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Isle of Wight Coast Path

The Needles sea stacks off the Isle of Wight

Ancient cannons on the waterfront on the Isle of Wight

Walkers descending from Tennyson Down to Freshwater Bay

Famous Trails

From £619 - 7 nights

Guided Trail on the Isle of Wight Coast Path

Holiday reference: FWLIC

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View across a bay to white cliffs The Isle of Wight is a delightful haven away from the bustle of the mainland, easily reached by ferry. Broadly diamond shape, the island is 25 miles long and 15 miles wide. This makes it ideally sized for a week’s exploration.

Shops and banks are located in Freshwater village, about 30 minutes’ walk away.

During your visit to the Isle of Wight you may enjoy visiting the following places of interest:

Osborne House on the Isle of Wight Osborne House

Queen Victoria’s island residence, managed by English Heritage

Carisbrooke Castle

A fine medieval castle with its famous donkey well

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Step back in time and ride this vintage steam railway

Ventnor Botanical Gardens

Magnificent floral displays and relaxing gardens

Blackgang Chine

Fantasy theme park – a big hit with children of all ages

The Needles sea stacks off the Isle of Wight West Wight

Whether you walk, cycle or take the bus to The Needles, you will be rewarded with spectacular views, including the famous coloured sands at Alum Bay.

Afton Nature Reserve

Freshwater Bay is also a good starting point for the walk through Afton Nature Reserve along the footpath to Yarmouth. This offers four miles of lovely walks through the reserve with its diverse wild/birdlife.

Yarmouth

This is a bustling harbour and market town, full of history, and with excellent small shops that you will want to browse around.

Compton Bay

Head out from Freshwater Bay to Compton Bay along the coast road – it’s a great place for surfing, paragliding and swimming, and a great place to hunt for fossils.

Chessell Pottery

Chessell Pottery is nearby, a great place to visit where you can decorate your own piece of pottery.

Fort Victoria Country Park

Underwater Archaeology Centre, Aquarium, and Planetarium. Also includes a model railway, and is open 10am until 5pm every day Easter to October.

Dimbola Photography Museum

Right next door to Freshwater Bay House, this is the former home of Julia Margaret Cameron, the celebrated Victorian photographer and close friend of Lord Tennyson. Open each day 10am until 5pm all year round.