Freshwater, Isle of Wight - isleofwight.com Quick Tour
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About Freshwater
There are two parts to Freshwater, the main town and
Freshwater Bay. Freshwater is positioned at the western tip of
the Island. The town offers a good range of quaint shops in
the town centre, and like Yarmouth, Freshwater is busy all
year round. It is the main shopping town for residents of the
West Wight. There are a wealth of hotels and holiday centres,
touring parks and self-catering cottages, which capitalise on
the towering white cliffs, rolling downland and beautiful
beaches at Freshwater Bay, Totland and Colwell.
Freshwater Bay is open to the Channel and takes the brunt of
the prevailing winds in the winter months. Here you can see
the rolling waves coming in from the Channel, crashing against
the cliffs. In the summer months, however, the waters are calm
and still and where the beach is pebbly , the waters are
clear.
Freshwater has been attracting people for years. The
Farringford Hotel was the home to Alfred Lord Tennyson, who
wrote much of his work at this superb property, which looks
out towards Freshwater Bay. It’s as inspiring now as it was
then.
Margaret Cameron, a noted Victorian photographer, attracted
many members of Victorian society, whom she photographed at
her home in Freshwater Bay. Dimbola Lodge is now a trust and
preserves much of her work.
If you like walking, the West Wight area and Freshwater are
for you. The downs at Tennyson and Freshwater are able to
provide stunning views and scenery. You will be able to walk
towards Alum Bay and pass this beautiful bay, with its deep
blue, clear waters. When you get onto the downs, you can see
the Needles, white spires of chalk which rise up from the sea
with the lighthouse at the end. This lighthouse guides ships
safely past the treacherous rocks. Whilst there, check out the
battlements and concrete structures which were used to forward
rocket science. The Black Knight Rocket was tested from here.
Not bad for a sleepy Island!
The coastline which runs from Yarmouth to Totland Bay,
provides stunning beaches, with clear warm waters. The beaches
are well serviced by cafés etc. and to sit in the sun,
watching yachts and boats battle against the currents of the
Solent, whilst your children play safely, is an experience you
will never forget. Doubtless you’ll want to come back next
year…
Isle of Wight Photo Galleries
Alum Bay | Colwell Bay | Compton | The Needles | Totland Bay | Yarmouth
Weather in Freshwater
Transport Links
- Bus - Southern Vectis
- Ferry - Red Funnel, Wightlink or Hovertravel
- Plane - N/A
- Train - Island Line
