Is Mersea becoming the coolest seaside destination?

But now the town is fast becoming Essex's coolest seaside spot. 

As part of its 2023 “Top 250 Best Places to Live” series, Muddy Stilettos – which is an online women’s lifestyle website – combined with estate agents Strutt and Parker to find the best local hotspots in some of England’s most sought-after counties.

In all, eight places were listed in Essex, with Mersea Island featuring as one of Essex’s best.

Muddy Stilletos saw fit to emphasise the area’s coastal lure, but here are some of the reasons were think this fantastic island is the place to be. 

1. The popular beach huts

The picturesque and fairytale-like beach huts in north Essex have even been previously ranked amongst the most Insta-famous in the UK, according to social media analysis.

Mersea beach huts amongst the most 'Instagrammable' in UK (Image: Fiona Malby)

The Little Beach Hut Company has been a popular destination for day-trippers when the weather decides to treat us.

Stacey Solomon has previously given them the thumbs up, sharing a picture of the red and white hut with the caption: “We booked this hut through The Little Beach Hut Company and it was so worth it.

“Just to have somewhere to make a cuppa, lay down for nap time, have somewhere shaded and store everything.”

2. Endorsed by celebs

Mersea regularly receives visits and praise from celebrities.

Denise van Outen has enjoyed stacycations to the island, having previously shared photos of her visit, capturing the colourful beach huts. 

Denise van Outen has regularly visited Mersea

In a previous visit, she also met up with fellow Essex star Lydia Bright to enjoy a seafood platter from The Company Shed. 

She also visited to celebrate her 47th birthday in June 2021.

Essex celeb and TV presenter Stacey Solomon has also visited Merea on several occasions.

She has previously taken to Instagram to share a series of photos of her visit, sharing snaps of sons Rex, Leighton, and Zachary enjoying their day out. 

3. Food

Mersea has plenty of places to enjoy some top food and drink.

From cafes and pubs to tearooms, there are lots of quaint choices to suit your desires.

The oysters are a great way to get stuck into the coastal life, but there are other options too.

Sel Yuzen was previously named one of the fastest shellfish openers in the country (Image: N/A)

The Coast Inn is a popular riverside bar and restaurant, with a friendly atmosphere and stylish blend of traditional wooden floors, modern leather sofas and a cosy real log fire. 

Sitting beside the Blackwater, it offers morning coffee and homemade cakes, lunches, afternoon cream teas or evening dinner.

Maria’s Vintage Tearoom is another keen choice, offering everything from tea, coffee and cake to a full lunch, with regular favourites and daily specials on the menu.

Also available is the full range of wines from the Vineyard and beers from Mersea Island Brewery.

4. Red squirrels

Mersea is also one of the only places you can spot red squirrels in the country.

A red squirrel pictured in Mersea (Image: Mersea Imagery)

After years of gently introducing them onto the island, red squirrels began settling into their safe habitat and starting families about eight years ago.

Crucial to their survival is that they are free from the threat of their tougher grey counterparts who are able to beat them in the fight for food.

The reds are also protected from a grey invasion by the island's surrounding body of water.

Some of the other places you may be able to spot them are places in Cumbria, Dorset, the Isles of Scilly, the Isle of Wight, Lancashire, Northumberland, North Wales and Perthshire.