Pictures of Freshwater

About Freshwater

The Isle of Wight has somehow managed to retain much of the charm of the 1930's and the pretty resort of Freshwater found at the Island's western end is no exception. It has a mixture of stately Victorian properties built to accommodate the rich Victorian tourists of the times, and picturesque thatched cottages hidden in leafy lanes.

Apart from its lovely coastline, Freshwater offers idyllic walking across beautiful chalk downs covered with a multitude of flora and fauna. Tennyson Down is named for the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson who lived at nearby Farringford House for nearly 40 years and the poet is believed to have walked the down almost every day, drinking deep of the regions crisp, clear air. The down rises to 480 feet above the sea and offers superb view of Portland Bill and the Solent.

Today, Freshwater, with its delightful small bay continues to maintain the status of a village whilst offers holiday makers everything you would expect of a small town. It has plenty of shops, a golf course, a sports centre and indoor swimming pool. Farringford House is now converted to provide comfortable hotel accommodation and Dimbola Lodge, once the home of pioneer Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, is now a photographic museum. Close to Freshwater is the Island's only thatched church, built on land donated by the Tennyson family early in the 20th century.

Visitors will find an excellent choice of accommodation and plenty of pubs and restaurants.