Mersea is a tidal island where you can eat your body weight in oysters. This most easterly inhabited island in the United Kingdom is connected to Essex through an ancient Roman causeway called “The Strood.” The estuary island has been inhabited since the Celts dominated England. Its name is derived from “meresig” which means “Island in a Pool.” West Mersea is for windsurfers and beach huts, while East Mersea is all about farms and caravan parks. It’s possible to explore the entire island before the sun sets on the horizon. However, The Strood may flood in a high spring tide. But, you’d probably welcome the thought of staying while waiting for the tide to turn. Check out the top Airbnb vacation rentals on Mersea Island, United Kingdom.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 10, 2024.
1. Picture-postcard cottage with enclosed garden (from USD 126)
Many seafood lovers make the trip to Mersea for bucketfuls of excellent oysters. Would you like to stay in a holiday home located within walking distance from the best restaurants on the island? Sign up for this opportunity to live in a colorful Airbnb with a deck and an enclosed garden. The cottage is fully equipped and comfortably furnished. Inform the host if you want to reserve a bicycle or two. These are quiet and elegant quarters right on the coast where you can sign up for fishing trips and sailing lessons. The bus service stops two minutes down the road if you’re visiting the eastern shores.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lovely stay at sunshine cottage comfortable living area and extra comfy bedsit is such a homely and comfortable space and was perfect for myself and a small babyCleanliness:
sparkling clean and elegantly decoratedvery nice and spotlessly cleansunshine corner was beautifully clean and well laid out with personal touches such as a card and biscuitswhat a great find very clean & comfortable with everything we neededbeautiful very clean comfortable homely and well equipped peaceful placeHost:
highly recommended lovely accommodation and lovely hoststhe hosts were very responsive to messagesfirst angie is fantastic: responsive and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
a lovely place for a relaxing break & within walking distance of both the beach and villagefor me it was close to family and friends yet still quiet and peaceful
2. Gorgeous studio close to the seafront (from USD 119)
This studio space in West Mersea is a bright accommodation with a double bed, a double shower, and plenty of headroom for two adventurers. After immersing in Mersea’s idyllic surroundings, you may rest and rejuvenate in the luxurious indoors. This Airbnb is also within walking distance to pubs and diners in the center of town. The host will point you in the right direction for excellent seafood restaurants, the best local beach, and the most charming picnic areas in West Mersea. The best part of it all is that you can walk to the coast any time of the day and enjoy a wide range of recreational activities.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
thanks for the fan toosafe parking comfortable and fast wifia wonderfully comfortable and relaxing stay in a lovely property with the sea at the end of the roadthis is a beautiful property and the room is exquisitely decoratedCleanliness:
and sparkling clean toonice and clean and spacious would definitely recommendit’s well decorated and clean and the bed is comfyvery clean lovely room in an ideal locationits a lovely bright and clean suite with everything you needHost:
owner was super helpfulgeorgina was an excellent host providing a wide range of suggestions for the two daysquiet and well run i highly recommend the mariners suite and georgie as a hostgorgeous suite with thoughtful additional items from the hostgeorgina was a very helpful host with clear information and great communicationRead more reviewsLocation:
great location i would recommendgreat location a minute or two to the seareally lovely stay brilliantly comfy bed and great location for exploring the arealovely suite very close to the seaside cafes and restaurantssuch a lovely little apartment in a great location
3. Modern getaway for six with hot tub (from USD 157)
Driving across The Strood to Mersea Island is a chance to plunge into a calm and gentle environment. Yet, you can still immerse in modern luxuries by booking this Airbnb that comes with an outdoor hot tub and a dining area on the deck. This executive lodge with sea views is a luxury accommodation surrounded by a manicured lawn. Book this chalet in East Mersea and experience the outstanding services of the clubhouse on the site. Ask the host if the clubhouse amenities are accessible during your holiday.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful views with amazing sunsets great facilities and nice walks closebywe had a great stay - such a beautiful view well equipped lodge with a comfy bedwe loved the swimming pool park arcade games and the beach which we spent ages catching tiny crabsCleanliness:
spotless clean and so stylishbeautiful clean lodge in quiet surroundingsbrilliant accomodation clean and well keptimmaculately clean and very very comfyeverything was clean fresh and warmHost:
host was very helpfulreally friendly quick responding hostsmarc and sarah are brilliant hostsmarc & sarah are the perfect hostsmarc & sarah were amazing hosts with quick responses and excellent communicationRead more reviewsLocation:
perfectly peaceful location andthe location was perfect as wellbeautifully furnished place in a peaceful locationlovely stay great location right by the seaexcellent lodge in an excellent location
4. Delightful beach house near the jetty (from USD 163)
Grab this opportunity to stay in one of the pastel-colored beach huts often featured in photographs of Mersea Island. This stylish accommodation is a short walk from the sea and near coveted spots such as the esplanade, a yacht club, and seafood restaurants. The beach house features vintage decor and themes recalling the sea at every turn. There is also a garden in the back where you can lie in a hammock on a lazy afternoon. This quaint cottage has enough room for six guests willing to share three bedrooms. Book this Airbnb and expect a jolly good time on the West Mersea shore.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
