The pretty little seaside town where locals say it’s ‘like living on holiday’

A small town is loved by Brits so much that people are relocating there after visiting – they  claim it’s like “entering a whole other world”.

Mersea is an island connected to England steeped in rich history with beautiful scenery painting the town. People have fallen in love with the area so much that they have decided to upsticks and move. 

Resident Debbi Lynn, 52, moved to the island in Essex with her husband 18 months ago. To them, it “still feels like we’re on holiday”.

“It’s brilliant to be back in a place that really values its community. Everyone here really cares about the area, and we all agree it feels like we’re on holiday all the time,” says Debbi. 

The couple visited the island in the Blackwater and Colne for a day trip and loved it so much they “went back and put their house on the market”.

Mersea Island is connected to the rest of the country by a half-mile-long causeway named The Strood. It’s split into two sides – the quieter East Mersea and West Mersea, a traditional fishing village famous for its oyster farms.

Visitors be warned, however, as the causeway is submerged by the tide twice a day – so plan your trip well!

The community offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, with stunning views stretching across the Blackwater Estuary.

Despite the destination being popular among tourists in the summer, Lynn explains how she was “expecting the beach to be so busy” however, she says it’s “not like that at all, it’s really peaceful”.

Another resident, Hilka Fraser, 75, who relocated to a year ago, agrees that Mersea is a “peaceful, quiet place on the whole” – the summertime can get busier but the visitors are not “disturbing anyone”.

Hilka moved to the island after her husband passed away, having been drawn to West Mersea’s pristine beaches and scenic coastline.

She says: “I’ve always wanted to be close to the water, and with the sea just ‘there’ this gives me the opportunity to go on wonderful walks, cycle and run along the coast path.

“I try to keep myself fit and healthy and Sanderling Reach and the island are the perfect location from which I can explore new, exciting places and opportunities.”

Mersea has a small population of just 7,000 residents spanning across just five miles of land. Locals are able to walk around the entire island taking in about three hours. 

Famous for its vast array of scenery and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone with its long stretch of beaches to farmland and parks.

Andrea Bilton bought a home on the island after growing up holidaying there. She says: “Stepping into West Mersea is like entering a whole other world where your life is just one big holiday. You never get used to it.”