Freshwater Bay

Freshwater Bay sits in the south western corner of the Island before and is a large bay in the coast line before Tennyson Down and the Needles Headland. It can be a stormy location with large waves rolling into the bay during winter storms which means the bay is often a popular surfing spot. Its an easily accessible spot with a car park just over the road. Photographically the location works well for Sunset, it is also a very popular astro photography spot and a great place to capture the Milky Way.

Getting there:

Its very easy to get to Freshwater, being at the end of one of the main roads leading from Newport. There are two options for parking depending on whether you want to visit the bay itself or the cliffs above the bay to photograph the sea stacks. Although both spots can be reached easily from both parking areas.

From Newport take the B3323 towards Carisbrooke. At Carisbrooke go straight on at both roundabouts to come to and continue onto the B3401 Middle Road. This road passes through Calbourne and continues west.

At the end of the road there is a T Junction, turn right (away from Freshwater) to reach the bay. Follow the road and this then reaches another T Junction. For the main bay turn right and then there is a pay and display car park immediately on the right. If visiting the Sea Stacks turn left on the junction onto Military Road. As the road climbs the hill you pass the entrance to Freshwater Golf Club. Just past the golf club is a small parking area on the left hand side. From here you can cross the road and follow the path down to the cliff top.

What to Shoot:

The two sea stacks sitting just outside the bay are the most popular option for photographers visiting Freshwater Bay. Mermaid and Stag rocks form a lovely composition with the cliffs of Freshwater Bay with Tennyson Down in the distance across the Bay. These can be found by taking the stairs from the Bay and walking along the cliff top path. You will see the Stacks as you walk along the cliffs and once past them the view back to Tennyson Down is obvious. Take Care on the cliff top especially if windy. Mermaid rock has recently changed shape following a partial collapse.

Within the Bay itself there are several slipways which can be used in conjunction with views east or west. At low tide the eastern end of the bay reveals a chalk ledge with lots of interesting leading lines across the bay to the west.

Other Options:

At low spring tides it is possible to walk round to the caves in the cliffs by the two sea stacks. But check the tide times and make sure you come back before the tide turns as it can come back in quickly and cut the caves off. To the west of Freshwater bay in the cliffs of Tennyson Down is Watcombe Bay. The Bay itself can only be accessed from the water but the cliffs above provide a nice viewpoint, especially in spring when the cliff tops are filled with pink Sea Thrift.