Things to Do & See

Mersea Island, Colchester
Mersea Island is the most easterly inhabited island in the UK, situated off the coast of Essex and 9 miles southeast of Colchester.

There are an abundance of things to do on Mersea Island and with the island covering approximately 7 square miles, you will never be bored by the beautiful scenery that awaits you.

Car: 1hr/35mi

The West Mersea Oyster Bar- is all about offering quality fresh fish & seafood dishes & of course some of the best oysters that can be found in the world. The Colchester Rock Oysters & the Mersea Native Oysters are bred right here in the creeks of West Mersea & then processed in the shed that is on the side of the restaurant. CO5 8LT

The Company Shed (West Mersea)- is a family run seafood restaurant located in West Mersea, Colchester, they have gained a reputation among locals and tourists alike as being the best restaurant to visit for dishes such as crab, lobster, fish, mussels, tiger prawns and more. Their extensive eat-in or take-away seafood menu, combined with their fantastic friendly service, will ensure that you come back time and time again. All seafood and alcohol at The Company Shed is sourced locally, whenever possible, so visit The Company Shed for a real taste of the island.

The Company Shed has a license and are able to provide alcoholic and soft beverages, however you may still bring your own wine if you so wish. CO5 8PA

Brighlingsea
A small coastal town with a beach that’s perfect for family outings and for paddling and swimming. Its sandy beach runs along Western Promenade next to Batemans Tower, a historic local landmark.  A parade of beach huts lines an attractive and enjoyable waterside walk where you can join the nature trail along the site of an old railway line to Alresford Creek.  A range of sports and leisure activities are available along the promenade and sailing barges offer pleasure trips to visitors.

Car: 1hr/30mi

Clacton-on-sea
The largest town on the Essex Sunshine Coast! It boasts an array of entertainment facilities including a pleasure pier, arcades, the Princes and the West Cliff Theatres, a golf course, seafront walks, water sports and an airfield offering pleasure flights.

Car: 1hr/38mi

Walton-on-the-Naze
A family seaside resort with sandy beaches, seafront gardens, quaint narrow streets and fossil hunting. The pier is the second longest in England, offering fairground rides, ten pin bowling and sea angling. Just to the north is The Naze, an unspoilt headland of heath, saltmarshes and sandy beaches.

Car: 1hr/40mi

Aldeburgh
This sand and shingle beach is probably the best known of all Suffolk’s beaches. Backing on to the pretty seaside town of Aldeburgh there are no shortage of facilities either.

Aldeburgh has plenty to explore on and around the beach. Along the beach front are any number of quirky historic buildings. These include the 400 year old Moot Hall, a Martello tower, a converted windmill and a Norman church.

There is cultural heritage here too; composer Benjamin Britten is strongly linked with the town and there is a monument to him on the beach – the Scallop. The art scene remains vibrant in Aldeburgh with a number of galleries, most notably Caroline Wiseman’s housed in the South Lookout right on the beach.

However, the best cultural experience to be had in the town are fish and chips which have been rated as the best on the East coast!

Car: 1hr & 45mins/60mi