Three great ways to stay and sail on Mersea Island
After weeks into lockdown, we’re are now blowing away the cobwebs as we sail again on the River Blackwater.
For awakening mind and body, there’s nothing like fresh sea air, and there’s plenty of that on an island like Mersea, on the unique and wonderful Blackwater coast.
Wind and wave on Mersea Island
East-coast “sea bathing” as a health treatment started to grow in popularity in the 18 th century, but it was the Victorians who elevated the seaside to a whole new level.
Bringing piers, promenades, Punch and Judy and, to protect their modesty, horse- drawn bathing machines – a forerunner of the modern beach hut, like the gorgeously renovated ones you’ll find fringing West Mersea beach.
Beach Huts on Mersea Island
Now lockdown is over, why not book a sailing trip or river cruise with us on our beautiful yacht to celebrate freedom – and why not make a real date of it with a sail and stay? It’s not going to cost the earth and, best of all, you won’t have to go into quarantine for 14 days after staying on the island.
Although we are a quaint little world of our own, we’re still part of the UK and firmly attached to it by the Causeway, for at least, some of the day…
A recent guest enjoying the experience on board
Fun on the water
Think of splendid river cruises and you might conjure images of navigating the Nile, the Canal du Midi or the Panama Canal, but while destinations classics they might be, they’ve got distinctive disadvantages.
They’re incredibly touristy, cost a packet, and they’re thousands of miles away. If you want a more peaceful, calming experience to soothe away those lockdown stresses, the Blackwater coastline and its myriad creeks are quiet, relaxing and right on your doorstep.
Across the Blackwater, Essex
Think the Norfolk Broads with the benefits of salty air and tranquility. Now add the comfort and thrill of a 8 metre yacht, the wind in her sails, delicious food and drinks, the sun on your face and a taste of freedom after three months’ confinement…
Some people like to jet ski to get their kicks – at seaskipr.com we’re all about the experience of having fun and living social on the water while keeping our feet dry!
Entrance to Besom Creek, Mersea Island
While we’ve had to adjust our plans for the summer, we’ve still got plenty of great sessions lined up for you, including hands-on sailing trips, as well as coastal and river cruises where you can sit back and enjoy the glorious scenery.
We are officially back open from July 4 2020. Initially for groups of family members, but we’re hoping to open up further later in the season as things continue to ease. We observe ‘Stay Alert’ safety measure, distancing where possible and keeping below decks visits to a minimum. Being on the water in good airflow, with all the sea level UV, its a good place to be.
All our trips are bookable online from £59 per person.
Where to stay on Mersea
Mersea Island has a great range of accommodation options. You won’t find any big flashy hotels, but you will find welcoming places to stay run by friendly local people with years of hospitality baked into their DNA (talking of baking, there are some fantastic places to eat, too).
We’re all part of a fantastic community on the island, and you’ll really feel at home here.
1. Our Favourites: Estuary Lodge, Brans Estate & The Nook @ Estuary Lodge
Estuary Lodge - its new, sleeps 6 and has rave reviews, located off the famous Mersea Avenues near the beach.
Bran’s Estate - Well, we’re biased, but we do love our very own holiday cottage, Bran’s Estate. It’s in a cracking location in the heart of West Mersea, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, great shops and rather wonderful eateries.
The Nook @ Estuary Lodge - also new providing a cosy space for two.
2. Near the beach
The beauty of Mersea is that nowhere is not near the beach… At our last count, there were around 20 holiday homes to book for a rejuvenating stay on Mersea. But here’s a tip when you’re searching online – some places listed as being “Mersea” might actually be, the cheek of it, NOT ON THE ISLAND! So check the map – always great advice for sailors and landlubbers alike.
Find out more here:
3. On the Beach
Hankering after sea and sand right by the door (or tent flap)? There are three holiday parks right on the beach in Mersea, where you can rent a range of caravans, beach pods, cabins and lodges, stay in your own caravan or motorhome, or pitch a tent to get even closer to nature.
Find out more here:
Waldegraves Family Holiday Park
To find out more about where to eat on Mersea Island:
To find out what else to do on Mersea Island:
Mersea Island is off the east coast of Essex, about an hour from Stansted Airport by car, an hour from London by train and just under two hours from Heathrow or Gatwick Airports. Join us at seaskipr.com – stay, sail and enjoy great adventure on Mersea Island.
See our booking page for further details.
If you’ve never sailed before but want to, we at seaskipr.com can help you to take those first steps onboard.
If you’re looking for new adventure, we at seaskipr.com can show you a different, calmer side to Essex.
If you’d just like to relax on board and soak up the atmosphere, we at seaskipr.com can sail you and your party on a memorable journey up and down the Blackwater.
Make it a stay and sail mini-holiday by booking our fully appointed West Mersea located accommodation