Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>A scenic island with miles of coastline and the best oysters in the country – what&#8217;s not to love? And there is an added element of adventure to living here too – Mersea&#8217;s reached via a raised road with the sea lapping around it and sometimes gets cut off at high tide. The island is split into East and West Mersea with most of the shops and restaurants on the west side. With its laid-back coastal vibe, pretty beach huts and great restaurants, it&#8217;s a coastal spot that is becoming more popular by the minute.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/1-7-1000x667.jpg" alt="Michelin-starred Stark East Mersea" class="wp-image-17510" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/1-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/1-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/1-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/1-7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stark</figcaption></figure>



<p>Michelin-starred <a href="https://www.starkfood.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stark</a> is an exciting new addition to East Mersea, with a frequently changing, seasonal six-course tasting menu. Food critics also rave about <a href="https://www.the-company-shed.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Company Shed</a>, with local oysters half the price you&#8217;d pay in London. Fancy a classic? Head to<a href="https://www.victoryatmersea.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> The Victory at Mersea</a> for pie, mash and liquor. <a href="http://www.thecoastinn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Coast Inn</a> is a lovely spot for sharing a seafood platter or fish and chips, while <a href="https://www.merseabarns.com/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea Barns</a> is a top choice for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. Then there&#8217;s <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://whitehartinnmersea.co.uk" href="https://whitehartinnmersea.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Hart Inn</a>, serving dishes like grilled octopus and Colne Valley lamb chops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/453856457_818229106955457_8565042875951656592_n.jpg" alt="Mersea Mudd Shack candles and soaps Essex" class="wp-image-18964" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/453856457_818229106955457_8565042875951656592_n.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/453856457_818229106955457_8565042875951656592_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/453856457_818229106955457_8565042875951656592_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/453856457_818229106955457_8565042875951656592_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/453856457_818229106955457_8565042875951656592_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/453856457_818229106955457_8565042875951656592_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a host of indies across the island. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MerseaFarmShop/photos_by" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea Farm Shop</a> sells delicious local produce as well as gardening equipment, clothes, homeware and animal feed. Seek out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Coastal-Boho-Boutique-100071332210897/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coastal Boho Boutique</a> for stylish women&#8217;s fashion and accessories, and <a href="https://www.amegafleur.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amega Fleur Floral Design</a> for award-winning, sustainable blooms and bouquets. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MerseaMuddShack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea Mudd Shack</a> also gets our vote – it uses local beeswax for its luscious hand-poured candles, melts, soap, balms and pet products.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>As well as being the local GP surgery, the <a href="https://www.westmerseasurgery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea Island Medical Practice</a> has a fantastic <a href="https://www.westmerseasurgery.co.uk/digitalpractice/wellbeing-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellbeing Centre</a> which offers advice and referrals for ailments and concerns ranging from back pain to dementia and even drugs and alcohol. For fitness check out <a href="https://flowmersea.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flow Performance and Wellness,</a> which offers personal training sessions and tailored nutrition built around your lifestyle. Beautywise you&#8217;re spoiled for choice, but we say check out our 2024 Awards finalist, <a href="https://www.karmabeautymersea.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karma Beauty</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.merseafestival.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea&#8217;s annual festival</a>, a long-established tradition on the island, happens each August at the East Mersea Youth Camp, with a range of activities focused on inclusion. The <a href="https://merseacentre.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea Island Community Association</a> has a great programme of year-round events and activities, from yoga retreats to a kids&#8217; rock choir. If you are feeling creative, the independent art shop <a href="https://www.facebook.com/no4mersea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">No.4 Mersea</a>, which stocks work by local makers, offers arts and crafts workshops in its upstairs studio.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/2-7-1000x667.jpg" alt="Lady Grace Boat Trip Mersea" class="wp-image-17511" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992503748125936;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/2-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/2-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/2-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/2-7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Planning a party? Mersea is home to the beautiful Elizabethan <a href="https://eastmerseahall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Mersea Hall</a>, which won our <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/muddy-awards/muddy-stilettos-essex-awards-2024-winners-drinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Event Venue awards</a>. The island also has its own <a href="https://merseaislandvineyard.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vineyard and brewery</a>, with bed and breakfast attached if you over-indulge. Of course Mersea is all about the sea, so head to <a href="https://www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/cudmore-grove-country-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cudmore Grove Country Park</a> for delightful coastal walks, or from May to Oct catch the <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.brightlingseaharbour.org/boat-trips-foot-ferry/brightlingsea-ferry-point-clear-east-mersea/" href="https://www.brightlingseaharbour.org/boat-trips-foot-ferry/brightlingsea-ferry-point-clear-east-mersea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foot ferry to Brightlingsea</a> for crabbing on the jetty or swimming in the <a href="https://www.brightlingsealido.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lido</a>. Learn to paddle board or kayak with <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://mersea-island-watersports.co.uk" href="https://mersea-island-watersports.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea Island Watersports</a>, or keep your feet dry on a <a href="https://www.essexboattrips.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lady Grace Boat Trip</a> – fingers crossed you&#8217;ll see seals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>The sweet <a href="https://www.facebook.com/merseamuseum/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea Island Museum</a> offers talks and courses on local history and other subjects. For art, visit <a href="https://www.theoystergallery.co.uk/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3aQ3b3YrVut8d0uD3egk040bSj_Ss76R8MqQ0VIKnarLXiDRuZygXvAGI_aem_cNkkV1nDLR3gdIDVXmqe8Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Oyster Gallery</a>, which also has a shop selling artworks, ceramics and jewellery. Buzzing Colchester is 25 minutes away and home to the excellent <a href="https://firstsite.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firstsite arts centre</a>, which has a cinema as well as exhibitions and courses, and, of course, <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk" href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mercury Theatre</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE </h2>