fantastic amenities everything you could ever need in the kitchenlovely cottage very comfortable and homelybeautiful cottage with everything you need comfortable & cosy and immaculately presentedlovely kitchen with all you need quality furnishings throughout and the beds were very comfortablenetflix on tv was an unexpected bonusCleanliness:
nicely decorated clean and homely feelclean and very well equippedspotless comfortable and stylishthe house was spotlessly clean and incredibly comfortablehelen's place was very clean cosy and comfortableHost:
helen was very helpful when we contacted hercommunications with helen were efficient and friendlyhelen was very friendly and helpfulhelen was a very communicative host i would love to stay againhelen was very responsive to booking queries and any questions i hadRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent location for exploring the areagreat place and location for a short staygood location for exploring this small islandlovely property very close to beacha wonderful location in the heart of west mersea
5. Fantastic getaway with a view of the tides (from USD 94)
This Airbnb is one of the best places in Mersea to watch the tide come in. The estuary is beyond the hedge, so you have front-row seats to see this daily phenomenon. Count yourself lucky you’re not caught driving a car along the causeway when the water rises. Instead, you’ll be sitting in a private enclave that is furnished for two and decorated with care. This self-contained Airbnb is a secure and comfortable space with various amenities. Guests have exclusive use of a tended garden and a dedicated parking space.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a lovely comfortable very nicely furnished hideaway with fabulous viewsit is beautifully fitted out with wonderful views across the estuary from the upstairs sitting room/bedroomextremely clean and very comfortable with amazing views out over the estuarythe apartment is stylishly decorated in peaceful tones with a wonderful view from every windowthere’s a big comfortable bed a nice shower with plenty of hot water and parking right outsideCleanliness:
very clean and comfortableexceptionally clean and had everything you could wantspotlessly clean and very well equippedthe house was very clean and the bathroom was sparkling clean the heating was wonderfulvery clean and easy to locateHost:
thanks daniel for being a great hostdaniel and annie are excellent hostshosts where very kind and helpfulvery friendly run placedaniel and annie are outstanding hosts very welcoming and shared a lot of local tipsRead more reviewsLocation:
great place super close to shops (walking distance)excellent location and everything we neededexcellent place and an ideal weekend breakreally nice place in a good locationwonderful location with lots of walking from the property
6. Comfortably furnished bower with estuary views (from USD 187)
A period cottage can be yours if you’re willing to invest in quality accommodation in West Mersea. This two-bedroom fisherman’s cottage is on the very edge of the anchorage area. Guests here will enjoy unparalleled views of the sea. The south-facing garden runs down to the estuary. Exit the garden to check out the mudflats and esplanade nearby. The property is set off the road, and only the occasional bird call distracts from the tranquility of the surroundings. The rooms may seem compact, but they are furnished with the comforts of a clean and restful Airbnb vacation home.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable bed with wonderful view to the seathis is a tiny but utterly charming and very comfortable cottage with beautiful viewsCleanliness:
well equipped charming and spotlessly cleancosy interior well equipped and spotlessly cleanHost:
charming hosts who made us feel at homevictoria is very helpful and quick to reply to any questionsvictoria was an incredible host and we loved our days on mersea islandRead more reviewsLocation:
cute village and only walking distance to the pierexcellent location a short walk to the beach marina tesco and local pubs/cafegreat location in west mersea but also very quiet and peacefullovely cottage in a great locationlovely spot nice to see the water and be so close to the beach
7. Intimate caravan by the sea (from USD 50)
When in Mersea Island, it’s best to choose an Airbnb accommodation you’d be happy to spend time in when the beach and picnic grounds are blanketed by rain since the weather can turn bad anytime. This caravan by the sea has central heating and modern appliances. It also has plenty of entertainment options such as books, games, and DVDs. The caravan is furnished like a spacious and charming cottage for four guests. While the deck and patio may be off-limits when it rains, you can sit there in pleasant weather and look at the coastline. Ask the host about arrangements if you plan to bring along a beloved pet.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
tracy has a lovely comfortable cosy caravan with central heating and all the amenities you would requiretwo comfortable sofas and a large screen tv with bose sound barCleanliness:
it is very clean and welcomingvery clean and tidy had all what you need and very comfortably bedswhat a lovely lovely van clean cozy and clearly lovedHost:
& the host was very good with answering any questions & communicationRead more reviewsLocation:
expect a fantastic holiday the location is excellent as it's so close to the beachperfectly situated for the beach 2 min walk and foot ferry to brightlingseaa great caravan in a great locationthe caravan is super cosy and in an excellent location for relaxing and enjoying the surroundingsbig play area for children and an even bigger one 300m away in the park
8. Stunning house with the beach for a backyard
This stunning house offers comfort and several luxury features. You will even find a handful of curious decorative items. Views of the ocean from the well-appointed rooms can only be described as sublime. Not all beach houses are created equal, and this Airbnb will make your stay pleasant and memorable. Upon coming home, your outstanding experience in this chic hideaway will equal the marvelous adventures you’ll have in Mersea. There’s a chill-out pit right on the beach, and you can walk a few minutes to eat if you’re too lazy to cook. Check out the instructions left by the host, and enjoy every minute of your stay.
