If you’re looking for a holiday cottage on the coast then Freshwater, on the westerly tip of the Isle of Wight, is an excellent choice.

For those amateur photographers amongst you, be sure to visit Dimbola in Freshwater village. It’s a museum and gallery dedicated to celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. She’s known for her soft-focus, sensitive portraits of women and children. It’s definitely worth checking out Dimbola as there are often exhibits from modern-day photographers from around the globe.

It’ll be easy to explore Freshwater from your doorstep and we recommend starting to the south of the village at pretty Freshwater Bay; the chalk cliffs, pebbly beach, caves and rock pools are an adventure waiting to happen. You might even find a fossil or two.

Speaking of fossils, for those interested in dinosaurs follow the Military Road south to Island attraction Blackgang Chine. Perched on the cliff edge its home to the Island’s dinosaur population with a particularly fierce T-Rex in residence. He has a very loud road! Explore Restricted Area 5 at your own risk…

For a day out at the beach head east to one of the three pretty coastal villages of  Seaview, St Helens & Bembridge. Watch the boats bobbing about in the harbour at Seaview, and perhaps take a sailing lesson or two at the local yacht club. Bembridge is a vibrant village with a butcher, baker and florist. Stop at St Helens and pick up a second hand book at The Goose – there’s a marvellous children’s section.

The Isle of Wight boasts a warmer climate than the rest of the UK making it the choice for a short break or family holiday. So what are you waiting for? Browse our Freshwater holiday cottages and start planning your holiday today!