Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site

Mersea Island's a spectacular little place to roam around and to use as a base for venturing around the Essex and East Anglia coast: spend your whole hol here or alternative beach and nature days with sightseeing in Colchester 25 minutes' drive north. The country park next door is Cudmore Grove, on Mersea's eastern side. This a top spot for family days, with a beach, grassland, meadows and a coastal-themed play area all on a 102-acre site that's crammed with history too: look out for World War II pillboxes and gun emplacements as well as the remains of the 16th-century fort. And did you know, vino fans, that Mersea has a vineyard? Have a tour of the family-owned vineyard and brewery in Rewshall's Lane on the east of the island, before a taster of its wines and ales then a cream tea, lunch or another wine/ale at the tearoom. Round off your stay with a look at the history of this handsome and ancient isle at the Mersea Island Museum (15 minutes' drive), telling the tale of local fishing, oystercatching and boat building.