The Packing Shed - Mersea Island
Welcome to the website of the Mersea Island 'Oyster Packing Shed'. Here you will find the history of the building, details of the work done to save it, and the ongoing work to help it survive. Also information telling you how, and when, you can visit this unique piece of our heritage, situated on the Essex coastline.
Visiting the area? Follow the links on this page to find out how to get to it, where to park etc.
There are several Open Days throughout the year - see details below (or the Visiting The Shed page). You get a boat ride, with views back towards the beautiful coastline of Mersea Island, a chance to look at this unique building, and a cream tea!
Our Open Days in 2025 are
Sunday 18th May 14:00 - 17:00
Sunday 15th June 13:00 – 17:00
Sunday 13th July 13:00 – 17:00
Sunday 24th August 12:00 – 16:00
Saturday 13th September 13:30 - 17:30
Our Special Events in 2025 are
Hog Roast - 20th June
Pirate Party - 30th July
If it becomes necessary to cancel an Open Day we will endeavour to update Facebook and/or this website as soon as possible.
Essex By The Sea
The Essex By The Sea Podcast featuring the Packing Shed has just been released.
Click the link to learn more about this amazing location and its history.
Would you like to join our volunteers?
If you enjoy your experiences at the Packing Shed and live locally you could become a volunteer to help out on our Open Days.
If you are interested and would like to find out more, please feel free to chat to Bry or Alan on 01206 385123 or Bry on 07808791179
Packing Shed Open Days
There is no need to book – just turn up on the 'hammerhead' at the end of the jetty on the day. Boats depart and return at regular intervals during the above times.
For a small minimum donation (£8.00 adults, £4.00 children) you can enjoy a wonderful afternoon out; the price also includes a Cream Tea at the shed for adults, juice and a biscuit for children.
You can also hire the Packing Shed for special events - contact our Bookings Secretary, Bry Mogridge, on 01206 385123 for further details. Also see Hiring the Shed for availability.
Well behaved dogs are welcome and must be kept on a lead at all times in the launches and at the Packing Shed.
If it becomes necessary to cancel an Open Day we will endeavour to update Facebook and/or this website as soon as possible.
Activities
Open Days
Relaxing with a cream tea
There is no need to book – just turn up on the 'hammerhead' at the end of the jetty on the day. Boats depart and return at regular intervals during the above times.
For a small minimum donation (£8.00 adults, £4.00 children) you can enjoy a wonderful afternoon out. The price also includes a cream tea at the shed for adults, juice and a biscuit for children.
Hiring the Shed
A unique experience
You can also hire the Packing Shed for special events - contact our Bookings Secretary, Bry Mogridge, on 01206 385123 for further details. Also see Hiring the Shed for availability.
Community Functions
Part of Mersea's heritage
The Packing Shed provides the ideal setting for fundraising and heritage events, such as the annual Oyster Dredging match.
