Birds Farm

"Perfect for a getaway for the night and day at Colchester Zoo and Mersea Isaland"

Ivy Cottage

A wonderful retreat on the Island of West Mersea

Apple Tree Lodges

"We have been visiting these Lodges since 2015 and always have a lovely time here. They are fully equipped with everything you need for a short break plus tea, coffee, milk and biscuits have always been provided too. There is a shop at the main hotel if you need a few extra nibbles. I would have given this an excellent rating but whilst the lodge (called Scarlet) was clean on the surface there was a lot of mould in the shower of the main bathroom, the shower blocked up with water every time it was used, so did some of the sinks, and when the DVD player was found to have been unplugged we looked behind the sideboard and it had not been cleaned behind there in years. The toaster also had quite a few months worth of crumbs in it, which I emptied out myself and at least 2 of the blinds in the lounge seemed to be broken. So, although everything looks clean, the regular maintenance and deep clean checks are just not being done. We stayed at this same lodge a few years ago and the shower was mouldy then too and we did point it out. The accommodation is not that cheap so it does deserve a regular bit of TLC and checks to command the prices charged ...and why just get a 'good' rating when you can go the extra mile Apple Tree Lodges and get an 'excellent' rating instead."

The Railway House, Colchester