Visit Mersea Island

Mersea Island is the most easterly inhabited island in the UK, located marginally off the Essex coast 9 miles (14 km) to the southeast of Colchester. It is situated in the estuary area of the Blackwater and Colne rivers and has an area of around 8 km². The main industries on Mersea are farming, fishing including oyster cultivation, tourism and servicing the leisure boating industry. There are two main settlements on the island, the small town of West Mersea and the village of East Mersea, plus a small hamlet at Barrow Hill to the north of West Mersea. Being such a unique island, Mersea sees many events from many different genres all-year round; from motorcycle rallies to music and food festivals. These events contribute to the large number of tourists that flock to Mersea Island throughout the year; seeing most of them in the summer to enjoy the beaches and good weather. But Mersea Island has also attracted a number of artists that thrive there taking advantage of the big blue skies and open seas producing some amazing works.