Top Things to do in Freshwater
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10 Things to Do in Freshwater That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Freshwater, United Kingdom (UK) including Tennyson Down, Black Rock Charters and Fishing, West Wight Alpacas, The Needles Battery, Dinosaur Expeditions CIC, Fort Victoria Country Park, Collwell Bay, Tapnell Farm Park, Alum Bay Glass, Mottistone Gardens.
Restaurants in Freshwater
1. Tennyson Down
Overall Ratings
5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By johnahall - Bristol, United Kingdom
The Tennyson trail starts in Newport and goes to the Needles. We did it on a sunny day and it is really great with views of the Solent and white IOW cliffs. The wild flowers on the Chalk down were rare and prolific,e.g. Autumn Ladies Tresses Orchid. I had never seen them before and at least two sorts of gentians. If you don't walk the whole trail walk the last half and use the buses
2. Black Rock Charters and Fishing
Overall Ratings
5 based on 208 reviews
Welcome! We provide a varied, interesting and exciting range of fishing trips from 2 hour trips to whole days out. The Alaminta boat is the perfect vessel to take a leisurely, pleasure cruise to the famous Needles, via Colwell Bay, the colourful sands of Alum Bay and Totland Pier, not to mention Hurst Castle. Hen parties and Stag groups are encouraged and a good time is guaranteed. It is possible to privately Charter our boat, she is available for organised groups, families and friends of course. We operate from the beautiful, historical Yarmouth Harbour,Isle of Wight. Pay and display parking is easily available.
Reviewed By Panicpacker - London
Had a memorable and enjoyable afternoon out with Black Rock Charters. Went out past the Needles for some spectacular views. Rob was a patient instructor for someone who hadn't fished for forty years and was good company without being over chatty. Our party caught a...MoreThank you for your generous review. So glad you enjoyed fishing on board Alaminta and so glad the rainbow I ordered for your return to Yarmouth harbour was waiting
3. West Wight Alpacas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
We are an open farm park where you can trek with alpacas and llamas and see all sorts of other farm animals. We have an excellent on farm cafe/bistro and are open seven days a week.
Reviewed By Julie W - Royal Wootton Bassett, United Kingdom
So we came here in Feb half term. Booked to walk the Alpacas. Had a wander around first and we went after a very rainy day so it was muddy underfoot - there are wellie boots to borrow should you need them. So after our...MoreAHHHH! What a lovely review! Thanks so much. And pleased you enjoyed yourself in spite of the rain!
4. The Needles Battery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 928 reviews
Reviewed By EuroTravelCoach - Wooster, Ohio
We took the bus from Newport to the stop closest to the Needles Battery. During the high season this place where the bus stopped must be crazy busy. It looked like a cross between a boardwalk and an amusement park. Luckily in the off season everything was closed and no people were around, just music playing over the speakers, giving it a creepy, ghost town quality to it. The walk from there out to the Needles was not too far and pretty easy, on a paved road/path. We were there on a pretty grey day but it's still beautiful. We didn't go down, but the view from the beach must be very nice as well. The little coffee shop is worth a visit. Lots of memorabilia and historic artifacts. Also walk around the area and find some different angles on the Needles. When we left we walked along the high plain to the Tennyson Memorial and finally Freshwater Bay where we caught the bus back. This walk was beautiful and highly recommended.
5. Dinosaur Expeditions CIC
Overall Ratings
5 based on 122 reviews
Dinosaur Expeditions C.I.C. is a Community Interest Company created by local fossil enthusiasts. We promote responsible fossil discovery and conservation in addition to helping the public understanding of fossils and the palaeo-environment through Palaeoart. To do this we have established the 'Dinosaur Expeditions, Conservation and Palaeoart Centre' at the site of the Dinosaur Farm Museum. It houses displays of fossils, locally produced palaeoart, childrens' activities and a fossil & mineral giftshop.We also organise popular fossil hunting trips throughout the year at a variety of locations on the Isle of Wight, led by our experienced professional guides. Dinosaur Expeditions CIC pools the local knowledge, talents and experience of our Fossil Hunt leaders. This helps to ensure that we can provide a professional quality experience for all our customers. Are you mad about Dinosaurs and other fossils? We are, so why not join us on an amazing Fossil Hunting Adventure! Discover your own fossils and keep all your finds.
