Mersea Island is situated some 9 miles south of Colchester and is accessed via a single road, known as the Strood: at certain times the island is completely cut off from the mainland by high tides, making the Strood impassable to vehicles and pedestrians. Visitors need to be aware of the high tides and judge their journeys accordingly.

A Roman settlement existed on the island at the time that Camulodunum (now Colchester) was the capital of Roman Britain. Mersea Museum, in the village centre, is well worth a visit with a number of fascinating exhibits from Roman times and across the years. The museum is situated near to the Parish Church which was built on the foundations of a Roman Villa and dates from c.654 A.D.

Mersea is known for its fishing industry and is an important centre for sailing and water sports. Oysters, arguably, are the most well-known feature of Mersea, having a long-standing, world-wide reputation for excellence. In addition its long south facing beach areas are a magnet for tourists from across Essex and the south-east. For all this activity Mersea remains an unspoilt, non-commercialised, and much sought after place to live and visit.

There are a number of cafes and public houses with outside seating in the village centre, alongside the beach areas and Coast Road. Fresh oysters are available from several locations on Coast Road.