21/05/2026
This weekend 23/24/25 May is the Heritage and Art Trail. There is the summer exhibition in the museum celebrating its 50th year, pop up artists displaying their work, an exhibition in the church, storytelling in the church hall, tours up the church tower and lots more on the Coast Road trail, including a spectacular gathering of over 40 Essex Heritage Work Boats. See the map below to find out where all these activities take place...
1. MERSEA MUSEUM & ART COLLECTIVE POP UP - Start the Coast Road Heritage and Arts Trail at the Mersea Museum where you will be able to explore their 50th Anniversary Summer Exhibition along with a wonderful opportunity to explore a selection of artists work in a Open Studio Pop Up. There are Open Studio maps available here.
2. ST. PETER'S & ST. PAUL'S CHURCH – Learn of the Church’s role in the lives of Mersea’s Fisherfolk with an exhibition of weddings, the beautiful Stoker Window and music. The Tower will be open each afternoon and there are teas available thanks to the lovely community at the Church.
3. STORY TELLING CORNER - Join us in the Church hall to rediscover some of the history of Mersea, its people and places. Check on the board outside the church each day for details.
4. BUSKING SPOT – A place to pause and enjoy the music!
5. TENDLE MAKING - At the home of the last known Oyster Tendle maker, Basil Milgate, you can discover how it is done and actually hold a new one ! Demonstration 12pm - 2pm every day
6. HOUSE BOATS – Take in the varied array of vessels that have made their homes along Coast Road. One being KISMET who can be seen regularly racing during the summer regattas.
7. BUSKING SPOT – another chance to pause and enjoy the music!
8. OYSTER PITS - Join us at Dukes Oyster Bar to see the remains of the old oyster pits, and learn how the famous Mersea oysters are opened and maybe enjoy one of the tasty seafood platters.
9. BOAT LINEUP – See an impressive selection of the remaining heritage workboats of Mersea.
From the graceful oyster smacks to the restored Bumpkins and winklebrigs and punts. Stop and chat with the crews and owners of these wonderful vessels.
10. CLARKES & CARTERS BUSKING SPOT & OPEN STUDIO
11. SIGNWRITING PROJECT - Watch Simon turn ALICE a c.1900 Sprat Skiff into an incredible piece of art. Using her clinker planks as his canvas he is going to produce a unique piece of artwork over the weekend.
12. CLARKS & WYATTS STORIES
13. GOWENS SAIL MAKERS – As sail technology moves on, we welcome the next generation of sail makers to show us the age old techniques.
14. RNLI STATION & BUSKING SPOT
15. COMPANY SHED STORY
16. VILLAGE GREEN & DABCHICKS SC
17. COOPER'S QUAY OPEN STUDIO
