Top Things to do in Freshwater
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What to do and see in Freshwater, England: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Freshwater, United Kingdom including Freshwater Bay, Colwell Bay, Farringford Estate, Fort Victoria Country Park, Afton Park.
Restaurants in Freshwater
1. Freshwater Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom
We stopped off at Freshwater Bay on our last full day on the island whilst in the area. There is a pay & display car park just across the road and service buses also stop nearby. The bay is quite pleasant protected by high cliffs at both ends and curves around a sand and shingle beach. There are some beach shops / cafes just across the road from the car park At the west end high up on the cliff is what looks to be a Victorian coastal battery now converted to holiday flats we understood. At the east end, the cliffs rise steeply and if you climb up here onto the grassy down, you will be rewarded by some spectacular views both over the bay and along the coast towards Blackgang & Chale but don’t get too near the edge! On the day of our visit, there were a few families enjoying the late August sun on the beach and swimming in the water and a bit further out, some small yachts and a paddle boarder. We stayed here for about 1½ hours and in that time got some nice photos from the heights overlooking the bay before returning to our car.
2. Colwell Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By CharlieP0306
Great place to walk from nearby towns. Really good for dogs as well, with some bits walking on the beach, and others on a large promenade. Great views of the Needles, and Hurst Castle.
3. Farringford Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
2021 visit the lovingly restored Garden & Parklands at Farringford Estate. Unfortunately due to Covid Restrictions the House Tours remain closed. The home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson which has now been restored to its former glory with a beautiful walled garden. From 1853 until his death in 1892, Farringford was the main home of the renowned Victorian poet Alfred,Lord Tennyson. In this secluded spot on the Isle of Wight, the new Poet Laureate and his family sought a retreat from the clamour of London life. But while Farringford provided a tranquil domestic haven, it also attracted many of Tennyson's eminent friends, becoming a focus of intellectual and artistic activity. The Garden & Parkland are open from May 19th 2021 to October 2021 Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat only. Booking not required. Entry by card at the ticket office.
4. Fort Victoria Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 131 reviews
Nestled between woods and beach at the waters edge, the remains of the Victorian Fort now host visitor attractions and a cafe. The 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, paid attractions including a Planetarium, Reptilarium and Model Railway. There is a visitor information room and Themed Gift shop area with an Old Penny Arcade! 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. The site has accessible toilets, is dog friendly and offers free onsite parking. Please note due to strong currents the beach is unsuitable for Bathing which is prohibited but great for Fossil Hunting!.
Reviewed By CliveS466
Fort Victoria is hidden gem! One of the Palmerston Forts that protected the Solent is now a lovely place to visit for all ages. There are 2 cafes, the Boat House and Verdi's and there are a number of attractions, the planetarium, the archaeology discovery centre, the reptilarium and model railway. During the summer months a ranger is present and conducts beach walks searching for shells and fossils. A great beach for outdoor fun for the children, crabbing and rock pooling! There are also great walks through the woods of the country park, very dog friendly. We had barbecued at the static BBQ's and also with our own, on the beach. Idyllic spot for it watching the sun go down!
5. Afton Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 15 reviews
