To celebrate the 20 year anniversary from Wednesday 3rd July to Sunday 7th July Brightlingsea Harbour Foot Ferry ticket prices have been slashed to 2004 prices. The discount also coincides with Brightlingsea town’s Regatta. A great opportunity to come by ferry to enjoy this iconic event celebrating the town’s rich maritime heritage or to explore Point Clear and East Mersea.

3rd July - 7th July One Way Ferry Discounted Prices

Route Brightlingsea to Point Clear

Adult - £1.00 Child under 16 - £0.50 Child Under 1 - FREE Dogs - FREE Bikes - £0.50

Route Brightlingsea/ Point Clear to East Mersea

Adult - £2.00 Child under 16 - £1.00 Child Under 1 -FREE Dogs - FREE Bikes - £1.00

To take advantage of this massive discount ferry tickets must be purchased online. Tickets bought on the day via the Ferry Cox will be at the usual price.

Records show that since 1699, a passenger ferry has operated between Brightlingsea and Point Clear, transporting local people and visitors between the two communities, providing them with access to vital services and leisure facilities.

During 2002 when the ferryman retired the ferry ceased to operate and it was not until May 2004 that the service was resumed by Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners. The Harbour’s workboat see below was used as a temporary vessel until a purpose-built boat was completed.

The new vessel named ‘The Community Reach’ was launched on 3rd July 2004 from Brightlingsea Hard.

The ferry linked Brightlingsea and Point Clear and a year later the link was extended to East Mersea. Initially running four days a week, during low season and seven days a week during high season on a scheduled basis.

Custom built, the 21ft boat was able to carry up to 12 passengers and was equipped to carry bicycles, buggies, dogs and wheelchairs.

This initial venture was funded by a partnership between Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners, Brightlingsea Business Association, The Community Reach Partnership, Brightlingsea Town Council, St Osyth Parish Council, Orchards Holiday Village and East Of England Development Agency.

Fast forward 20 years, the running of the ferry and all running costs are covered by Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners. Operating two new similar designed ferries Colne Explorer and Community Reach. Running 7 days a week from April to September, with various schedules for low, mid and high season across to Point Clear and East Mersea.

This local link is loved by locals and visitors alike. During 2023 the ferry service was used by over 14,000 people. It is now a key contributor to the tourism of Brightlingsea and other local communities. Moving with the times there is a dedicated Brightlingsea Harbour Facebook page @BrightlingseaFootFerry with 4.9k followers, plus you can prebook your ferry tickets online.

With the public becoming more and more aware of their environmental footprint a round trip from Point Clear to Brightlingsea by our ferry is only 3 minutes however by car it is 21 miles. From East Mersea its only 9 minutes by ferry but a return visit is 40 miles by car.

Customers are still able to bring their dogs, bikes on the ferry and charter the ferry for larger parties.

Download our Brightlingsea Harbour App for free, from the App Store or Google Play Store or visit www.brightlingseaharbour.org to book your online ferry tickets. Visit our Facebook page @BrightlingseaFootFerry for the latest news or call the Harbour Office on 01206 302200 for more information.