The dramatic cliffs towering over the beach at Freshwater Bay make this one of the island's most popular destinations for tourists - and locals. Winter brings sensational scenes, with the waves from the English Channel roaring urgently into the bay. In summertime, the waters are warm, calm and clear, ideal for snorkelling and body-boarding. The bay area, located near the western extreme of the island, has some famous associations. Victorian society portrait photographer Julia Margaret Cameron lived at Dimbola Lodge, now a museum exhibiting her work. And Farringford Hotel, a richly attractive building, was for 40 years the home of Alfred Lord Tennyson, whose visitors included such luminaries as Lewis Carroll, Charles Darwin and Edward Lear. Tennyson regularly walked on the high downs of Freshwater and what was later named in his honour Tennyson Down, taking inspiration from the awe-inspiring coastal scenery. Heading west from Freshwater towards Alum Bay, the walker is rewarded with views of The Needles (sea stacks rising sharply above the waves) complete with a 109-feet lighthouse and the Old Battery, once used as a rocket testing site. Freshwater town is the area's main shopping and holiday centre, with opportunities for art classes and workshops.
Attraction
Camping
Classes
Cottage
Dentist
Doctor
Golf Club
Holiday Park
Market
Pub and Bar
Red Lion
The Farringford Hotel
Restaurant
Fatima’s
Red Lion
The Farringford Hotel
School
All Saints CE Primary School
West Wight Middle School
Self-Catering
Island View
The Farringford Hotel
Solicitor
Eldridges Solicitors
RJR Solicitors
Taxi
Micks Taxis
Norton Taxis
Rayners Taxis
Shops
Honnor & jeffrey Ltd
Afton Park Nursery & Plant Centre
Thorne Butchers
The Captains Cabin
The Village Bakery
Kemkay Ltd
The Flower Shop
Gardenia Forest
Tackle Box
Avenue Road Greengrocers
Bikemech
Orchard Bros
Activities
High Adventure Ltd(Airsports)
Places to Stay near Freshwater
Norton Grange Classic Resort (0.90 miles)
Book Online with WarnerOrder a Free Warner Holiday Brochure
Norton Grange can be found nestled in the picturesque fishing town of Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. Its distinctly tropical feel ... More | visit website
George Hotel (0.99 miles)
In the heart of the bustling village of Yarmouth, looking out over the harbour, this 17 century town house offers warm, traditional, individually decorated accommodation and superb cuisine.
Meticulous attention to detail ensures a perfect marriage ... More | visit website
Bugle Coaching Inn (0.99 miles)
A charming 16th Century ... More | visit website
The Farringford Hotel (1.48 miles)
As you approach Farringford along the long sweeping drive flanked by mature trees, you will appreciate why Alfred Lord Tennyson chose this immensely charming house as his home.
A great deal of the West Wight has ... More
Sandpipers (1.51 miles)
Sandpipers Hotel is situated in Freshwater Bay, just 50 metres from the beach and close to the Tennyson walking trail. The newly refurbished bar areas sell a wide range of Real Ale ... More
Freshwater Bay House (1.66 miles)
Click for special and substantially discounted rates from Laterooms
Freshwater Bay House, named after the semi-circular bay on which it stands, is a famous landmark within yards of some of the finest walking on ... More
Country Garden Hotel (1.93 miles)
Jevington B&B (4.37 miles)
Ian and June extend a warm welcome to their ideally situated B&B, set in a quiet lane yet only a few hundred yards away, walk through the marina to some ... More
Westover Hall (4.48 miles)
Today, Westover Hall is ... More | visit website
Elmers Court Country Club & Suites (4.55 miles)
Located on the stunning Solent Coast, this New Forest hotel is only 15 minutes' walk from the nearby town of Lymington. Set in a manor house dating from 1820 and surrounded by 23 acres of ... More | visit website
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |