- Shepherds Hut
Shepherd's huts near Mersea Island
99% (103) • 46 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Mersea Island
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
1. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
100%
(21)
7.1km from Mersea Island · 2 units
Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
£130
/ night
Barn Owl Camping
2. Barn Owl Camping
97%
(18)
45km from Mersea Island · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
3. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
95%
(104)
54km from Mersea Island · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£11
/ night
Greenhill Glamping
4. Greenhill Glamping
100%
(31)
76km from Mersea Island · 1 unit
Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£160
/ night
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
5. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
100%
(20)
82km from Mersea Island · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years.
The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead.
Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet.
The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance.
Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes.
An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping
6. Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping
100%
(45)
90km from Mersea Island · 4 units
Small, secluded, homespun farm campsite in rural Norfolk, a short drive from Thetford Forest Park
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
£95
/ night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
7. Whitlingham Broad Campsite
98%
(164)
96km from Mersea Island · 71 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£14
/ night
Blooms Westerby Farm
8. Blooms Westerby Farm
95%
(11)
105km from Mersea Island · 5 units
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
9. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
95%
(65)
108km from Mersea Island · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Hale Farm
10. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
111km from Mersea Island · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
Hickling Campsite
11. Hickling Campsite
99%
(118)
114km from Mersea Island · 31 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent camping and glamping within walking distance of Norfolk's largest broad and less than 10 minutes' drive from the beach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Bircham Windmill
12. Bircham Windmill
97%
(135)
121km from Mersea Island · 17 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Flat grassy tent pitches beneath a magnificent working windmill, all accompanied by Norfolk's best bakery
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£40
/ night
Foot of the Downs
13. Foot of the Downs
100%
(25)
131km from Mersea Island · 3 units
Glamping on a family farm in Sussex, just off the South Downs Way and not far from Brighton
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£117
/ night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
14. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
132km from Mersea Island · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Rolling Fields Glamping
15. Rolling Fields Glamping
100%
(35)
148km from Mersea Island · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
16. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(27)
148km from Mersea Island · 2 units
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Serenity Lakes
17. Serenity Lakes
100%
(5)
48km from Mersea Island · 3 units
Cosy shepherd's huts with hot tubs, set alongside a tranquil fishing lake.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£126
/ night
Canterbury Lodges and Glamping
18. Canterbury Lodges and Glamping
100%
(2)
59km from Mersea Island · 2 units
Glamping with private facilities near Canterbury
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£85
/ night
Ham Hideaway
19. Ham Hideaway
100%
(2)
66km from Mersea Island · 5 units
Glamping in the Kent countryside, close to the coast – with an optional butler catering service
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from
£235
/ night
Stone Pit Meadows
20. Stone Pit Meadows
100%
(8)
88km from Mersea Island · 5 units
Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£113
/ night
99% (103) • 46 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Mersea Island
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
1. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
100%
(21)
7.1km from Mersea Island · 2 units
Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
£130
/ night
Barn Owl Camping
2. Barn Owl Camping
97%
(18)
45km from Mersea Island · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
3. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
95%
(104)
54km from Mersea Island · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£11
/ night
Greenhill Glamping
4. Greenhill Glamping
100%
(31)
76km from Mersea Island · 1 unit
Impeccably restored huts from the late 19th-century, kitted out for couples with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and views over the Kent Downs
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£160
/ night
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
5. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
100%
(20)
82km from Mersea Island · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years.
The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead.
Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet.
The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance.
Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes.
An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping
6. Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping
100%
(45)
90km from Mersea Island · 4 units
Small, secluded, homespun farm campsite in rural Norfolk, a short drive from Thetford Forest Park
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
£95
/ night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
7. Whitlingham Broad Campsite
98%
(164)
96km from Mersea Island · 71 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£14
/ night
Blooms Westerby Farm
8. Blooms Westerby Farm
95%
(11)
105km from Mersea Island · 5 units
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
9. Dernwood Farm Camping & Glamping
95%
(65)
108km from Mersea Island · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Hale Farm
10. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
111km from Mersea Island · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
Hickling Campsite
11. Hickling Campsite
99%
(118)
114km from Mersea Island · 31 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent camping and glamping within walking distance of Norfolk's largest broad and less than 10 minutes' drive from the beach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Bircham Windmill
12. Bircham Windmill
97%
(135)
121km from Mersea Island · 17 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Flat grassy tent pitches beneath a magnificent working windmill, all accompanied by Norfolk's best bakery
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£40
/ night
Foot of the Downs
13. Foot of the Downs
100%
(25)
131km from Mersea Island · 3 units
Glamping on a family farm in Sussex, just off the South Downs Way and not far from Brighton
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£117
/ night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
14. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
132km from Mersea Island · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Rolling Fields Glamping
15. Rolling Fields Glamping
100%
(35)
148km from Mersea Island · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£100
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
16. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(27)
148km from Mersea Island · 2 units
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Serenity Lakes
17. Serenity Lakes
100%
(5)
48km from Mersea Island · 3 units
Cosy shepherd's huts with hot tubs, set alongside a tranquil fishing lake.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£126
/ night
Canterbury Lodges and Glamping
18. Canterbury Lodges and Glamping
100%
(2)
59km from Mersea Island · 2 units
Glamping with private facilities near Canterbury
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£85
/ night
Ham Hideaway
19. Ham Hideaway
100%
(2)
66km from Mersea Island · 5 units
Glamping in the Kent countryside, close to the coast – with an optional butler catering service
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from
£235
/ night
Stone Pit Meadows
20. Stone Pit Meadows
100%
(8)
88km from Mersea Island · 5 units
Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£113
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Claire
October 2025
With kids
My son and I had an amazing time at Angela's Shepherds hut. It was so cosy and a lovely adventure for us. Having the hot tub made it even better. There was a heater, thank goodness 😁 and all the amenities we needed. Angela was so welcoming too. We will be going back.
