Freshwater village

Some of the most spectacular scenery on the Isle of Wight can be found in the West, around Freshwater.

The Needles are the iconic western tip of the Island but nearby Freshwater Bay has the Mermaid and Stag rock and a popular area where local gather for food and drink at the weekends.

Freshwater village itself is a bustling community with a sports and community centre, library and plenty of local independent shops.

And there are loads of cafes, a couple of pubs and restaurants to enjoy.

The area around the village has plenty to do, including Tapnell Farm Park, one of the Island’s premier holiday attractions, with lots to do for all the family.

Things to do

Tapnell Farm is a great day out. You can enjoy the wet and wild Aqua Park, wallabies and meerkats to coo over, cycle go-karts, outdoor activities and indoor fun barns if the weather isn’t great. The snack shack and The Cow restaurant give you options for refuelling at this former dairy farm. Look out for all sorts of events throughout the year.

Whilst in Freshwater visit the former home to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Farringford House, that has been fully restored and includes artefacts original to the household. The award-winning walled garden provides the tranquil setting that Tennyson needed in order to write.

If you are looking for a more sedate attraction but a fascinating one nonetheless then a visit to Dimbola Museum and Galleries is a must. This former home of pioneering photographer Julia Margaret Cameron celebrates her early work in the field and her friendships with Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Lewis Carroll and other Victorian ‘pop stars’, who visited the house. These days it also plays hosts to exhibitions by local and national photographers and a standing exhibition on the history of the Isle of Wight Pop Festival, which was held at nearby Afton in 1970. You can enjoy tea and delicious home-made cake at the museum café.

Tennyson Down leads all the way up from Freshwater to The Needles New Battery, which played host to Britain’s secret rocket programme in the 1950s and 1970s. If you have a bit of stamina, this walk, passing the Tennyson Monument, is well worth it.

If your legs will take it, walk down from The Needles to The Needles Landmark Attraction. Or you can hop onto The Needles Breezer (ranked as the third best scenic bus route in all England) which runs up to every 30 minutes that takes you from the Needles Battery to Alum Bay. This spectacular park offers a number of fun things to do, including Victorian-style rides, a sweet-making experience and a chairlift down to Alum Bay, which is famed for its coloured sands.

If you want to work off all the lovely meals and drinks on your holiday, then the West Wight Sports and Community Centre provides a swimming pool, sports hall, climbing wall and gym.

Places to eat

Freshwater itself has plenty of cafes and eateries.

The Red Lion has established a great reputation for food and its award-winning chef prides himself in sourcing top local ingredients.

If you want a café, then the Freshwater Coffee House is about more than just coffee and yummy cakes and vegan and gluten-free alternatives mean there is something for everyone.

The Piano Café was once the home of Queen Victoria’s piano tuner, hence its name.

It serves delicious barista coffee, homemade cake and mezze dishes.

Nearby Colwell Bay is home to great food and drink at The Hut, which has a reputation for attracting lots of boat owners who park up in the bay before enjoying a meal,

Then there are the amazing views at seafront pub The Waterfront at Totland Bay.

Places to stay

There are a number of hotels in the area as well as bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodation but where better to start than at Tapnell Farm Holiday Destination, home to Tom’s Eco Lodges and other quality accommodation. This growing destination, on the road from Newport to Freshwater, has won numerous awards.

Another cool option is Glamping the Wight Way near Yarmouth. This comprises four glamping units for six to eight people, off grid but with a surprising level of luxury and their own firepits.

Set in the picturesque Freshwater Bay, with stunning sea views and close to the iconic Needles, the Albion Hotel is a coastal retreat, offering elegantly decorated rooms for you to relax in after a day of exploring.

For a stay in a charming bed and breakfast in Freshwater Bay try The Bay Boutique B&B. This renovated house has all mod cons for a luxury break.

Or how about Freshwater Bay House, operated by walking company HF Holidays. It is ideal for starting your Island walks but also has stunning views and its own outdoor pool to cool off at the end of the day.

Another top-notch and unusual self-catering property is The House of Logs in Totland Bay.

Tourist information 

The nearest Tourist Information Point is at Dimbola Museum and Galleries in Freshwater Bay.

Getting there and getting around

Hop on Southern Vectis’s Island Coaster service that goes all the way to Ryde, via Ventnor, Shanklin, Sandown and many other places of interest. There is also the Needles Breezer to take you to the landmark and the regular services 7 and 12 to the Island’s capital, Newport.