5.7 km (3.6 mi) from Cudmore Grove Country ParkSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
again this room has amazing views and a balcony to sit onthe kitchen/dining split level opening straight out onto the beautiful deck and beach was just beautifulboth bedrooms were cosy and had great beds and both are an on-suiteCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and comfortablejust things like deep clean refreshing towels wash products glasses plates etcthe house itself is clean modern and very well laid outclare's place is super clean and really stunningperfect location beautifully clean a wonderful stayHost:
great host with speedy responsesthe host was also very easy to deal with and made our stay very specialgreat place to stay top hostwest mersea is a lovely friendly & welcoming place & the sea food is fantastichosts have thought of everything and it was a great retreatRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location for a relaxing beach breakgreat location beautiful large propertyfabulous location and a wonderful houseamazing house in a great locationlocation is very good and parking
9. Exclusive space for two at the waterfront
Sometimes, we feel the urge to breathe fresh air and have a change of pace. Hearken to the call, “let the sea set you free,” and spend a few days in this exceptional spot on the coast of Essex. Mersea is only an hour’s drive from London, but it’s a place where you can walk along the coastline in peace. Head to a paddleboard facility, then spend quality time with oysters, mussels, scallops, crabs, tiger prawns, and lobsters in Company Shed, a celebrated seafood restaurant. Staying in this Airbnb in a waterfront area in West Mersea lets you remain close to the beach in comfort.
West Mersea, England, United Kingdom
6.79 km (4.3 mi) from Cudmore Grove Country ParkAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we were very pleased and impressed with how this relatively small space felt so comfortableluxurious bed great shower two heaters though i didn’t need them and great attention to detailvery comfortable place with thoughtful touchesCleanliness:
the space was very clean and tastefully decoratedclean tidy and well thought out spacethe studio was clean and had everything we neededthe entire space was very clean peaceful and really easy to accessthe room was very clean and comfortable with lots of thoughtful touchesHost:
the hosts were amazingthe hosts were lovely people and made you feel at homehosts were really friendly and accommodatingcheck in was super easy and our hosts were very helpful and answered any questions we hadvery friendly and helpful hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
superb location only a very few minutes from the best restaurants and barsgreat location close to fabulous restaurants & unique accommodationlocation was perfect and i will most definitely be booking to stay againthis is the perfect little place just a minutes walk away from the seathe house was the most beautiful and cute place
10. Large house with garden
A well-appointed house in West Mersea is ready to receive four guests who prefer spacious lounge areas and a well-equipped kitchen. This home is suitable accommodation if you’re used to living in a big house with a garden. Feel right at home and spoil yourself silly with the high-end facilities. The local supermarket delivers supplies right at your doorstep so you can stay in the lovely garden while waiting. There’s no WiFi, but you won’t need it if you plan to rediscover nature in Mersea. Inform the Airbnb host if you intend to book a long-term stay and ask about parking space.
West Mersea, England, United Kingdom
6.44 km (4.1 mi) from Cudmore Grove Country ParkAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it is spacious comfortable and very well-furnished and equippedthe house is roomy and comfortable with a well equipped kitchenthe two bedrooms are a good size and the beds very comfortableCleanliness:
absolutely spotless and very comfortableexcellent accommodation extremely clean and tidygreat retreat spacious clean and tidyall bedding and towels as well as facilities have been cleangreat communication great location sparkling clean and nice and warm with plenty of hot waterHost:
kind regards mark and sandymarcus and julie were very responsive despite being out of the countryjulie and marcus are welcoming hosts who communicate very fast though living abroadmarcus and julie were great hosts quick to communicate and left lovely welcome treatseverything was spotless and the owner was so easy to communicate with and was so accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
the perfect location the perfect accommodationeverything you need and a great locationgood place and good location for mersea weekvery comfortable and in a quiet locationvery good location only a short walk to shops pub various eating places harbour and sea front
Spend special days out in Mersea
Mersea’s idyllic surroundings and exceptional seafood make it a desirable place to live. If you’re not planning on moving, you can still taste the good life on this tidal island. Let the Airbnb community of Mersea show you why this “Island in a Pool” is truly special.
History
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