An ideal day out for you & your family!
Below is an itinerary outlining a whistle stop tour exploring the ferry drop off points from Brightlingsea. However, if you wish you can extend this and dedicate 1 day to each drop off point.
Morning:
Starting from Brightlingsea, kick start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at one of the town’s many eateries before embarking on your exciting day ahead.
Victoria Cafe (edan.io) Swimming | Brightlingsea Lido, Out Door Swimming Pool | Brightlingsea
Once you are all fuelled for the day, stroll down to Brightlingsea Harbour where you will hop aboard the Foot Ferry, the ferry driver will greet you and take you to your first drop off point at Point Clear or stay on board and continue onto East Mersea stone on the edge of Cudmore Grove Country Park.
From both drop off points, you can stay for an hour or even until the last ferry run exploring the area and what they have to offer.
Discover Point Clear:
If you get off at Point Clear our first ferry drop off point, stroll along the beach towards land where you will see T & Cake café and just a bit further along, Martello Tower.
Before discovering Martello Tower and grabbing a refreshment. Why not embark and blow away the cobwebs and enjoy a stunning coastal walk around Point Clear allowing you the opportunity to discover what Point Clear has to offer. Halfway through the walk you will discover St Osyth Boatyard which has been a port since 1214. It is now a working boat yard restoring Thames barges and there are numerous house boats.
Once back at Point Clear before catching the ferry onto East Mersea or Brightlingsea rest your legs and grab a cuppa and a slice of cake at T & Cake café offering a charming and cozy atmosphere for a relaxing break before heading to East Mersea.
T & CAKE, St Osyth - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
After feeling refreshed take a look at the Martello Tower, an impressive historical fortification built during the Napoleonic Wars to defend against invasion. If it is open, it is well worth a visit you will not be disappointed! Explore inside and learn about its history by visiting the exhibitions and information boards detailing its past and architectural features.
Jaywick Martello Tower | Explore Essex (explore-essex.com)
Before heading back to the ferry pick up point, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beach taking in the stunning views of the River Colne.
Afternoon:
Discover East Mersea
If you plan to complete the whistle stop tour hop aboard the next ferry to East Mersea.
Once you and your family have arrived at your afternoon destination, located just a 20-minute stroll from the drop of point is Cudmore Grove Country Park an amazing nature reserve on Mersea Island covering over 102 acres. Take a leisurely walk through the park offering beautiful coastal views and historic features including WWII pillboxes.
Cudmore Grove Country Park | Explore Essex (explore-essex.com)
East Mersea provides stunning estuary views from a unique perspective of the River Colne.
As time ticks on, start heading towards the pick-up point for the final ferry trip of the day. Leaving East Mersea at 16:15 heading back towards Brightlingsea. Grab a bite to eat on your return from the Fish & Chip shop at the waterfront to end your perfect day.
THE WATERSIDE, Brightlingsea - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
Please note:
Please see our ferry schedule linked below outlining the different season our ferry operates in. If you are looking to complete this day out during low season, booking onto the ferry is essential to ensure the ferry turns up. If you are looking to visit during mid or high season the ferry does not require bookings and runs hourly, please note if you are not booked onto the ferry booked passengers will take priority however, we will always ensure we can accommodate all passengers by providing an extra run.
Click here to download Ferry Timetable 2024
