Freshwater Village

Freshwater is a large village in West Wight and is a popular destination for visitors with the spectacular Freshwater Bay area lying to the South of the main village.

The bay is easily recognised by its chalk cliffs and the imposing “Stag” and “Mermaid” rocks that sit at the edge of the coast, which are a magnet for photographers on the Isle of Wight.

Things To Do in Freshwater

The Needles Landmark Attraction is situated on the land next to the Needles rocks (a short drive from Freshwater Bay) and is a great place to ride on the carousel, see the 4D cinema or hop on the chairlift and head down to the beach below.

In Freshwater there is a grade 1 listed historic house that was home to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate from 1850 until his death in 1892. House tours at Farringford show the important artefacts original to the household. The award-winning walled garden at Farringford is also not to be missed with a variety of flowers on display. 

Freshwater village is the main shopping area that services the West of the Isle of Wight with a number of established stores and a supermarket. There are two churches in Freshwater which are worth a visit, the medieval All Saint’s and the thatched church of St Agnes which is in the Freshwater Bay area. Freshwater Bay has a fantastic pebble beach which is very popular all year round for swimming, walks and boating, and from here it is easy to access the coast path in either direction.

Tennyson Down (named after the local poet Alfred Tennyson) which rises above Freshwater is worth the steep walk as it opens up to some of the best views on the Isle of Wight and runs along to the iconic Needles rocks and lighthouse at the most Westerly tip of the Island. At the top of the downs you will find the striking granite cross of the Tennyson monument. On the opposite side of Freshwater is Afton Down, which provided the location of the famous 1970 Isle of Wight Music Festival.

At the south end of these downs is a golf course which provides players with fantastic views in all directions across the Isle of Wight.

Places To Eat in Freshwater

There are various options for places to eat around Freshwater village and the Bay. If you are looking for something lighter, or an ice-cream to enjoy in the sun there are a couple of cafes at Freshwater Bay or for something more substantial there is the Dimbola museum and tearooms at the foot of Tennyson Down, which have recently won an award for their inventive décor. Many of the hotels in the area also have established restaurants and eateries, and there are various take-aways and restaurants in the main village.

Places To Stay in Freshwater

Freshwater is often a popular place with visitors and there is plenty of choice in accommodation. There are two long established hotels on the edge of Freshwater Bay, and several guesthouses and bed and breakfasts in the surrounding area. Holiday cottages are a popular choice for visitors staying in West Wight and there are a number of self-catering options locally, with several campsites for those looking to bring a tent or caravan.

Tom's Eco Lodge demonstrates glamping at its finest, and situated in the stunning west Wight, it's not hard to see why it's a firm favourite with Island visitors.