Tennyson Cottage

Freshwater Village

Freshwater is a large village in West Wight and is a popular destination for visitors with the spectacular Freshwater Bay area lying to the South of the main village.

The bay is easily recognised by its chalk cliffs and the imposing “Stag” and “Mermaid” rocks that sit at the edge of the coast, which are a magnet for photographers on the Isle of Wight.

The Needles Landmark Attraction is situated on the land next to the Needles rocks (a short drive from Freshwater Bay) and is a great place to ride on the carousel, try zorbing, see the 4D cinema or hop on the chairlift and head down to the beach below. Adventure Activities offers various water activities at Freshwater Bay and also land activities at their site in Totland.

Freshwater village is the main shopping area that services the West of the Isle of Wight with a number of established stores and a supermarket. There are two churches in Freshwater which are worth a visit, the medieval All Saint’s and the thatched church of St Agnes which is in the Freshwater Bay area. Freshwater Bay has a fantastic pebble beach which is very popular all year round for swimming, walks and boating, and from here it is easy to access the coast path in either direction.

Tennyson Down (named after the local poet Alfred Tennyson) which rises above Freshwater is worth the steep walk as it opens up to some of the best views on the Isle of Wight and runs along to the iconic Needles rocks and lighthouse at the most Westerly tip of the Island. At the top of the downs you will find the striking granite cross of the Tennyson monument. On the opposite side of Freshwater is Afton Down, which provided the location of the famous 1970 Isle of Wight Music Festival.

At the south end of these downs is a golf course which provides players with fantastic views in all directions across the Isle of Wight.

There are various options for places to eat around Freshwater village and the Bay. If you are looking for something lighter, or an ice-cream to enjoy in the sun there are a couple of cafes at Freshwater Bay or for something more substantial there is the Dimbola museum and tearooms at the foot of Tennyson Down, which have recently won an award for their inventive décor. Many of the hotels in the area also have established restaurants and eateries, and there are various take-aways and restaurants in the main village.

Comfy and very clean house in quiet location. All the amenities were walkable - Sainsbury's 5 minutes away, local cafes (recommend coffee & cake in Freshwater Coffee House), bus stops etc. Reasonably easy walk to Totland Bay, Colwell Bay & Freshwater Bay. I recommend a trip to Dimbola Lodge - interesting exhibitions & good cafe and the gardens at Faringford and Mottistone are lovely. Had a great week, thank you.

Detailed feedback

Check-in

5

• 
  Clear instructions
• 
  Easy to find
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  Easy to get inside

Cleanliness

5

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  Spotless furniture & linen
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  Squeaky-clean bathroom
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  Pristine kitchen

Accuracy

5

• 
  Looked like the photos
• 
  Matched the description

Communication

5

• 
  Proactive
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  Helpful instructions

Location

5

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  Peaceful
• 
  Walkable

Value

5

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Lovely holiday home, perfect for a family of 4. The beds were really comfortable and the shower was great. We really liked the location. It is in a small quiet, modern estate in Freshwater. There is parking on a drive. There is a reasonable size tesco on the outskirts of the village as well as lots of smaller shops and a sainsbury's local. There is loads to do in the area especially if you like walking. You can walk to Alum Bay & the Needles although we shortened it a bit by parking near Tennyson monument. Compton Bay is a lovely sandy beach which is 10 minutes drive a way. The house has everything you would need including a washing machine which was helpful. We let ourselves in via a keysafe. Would definitely recommend staying here!

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We were extremely lucky to find this little house available for our last-minute booking at the end of the school holidays. Great communication with the hosts - speedy and helpful and discounted ferry tickets were all appreciated. The residential location was quiet, off-street parking was a huge benefit and well located for short trips to Yarmouth (just ten mins drive), Freshwater (perfect for sea-swimming) and days out further afield. So many wonderful views and footpaths to enjoy in the area. The house was modern, well-furnished and suitably equipped for a family stay. I would definitely consider booking again.

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This is a great base in Freshwater for a holiday - in a quiet cul-de-sac, and a 3 min walk from the local Sainsbury's. It was spotlessly clean, there was parking and a pleasant garden. Other cottages might appear to ooze more character, but in times when cleanliness is paramount, modern, simple furnishings win. We're very happy to recommend it.

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Lovely comfortable accommodation had an enjoyable stay with good weather.

Thank you

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Shame about the weather. At least we had somewhere decent to stay house made up for the dismal weather.
Still we will be back again next year.

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House is lovely, light and airy. Very helpful being able to unlock bathroom doors from outside suggest you always keep a penny handy.
Had lovely chips from "Rainbow" in Freshwater. Fish was a bit dry but still recommend.
Tapnall Farm and Calbourne Water Mill both worth a visit.

Thank you

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House is beautiful ! Clean, light, airy and has everything we needed.
Isle of Wight is beautiful and Collwall Bay has our favourite.

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Loved our stay here again. Discovered our new favourite cafe, Bistro in Ventnor !
Shell be back again soon !

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Enjoyed our stay - good to be able to walk to shops and pubs.
Everything in good condition and still very new. Enjoyed the local area.
Many thanks

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A beautiful house in an amazing area. We very much enjoyed our time here with lots to do around the area.
Would definitely stay here again.
Many thanks

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