UK city ‘lower off’ from remainder of the world twice a day ‘like going again in time’

London might not spring to mind when you think of an intimate, neighbourly community where every face is familiar.

However, a quick 90-minute journey from the heart of the capital will take you to a secluded island that offers precisely this warmth and familiarity. At Mersea Island in Essex, inhabitants love their isolation and boast of a robust community spirit that feels like a delightful blast from the past.

Snuggled to the east of Colchester in North Essex, this quaint piece of land is linked to the mainland by a solitary road labelled as the Strood. This lonely causeway sits nearly level with the sea at high tide, making Mersea Island particularly susceptible to frequent floods which often ‘cut off’ its dwellers from the rest of the world for a couple of hours daily.

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Nevertheless, this solitude seemingly strengthens the bond among islanders, suggests a report by EssexLive.

Debbie Moore, 61, who serves as the centre administrator at Mersea Island Centre, put it poignantly: “It’s like going back in time to how the world was 40 years ago when everybody knew their neighbours and people would say good morning, good evening in the street.”

She added nostalgically, “It takes me back to the days when everyone had time for each other.”

Many of the town’s establishments have stood the test of time, hardly changing over the last quarter-century.

Linda Sterry, a sprightly 75-year-old who’s been a Mersea Island local for a quarter of a century, has noticed that the doctor’s surgery and primary school haven’t changed a bit since she first arrived.

The islanders are a friendly bunch, harking back to the good old days when community spirit wasn’t just a phrase but a way of life.

Debbie couldn’t help but gush: “It’s a real community. Everyone looks out for one another. No one needs to be on their own.”

She’s also smitten with the town’s laid-back vibe, which is a world away from the non-stop rush of places like Colchester and the Big Smoke.

West Mersea, perched on the quaint Mersea Island, boasts a high street peppered with all sorts of nosh spots, cafes, and shops that give it a lively yet charming feel, particularly on weekday mornings when the brunch crowd descends on the local cafes.

The island isn’t just about its high street; it’s a buzzing spot with events like the annual Mersea Week in August and daily goings-on at the community centre.

Fancy popping over to Mersea Island from London?

Here’s the drill: hop on a Greater Anglia train at Liverpool Street station bound for Colchester, which will whisk you there in less than an hour.

Next, switch to a train to Colchester Town, then catch a bus headed for West Mersea. Get off at the ‘Blue Row’ stop, and after a brief ten-minute walk, you’ll be soaking up the island vibes.

For those setting off from Central London, a drive to Mersea Island will take roughly 105 minutes. However, if you’re starting your journey from the north or east of the capital, you could reach your destination in under 90 minutes.

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