Reviewed By Vintagemalt - Southampton, United Kingdom
I reserved a fossil hunting trip for myself, my wife and four grandchildren. This was confirmed via email by Dinosaur Expeditions for 4:30 on Monday 21st August.
We were in the car park as arranged at 4:10. There was no sign of anyone from dinosaur expeditions. There was a guide with a Dinosaur Isle T shirt on who left with his group at 4:15 but nobody from Dinosaur Expeditions. When there was no sign of anyone who seemed to be from your company by 4:30 my family walked down to the beach to check if there was anyone there while I waited in the car park until 4:40. During this time I attempted to phone both contact numbers but I could not get a signal on my mobile (Vodafone). By 4:50 we gave up, there seemed to be nobody from Dinosaur Expeditions or any people apparently waiting. The grandchildren were very disappointed that nobody showed up. If there was anybody from Dinosaur Expeditions it certainly was not obvious and there did not seem to be any other people waiting. As the whole day had been planned to meet at this car park at 4:30 the whole day was thoroughly spoiled.
To be fair when I complained about this incident I did get a message from a director saying;
'I am very sorry for the disappointment caused to you and your family, which is entirely our fault' and offering another trip,
But I did not get this email until our holiday was over.
6. Fort Victoria Country Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 85 reviews
Nestled between woods and beach at the waters edge, the remains of the Victorian fort now host several visitor attractions and a cafe. This licensed café boasts one of the most impressive locations on the Solent, with fantastic views from across to Hurst castle and the New Forest National Park from the patio, with inside Seating for summer showers. With acres of woodland, a natural beach, 4 exciting attractions (an Archaeology Discovery Centre, Planetarium, Reptilarium, Model Railway) and visitor information room, Fort Victoria Country Park by the sea is an ideal place to spend a day; there is something to suit everyone. Entry fees and opening times vary so please check our website, where you can also find details of stargazing events, evening lectures and guided walks or book your own Timetraveller workshop and recreate a piece of history with the ADC. The site has accessible toilets, is dog friendly and offers free onsite parking. Please note due to strong currents; no swimming.
Reviewed By Karen M - Torquay, United Kingdom
As previous reviews have said there is free parking and some attractions here. We did not visit the attractions but came when they were closed and we could just have a nice walk with lovely views of the water and also there is a woodland walk which we did. Part of the walk up the top was rather overgrown but it was here we saw a red squirrel so that was a bonus. There is a café by the car park which was still open when we got there and you could sit outside with a coffee or an ice cream and just take in the scenery.
7. Collwell Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By huney231 - Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
This has to be one of my favourite Beaches and part of the sea. Admittedly there's not much beach, however still plenty of places to lounge. Take a BBQ for the evening and watch the sunset, the atmosphere down there is perfect. There's a shop, which isn't over priced for your drinks, ice lollies and snacks. Cafe is a little expensive for the whole family. But there is a bar/pub type restaurant, excellent value and large portions to suit growing lads lol
8. Tapnell Farm Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 557 reviews
Tapnell Farm Park is a former Dairy Farm located on the Isle of Wight. On site you will find loads of Indoor and Outdoor Play for Kids, along with lots of animals to meet - including Wallabies, Meerkats, and many more Farmyard Friends!
Reviewed By NDH53 - Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
We had such fun here over half term. So much to do and see. The bouncy pillows and the straw bale tunnels were the biggest hit. Really good value. We had lunch in the restaurant rather than the cafe. It was delicious with something for...MoreThanks so much for your great review, lovely to read that you all had such a good time. Good to hear that you ventured over to the restaurant and had a good meal too. Look forward to seeing you up here again soon.
9. Alum Bay Glass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By Baz C - Dorset, United Kingdom
A very good informative look at how items such as vases, glass animals etc etc are made. A very skilled job that in the hands of the professionals looks easy but to us is very difficult and skilled. Please take the time to visit and look at this as I am sure you will be amazed how these wonderful glass items are made and the skill that goes into making them by hand
10. Mottistone Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By MrsAverage - Dorset
The herbaceous borders were just gently buzzing with bees, a wonderful sound. The whole garden is so well tended and really interestingly planted with several different rooms/areas, all enjoying this wonderfully tranquil setting. The house is a delightful building, sitting so well on the plot, although seldom open. Not ideal for less able visitors being on a very sloping site.
We also visited the village church opposite - well worth crossing the little road to get there.
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