See more
B
Ben
September 2025
With kids
The shepherd hut was clean and very comfortable. The location was peaceful and we had some amazing sunsets and rises.
The wood fired hot tub was great as was the wood fire BBQ which was super easy to use and made the food taste great.
We had a fantastic 2 nights and can’t wait to go back.
See more
E
Emily
September 2025
1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park
Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !!
All windows had lovely views.
Ivan & Sylvia S xxx
See more
L
Louise
August 2025
1 night at Bircham Windmill
Spotlessly clean, the showers and facilities were as good as at home, the extra added thoughtfulness of clean bath mats tea towels washing up liquid and lots of toilet paper and hand towel and soap.
My shepherds hut was delightful, and yet again everything I needed with the welcoming cream tea, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, spotlessly clean as everywhere was.
The windmill, the bakery, the café, my grandchildren loved the animals and the play area. There is absolutely not a thing I can think of that was not perfect. Oh I forgot to mention the games room. Thank you
See more
L
Lydia
August 2025
2 nights at Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
This was a wonderful place - a really idyllic setting and superb shepherd’s hut. Super cosy with its own secluded area and kitchen with everything you need. The orchard is beautiful, Natasha and Nick have done amazing job in making this a really special place. One of our favourite ever UK stays!
See moreP
Penelope
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard
My partner and I had the most amazing one night stay here (wish we had longer) at Plum Farm, surrounded by nature and wonderful peace and quiet.
We had a lovely welcome from Natasha and Tim who are super attentive lovely people. We enjoyed using the firepit to cook our dinner on, we brought most of our own utensils but its all there for you to use if needed. Was great to have running water and the gas hob to use too - Love an outdoors kitchen!
Also loved the home grown, hand picked flowers that were there for us too., we were also very lucky to be given a bottle of Apple juice from the apples grown on the Orchard, definitely recommend buying a bottle if there's any available.
The shepherds hut was cosy and accommodating, was great to have the black out blinds which was a pleasant surprise, had a great night sleep.
I would love to come back next year.
Thank you both for having us :)
See moreB
Barnaby
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!
See moreC
Cameron
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
We loved our stay at the hut - it was perfect! Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery at the back of the farm and waking up to the incredibly friendly sheep and horses was so nice. The hut itself is really cozy, lovingly decorated and has everything you need in it. We would love come and stay again!
See moreB
Barb
August 2025
2 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park
Super nice shepherd’s hut! Loved the animals nearby too.
See more
R
Rezaur Rahman
August 2025
4 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park
We had such a wonderful stay in the shepherd’s hut! Mandy greeted us when we arrived and kindly showed us to our hut, which was tucked away in a very private and peaceful spot.
The hut itself was spotless, cosy, and welcoming. We were pleasantly surprised to find oat flip biscuits waiting for us, along with coffee pods and milk — such a thoughtful touch. At night, the skies were incredible, and we loved sitting outside stargazing in complete tranquillity.
One of the highlights was meeting Timmy and Otto, the resident sheep. Timmy in particular is such a character — he loves a scratch under the chin and made us smile every day.
Throughout our stay we didn’t have a single disturbance — it was just pure peace and relaxation.
I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet, charming getaway with a touch of nature and plenty of comfort. We can’t wait to come back!
See more
L
Lucy
July 2025
With pets
We only stayed at Plum Camping for 1 night, but it was such a wonderful place that it felt like we were there a week! Natasha & Nick were fabulous people who made us feel at home the minute we got there. Nothing was too much bother, and we loved being in our shepherds hut amongst the fruit trees and carefully considered garden. It was peaceful and private whilst feeling like there is a small community of people doing a good thing down there. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who feels like they need a break from the rat race for a night or two. Our shepherds hut was perfectly cosy & in proportion with a super comfy double bed & futon with windows opening on all side so you can wake up in nature. There was a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with your own washing facilities and stove but we ended up walking to the pub for dinner as we didn’t have the energy for that! Natasha helped us out when we got lost on a walk and provided maps & WhatsApp directions which were helpful to city folk like us! We left with a bag full of plums and a happy heart!
See moreF
Fiona
July 2025
3 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park
A superb find! We were totally delighted with every aspect of our stay at Matt and Mandy's exquisitely located shepherd's hut.
