In the Netherlands we had our favourite address where we got the freshest Seafood: oysters, mussels, clams, crab, lobster you name it. All delicious treats that can’t be missed in our weekly meals. Even Lara loves it.
Unfortunately, Cambridge is not the best place to buy fish, which really amazes me, given the international allure and the fact that we have very good butchers. As far as I am concerned, a big loss.

Fortunately, there are some good places near the English coast that are still accessible to the public and where you can go for the freshest fish directly picked out of the sea. Earlier we visited Whitstable, where you can have a great walk along the harbour and eat delicious oysters.

This time we visited West Mersea. A fishing town located on an island south of Colchester, where boats moor with bins full of fresh catch, ready to sold straight at the quay at various fish shops. As well to companies and individuals.


West Mersea is not only known well among the fish industry, but also a popular holiday destination for a lot of people. This becomes immediately clear when you see the many holiday houses, camping signs and the pleasure yachts that are ready to strike down on the water.


Due to COVID-19, we had already placed our order from home in Cambridge and only paid a short visit to this place to pick it up from Mersea Island Fresh Catch. – With a large white styrofoam container full of ice to keep the fresh catch cool we turned back home safely.

West Mersea is certainly a place we will return more often, not only for the fresh fish but also because of the sea and the beautiful landscape that the island has to offer.
Attraction Information
Venue Type
Outdoor
Suitable for ages
Young Children (2-8), Older Children (9-12), Adults
Facilities Mersea Island
Parking available nearby (paid) – beach – fish shops – hotels – campings – water sport facilities – public toilets – suitable for wheel- & push chairs – walking trails – picknick areas – restaurants – playground
Address & Contact Mersea Island Fresh Catch
Top of The Jetty, Coast Rd, Colchester CO5 8PAd
For more information about Mersea Island Fresh Catch, click here
T: 01206 385421 / 07791 628778
Opening times Fishmonger
Due COVID you can place an order by email or phone and make an arrangement to collect the order.