THE PARISH CHURCH

The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul is 7th century and much of the fabric of the building consists of recycled Roman tiles and bricks. There is little doubt that a substantial Roman Villa once stood hereabouts and the churchyard covers part of a Roman mosaic floor - many of the coffins have been laid on its surface before being covered with earth.


 

THE MERSEA ISLAND MUSEUM

The Mersea Island Museum is a fully Accredited Independent Museum founded in 1976. Open for the summer months with a different main exhibition theme each year as well as permanent displays covering many aspects of Mersea's history. There is also a resource centre and meeting room which has a shop and computers for researching the museum's database of over 30,000 images and documents. Full details can be found on the website: merseamuseum

MERSEA BEACH

Beach Wheelchair Hire
Two beach wheelchairs to hire for a donation - 'D-Bug' and 'Hippocampe' (more sporty model).
Tel: 01206 383855 or 07946 888063

GUIDANCE FOR EVERYONE USING MERSEA BEACH

Mersea Beach works on a "Live and Let Live" basis. The Beach is used by thousands of people for many leisure activities - sometimes these activities overlap causing safety hazards and frustration so please be aware of other beach and water users and respect their right to safety.
Please take your litter home or use bins provided.
Do not allow children to climb on Beach Hut roofs.
Choose the location for playing ball games, flying kites or listening to the radio carefully - don't cause annoyance to other beach users!
Ensure that children who dig holes in the sand do so in a position which doesn't present a risk to others - and that they fill them in again - and yes we have had accidents!

Advice for Swimmers
Be sure you can be seen and avoided by users of water craft.
If you like to swim under water wear a marker or swim with a friend.
Be aware that people learning water sports may not be very skilful - so keep well clear.
Use of Inflatables - BE AWARE
THE BLACKWATER ESTUARY HAS STRONG TIDES AND SOMETIMES STRONG WINDS - RUBBER CRAFT AND OTHER INFLATABLES CAN BE CARRIED OUT TO SEA VERY QUICKLY.

Advice for Windsurfers, Kitesurfers Dinghy Sailors and Canoeists.
Keep well clear of swimmers and bathing platforms.
Please do not park or set up your gear in the spaces in the car park reserved for disabled people.
Avoid leaving your gear unattended, but if this is unavoidable, ensure it is in a safe position relative to the wind direction and not a nuisance to other beach users.

Advice for dog owners.
Use a poop scoop to clear up after your dog, and please leave the waste in the dog bins provided.
We would prefer you to keep dogs on a lead on the beach during the busy summer season.

Horse riders should keep below the high water line.

BOAT TRIPS

Lady Grace Boat Trips
Harbour Trips, Water Taxi, Beginners Fishing Trips, Bird Watching and Photography Trips.
From April to October Stacey Belbin operates short boat trips of around 20 minutes from the hammerhead pontoon around the harbour for a fee and taking up to 12 people. 
Tel: 07791 859624
Website: essexseafishing 

Charter Fishing Boats
Mersea has five charter fishing boats; Galloper, Eastern Promise, Enterprise, Razorbill, and Sorcerer. 
Tel: 01206 384616

Seaskipr.com
Unique sailing experience with accommodation around the rivers Blackwater, Crouch and Colne.
Based in West Mersea.
Tel: 07808 392572
WhatsApp: 07808 392572
Website: www.seaskipr.com 

GUIDANCE FOR BOAT OWNERS

Guidance for Boat Owners
If you launch your boat from a holiday park you are advised that your boat should be registered under the voluntary Boat Registration Scheme.

Speed Limits on the River 
A speed limit exists throughout the entire River Blackwater which restricts the speed of all vessels to 8 knots within 25 metres of the shore. this area is marked by buoys.
This byelaw also prevents access to the saltmarsh, oyster layings and other such habitats.
Fines will be imposed.

CRABBING

GUIDANCE FOR CRABBING ON THE FLOATING PONTOON WHEN CRABBING - THINK SAFE AND BE SAFE.
You may crab from the Pontoon in certain areas as long as you follow the following guidance:-
Remember that the Pontoon is a working area for fishermen.
You may crab along the pontoon from the shore to the Hammerhead section of the Pontoon, this is indicated on the noticeboard at the beginning of the pontoon. 
When crabbing do not dangle your legs over the side of the Pontoon.
Please take care on the floating Pontoon.
Be aware that when the tide is in the water can be quite deep here.
Have fun but remember that this is a working harbour and the pontoon is used by fishermen and oystermen all the time - please do not block the main route down to the Hammerhead, especially with deck chairs - thank you.

FOOTPATHS

To view a footpath map: click here 

Definitive Footpaths (numbered) are maintained by Essex County Council. To report any issues on a Public Rights of Way, please use the online reporting link: click here 

Non-definitive Footpaths (not numbered) are maintained by Highways, Essex County Council.
For on-line reporting click here or telephone 0345 603 7631. 

Permissive Footpath - Maintained by West Mersea Town Council. 

England Coast Path
The England Coast Path will be a new National Trail all around England's coast, including Mersea Island. This section of the England Coast Path has been proposed and an appropriate assessment is currently being undertaken for it. It will then be considered for approval by the Secretary of State. Once the proposals have been approved establishment work will take place, before opening. Coastal Access Rights will not be in force until the stretch is officially opened.
Natural England's Report to the Secretary of State is available to view on the government website: click here
Updates for the Essex stretches can be found on the website: click here

Walking in England
Walking in Essex has lots of walks to download and print free of charge. Whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you. 
Website: www.walkinginengland.co.uk/essex

CUDMORE GROVE COUNTRY PARK

Ranger - Tel: 01206 383868
Email: country.parks@essex.gov.uk
Website: www.explore-essex.com/cudmore-grove-country-park