll find complimentary mini toiletries and towels. The second bedroom, complete with twin beds, is just across from the shower room.
Outside, the gated decking area is adorned with fairy lights and there is seating for four. There’s also a picnic table, gas BBQ and a couple of sunloungers in the well-established garden. Passes for Waldegraves’ heated outdoor swimming pool are provided, as well as beach towels. Guests will have access to all the other onsite facilities too, such as crazy golf, pitch & putt, a driving range and coarse fishing lakes.
What’s the food like at The Palm Tree?
This is a self-catering property, but guests are treated to a lovely welcome pack. Ours included a bottle of wine, some bread, butter, milk, cheese and Brioche rolls. There was also some baked beans, crisps and Costa coffee capsules, plus also additional tea, coffee and condiments in the cupboards. The kitchen was also really well-stocked with all the pots and pans needed to cook a decent meal and the onsite Wheatgrain Shop had lots of local produce.
If you don’t fancy cooking, there are great dining facilities at Waldegraves. The Granary Restaurant is generally open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and takeaways and you can also grab a bite to eat or a drink at The Barn and The Wheatsheaf, which is where the evening entertainment is held. Dogs aren’t allowed inside any of the onsite venues but there is plenty of outdoor seating where they can join their owners. Plenty of pubs and cafes on the island are dog-friendly, however, including seafood shack The Deck – which you’ll pass on your way in to Waldegraves – and The Fox Inn, where you can enjoy traditional pub grub. Check out our Ruff Guide to Mersea Island to see more suggestions when it comes to places to eat and drink.
Are there resident dogs at The Palm Tree?
Blue, Terry and Tina’s Mastiff Lab cross, is a regular visitor to The Palm Tree and often features on its Facebook page. You probably won’t meet him during your stay but you will come across lots of other dogs visiting Waldegraves. Most caravan owners seem to have at least one pet!
Where are the best dog walks near The Palm Tree?
The beaches of Mersea are dog-friendly all year round – and the nearest one, which is a mix of sand and shingle, is just moments from The Palm Tree. From Waldegraves, turn right to walk towards the town centre, passing rows of colourful beach huts on the way. It takes approximately 35 minutes to get from the holiday park to the shops of West Mersea. The Seaview Beach Diner is a great place to grab a breakfast bap or coffee en-route.
West Mersea Town Council has also put together a handy guide to walks on the island. It highlights a 2.75-mile walk from Waldegraves to East Road, via the aforementioned Fox Inn. You can extend the route by adding in a visit to Mersea Vineyard, where you’ll find Maria’s Vintage Tea Room. Dogs are not allowed inside but outdoor seating is available. To see the full list of walks, which range from one to three miles, click here. For more walk suggestions and ideas for dog-friendly things to see and do, check out our Ruff Guide to Mersea Island.
What Ernie and Stan loved about The Palm Tree
Being so close to the beach, all the delights of the Dog Box, patrolling the deck and garden
What I loved about The Palm Tree
The secure outdoor space, the lovely welcome pack, all the thoughtful little touches
How to book The Palm Tree
Five-day breaks are £350 while week-long stays start from £450, April to December. Weekends are not available. For more information or to book, visit The Palm Tree website.
