Mersea Island Trip August 2026

Mersea Island Trip Wednesday 19 August 2026

Our trip to Paddington, planned for Wednesday, 19 August, didn’t quite go according to plan. A train derailment at Wickford a few days earlier had caused considerable disruption to rail services, so rather than risk spending the day stranded on a platform, we decided that a change of venue was in order. Mersea Island it was!

Eleven of us made the journey by car, arriving at West Mersea at around 10 am, conveniently coinciding with low tide. We gathered for coffee at a café near the beach huts, where we prepared ourselves for the serious business of the day — photography, of course, although the coffee and cake may have played their part too.

We were blessed with mainly dry and sunny weather, which certainly helped to put everyone in a good mood. After our refreshments, we scattered in various directions, cameras at the ready, to explore the photographic possibilities around West Mersea.

The exposed mudflats, marina, boats and surrounding fields provided plenty of subjects. As usual on these outings, everyone seemed to find something different to photograph, proving once again that you don’t have to travel far to find interesting images — although having a camera in your hand certainly helps!

At 1 pm we regrouped at The Coast Inn for lunch. An excellent meal was enjoyed by all and, as is traditional on these occasions, the conversation quickly turned to what everyone had photographed that morning. There was also plenty of discussion about where to go and what to photograph in the afternoon. Whether all the photographic advice was actually followed is, of course, another matter!

After lunch, most of us headed towards East Mersea and Cudmore Grove Country Park. This gave us a change of scenery and a new collection of subjects, including the beach, sea defences and World War II defence installations. There were plenty of opportunities to capture both the natural landscape and some reminders of the island’s military history.

By around 4 pm it was time to think about heading home. The incoming tide was steadily making its presence felt, and we were very aware that waiting too long could result in the causeway disappearing beneath the water — and turning our photographic outing into an unexpected overnight stay!

Fortunately, everyone made it off the island in good time, so there were no reports of photographers being rescued by boat.

Although Mersea Island was very much a Plan B, it turned out to be an excellent choice. Good weather, varied landscapes, interesting subjects and plenty of photographic opportunities made for an enjoyable day out.

Sometimes, it seems, the best trips are the ones you didn’t originally plan!

Stephen Stringer

3 September 2026