Explore Mersea & Colchester

The area within easy reach of Cosway Park yields unspoilt coastline, beautiful countryside and a wealth of attractions to cater for the tastes and pursuits of all our owners, their families and visitors. Mersea Island is attached to the mainland by a causeway "The Strood" which is covered by the tide a few times each month. The mudflats and salt marsh on East Mersea are part of the Colne Estuary National Nature Reserve managed by English Nature. Walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users have the transport option of the East Mersea to Brightlingsea ferry.

Cosways has direct access to a safe sandy beach and is a short walk away from the 35 acre Cudmore Grove Country Park where you can enjoy exploring the shore and watching for wildlife.

West Mersea (The Village, as it is known) is famous for its native oysters, which may be sampled along with other top-quality seafood at The Company Shed. It offers good shopping facilities and boasts some of the best sailing and water sports on the East Coast. Also to be sampled the homegrown English wines and local beers at the vineyard.

For the traditional seaside entertainments including piers, shows, amusements and extensive sandy beaches visit Clacton, Walton or the quieter Frinton.

There is a paradise for walkers, cyclists and painters on the Essex Way or Painters Trail (www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org) or even closer to home venture along the Roman river valley at Layer.

Lovers of gardens and Historic buildings are spoilt for choice; the Beth Chatto garden is only 15 miles from Cosways (see www.magicalheritageofessex.co.uk).

Roman Colchester is Englands oldest recorded town and offers a wealth of interesting things to do and see. And why not enjoy a day at Colchester Zoo?

Not forgetting our nature lovers and bird watchers who are very well catered for by an abundance of both inland and salt marsh reserves where a number of rare plant species, small mammals, insects and birds may be found.

We are confident that the East of England and particularly rural Essex will not only cater for all your interests but also open up a myriad of new opportunities.