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Freshwater Bay
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… |