A warm welcome and practically instantaneous communication made things feel really relaxed and easy. Peace and quiet and abundant wildlife, this place is somewhere that will hold some lovely memories. Thank you 😊
See more
A
Anwen
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Stone Pit Meadows
We loved our stay in Southdown shepherd hut. Was extremely well equipped with everything you could possibly think of for a couple of nights. Including firewood, lighters and marshmallows! Thoroughly recommend the breakfast hamper add on - with delicious modifications as one of us is a veggie. The campsite is great - beautiful surroundings with a lovely little swimming hole (wild and a bit weedy but refreshing) You can see the other tents/ hut and kids playing etc but it didn’t feel noisy or crowded at all. The location is very peaceful and rural - a good 30+ minutes walk to the local pub, but there is off road paths to get there. And it’s close to lots of attractions by car - chapel down winery, the coast etc. There’s lots more exploring to do in this area and when we come back we’d love to stay at Stoneput meadows!
See more
Ellis
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
We had an amazing stay at the Dandelion! Amazing quiet field with beautiful sounds of nature, great facilities, plenty to do. Alexandra’s Fleets paddock is brilliant and would highly recommend. The outdoor hot showers, clean toilets, taps made it such an easy stay.
Thank you!!!
See more
L
Lee
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Blooms Westerby Farm
Our stay at Bumble Shepherds hut was an absolute amazing experience. This place is very quiet at night and has a stunning view across the fields. The bed was really comfy and hot tub under the stars completed a romantic and relaxing stay. Will definitely be back!
See moreD
Danilo
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
Such a great place, Matt is really friendly too. Highly recommended
See more
H
Helena
June 2025
With pets
A spotless shepherds hut, welcoming with some delicious treats.
A lovely place to stay with great views after climbing the windmill, freshly baked bread on the premises and friendly staff.
Clean showers and bathrooms.
Farm animals such as chickens, donkey and a horse in the field and the owl calling at night.
See more
A
Alexandra
May 2025
2 nights at Serenity Lakes
Loved our little glamping adventure to Serenity Lakes! The huts have everything you need, from cutlery to microwave and towels and even UNO playing cards. Everything is really well signposted aned explained in the welcome brochure in the hut. Absolute highlights wad obviously the wood-fired hot tub 💞 but also the beautiful sunsets on the lake!
See more
L
Lesley
May 2025
4 nights at Bircham Windmill
The pitches are a really good size so you don't feel on top of each other. It is a small site, which is a bonus. The shepherd's hut was really comfortable with lots of thoughtful touches and a cream tea to welcome you. The site is very pretty and sitting in the morning with a cup of tea looking at the windmill and seeing the horse, donkey, lambs and chicken was a wonderful start to the day.
See more
J
Jessica
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
Had such a lovely weekend staying at the Shepard's Hut. Everything we needed for cooking and eating at the hut, an amazing hot shower, and beautiful views from the bedroom windows. Matt and his wife were super friendly and helpful. We will definitely be coming back!!
See more
Shepherd's huts near Mersea Island guide
Where to go
West Mersea Beach
The colourful beach huts of West Mersea Beach brim with holiday allure. Rent a beach hut for a bit of shade and a relaxing place to rest during a day on the beach. Many come with amenities like gas stoves, kettles, cups, and plates. Then, go swimming in the North Sea during the warm seasons, or set sail along the waters. Beach lovers can go shelling and then visit cafes and pubs in the area for a local treat. To spend the night along the water, look for Mersea Island campsites that host campervans, motorhomes, and tents. Electricity is available as well as children’s play areas and creeks for crabbing.
Cudmore Grove Country Park
Travel to the other side of the island to see Cudmore Grove Country Park—a nature reserve, a Special Site of Scientific Interest, a Ramsar site, and a National Nature Reserve and Special Protection Area that encompasses 102 acres. It sits where the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries meet. Campers with kids or dogs can explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, and grassy meadows, while birdwatching, hiking, fossil hunting, beachcombing, or picnicking throughout the park. To spend a couple of days nearby, set up at coastal campsites that accommodate double axle caravans and motorhomes as well as tents. Cottage rentals and static caravan hires are also available.
Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Celebrated for its biodiversity and efforts in conservation, Dedham Vale AONB is an Essex-Suffolk border attraction with ancient fens, woodlands, and meadows. For a day away from the beach, spend time on a boat trip down River Stour, which is a Dedham Vale focal point. The river and famed attractions like Flatford Mill have attracted painters for decades, including John Constable. Take a couple of days touring the AONB from adult-only glamping pods near Colchester, Britain’s oldest town, that are pet-friendly with ensuite showers and private firepits. Or take the family to a caravan and camping park with electric hookups that’s open from March to October.
When to go
During the warm season, the weather near Mersea Island is ideal for beach days and sailing excursions. July is the warmest month with highs around 21°C. November through March marks the cold season on Mersea Island where temperatures dip down to 3°C at night. Many Mersea Island rentals close down for winter. However, campers can still find rental cottages available year-round.