<p>The average house price in Mersea is now £464,425, with the majority of purchases being detached houses at more than £535,329. Semi-detached houses go for a more affordable average £320,833, and flats £346,444.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-17.jpg" alt="Life's a beach, this 4 bed detached home in West Mersea has direct beach access and sea views aplenty! On the market for OIEO £1m." class="wp-image-18748" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-17.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-17-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-17-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Life&#8217;s a beach, this 4 bed detached home in West Mersea has direct beach access and sea views aplenty! <a href="https://www.game-estates.co.uk/property/1612-4bedroom-detached-for-sale" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for OIEO £1m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>West Mersea&#8217;s <a href="http://www.mulberrybushmontessori.com/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mulberry Bush Montessori</a> has an Ofsted Outstanding rating and caters for children aged 2.5 – 5 yrs. The <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.merseaschool.org/nursery/" href="https://www.merseaschool.org/nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea Island School Nursery</a> is the well-regarded offshoot of the West Mersea-based primary. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.merseaschool.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea Island School</a> is the main primary and was rated Good in its last Ofsted report. It&#8217;s off to the mainland for secondary, where Colchester gets a gold star for its state and private choices. These include <a href="https://www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Prep and High School</a>, <a href="https://www.crgs.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Royal Grammar School</a>, <a href="https://www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester County High School for Girls</a>, <a href="https://www.gilberd.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gilberd School</a>, <a href="https://www.oxfordhouseschool.net/?gclid=CjwKCAjwkvWKBhB4EiwA-GHjFrwyH9YUr56wE6J6cm6rveudQYBzyrAgCOGyLVmTt86iaDTNHkKqJBoC0wIQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford House School</a>, <a href="https://www.littlegarth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Littlegarth School</a> and <a href="https://www.stmaryscolchester.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Mary’s Colchester</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>The beach! OK, so it&#8217;s not exactly a secret, but the beach huts have become an Insta sensation. Muddy likes the hires offered by <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://thehutmerseaisland.co.uk" href="https://thehutmerseaisland.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hut</a>, where you can take your pick from two front row options, Mabel or Erin, both as chi-chi as their names imply, and yours for the day for £80.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Mersea doesn’t have a train station, but Colchester (25 mins by car) has links direct to London and the rest of Essex. Colchester to Liverpool Street takes a whisker under 50 mins, and season tickets come in at £6,404.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Mersea

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