Useful local information

Local information

Here’s a little list of local information you may need. If you need to know about anything else, please visit Guest Services where the local gurus will be delighted to enlighten you and help you on your journey.

Eating out

The Company Shed 01206 382 700 | CO5 8PA The Coast Inn 01206 383 568 | CO5 8PA The Victory 01206 382 907 | CO5 8LS West Mersea Oyster Bar 01206 381 600 | CO5 8LT The Dog & Pheasant 01206 383 206 | CO5 8TP

Dentist

Dentist

West Mersea Dental Surgery 01206 384 504 | CO5 8RA

Supermarkets

Tesco | CO5 8QT

Co-op | CO5 8RA

Spar | CO5 8RG

Health care

Colchester General Hospital 01206 747 474 | CO4 5JL Care Pharmacy 01206 381 673 | CO5 8HT

Pet care

Blackwater Veterinary Surgery 01206 384 999 | CO5 8RH

Motor care

Griffon Garage Services Ltd 01206 383 630

Cudmore Grove Country Park Enjoy the wide open spaces, perfect for picnics, entertaining children, explore the new coastal theme play area, designed especially for Cudmore Grove. Enjoy dog walking, bird watching, beach access or just making the most of some beautiful scenery as you walk in the fresh air. If you want to explore a little more, there’s the foot ferry that operates seasonally, that will take you to small coastal town of Brightlingsea. (45 minutes via car)

Crabbing Crabbing is a holiday pastime that can been enjoyed by children and adults alike. There is a marked section on the causeway to the left hand side where crabbing is allowed. All you need is a crabbing line, you can make your own with a ball of string and a weight or buy one from a local shop, some bait, a bucket and you’re ready to go - crab’s aren’t fussy but do like raw meat, bacon is a popular choice! (5 minutes via car)

Lady Grace Boat Trips If you have a love of water, bird watching, photography or nature, then a trip on the Lady Grace is a perfect way to explore the Estuary. Regular 20 minute boats trips take place every day, just wait at the end of the jetty for the next boat, no booking, just turn up on the day. Also offered are children’s parties, longer trips for bird watching, sunset picnics and fishing. (5 minutes via car) Colchester Zoo Opened in 1963, Colchester Zoo is now one the best in the UK. With over 270 species to see, a huge 60 acre site to explore and a variety of shows and demonstrations to enjoy, this is a great place to visit. You’ll probably need a full day to see all that’s on show. Lots of the exhibits are outside, but there is a good selection under cover, as well as a large soft play area, adventure playgrounds, cafes, food outlets and picnic areas. (15 minutes via car)

Mersea Museum Located in the village centre of West Mersea, it celebrates the local traditions of fishing, oystering, boat building and wild fowling, the museum also highlights the history of local, natural and marine life. It’s a great little spot to enjoy for a hour or two and learn about some of the interesting history in the area. Open seasonally, so check for times. (5 minutes via car)

Maldon Town & Promenade Park There are some fantastic towns nearby that offer great shopping, eating and attractions. One such place is the ancient town of Maldon, famous for the Hythe, home to a huge number of Thames barges. Also here is Promenade Park with its popular splash park, sand pit, Galleon activity ship, and ornamental lake with fountains and resident swans - which makes a good spot for a picnic. (30 minutes via car)