Local area
We are centrally located between the Island towns of Yarmouth and Freshwater. Each town and the surrounding villages have a wide selection of eateries, bars, pubs, cafes, takeaways, shops and facilities. You will also find a Sainsbury local and a Tesco supermarket, all less than two miles away.
Our site is surrounded by footpaths, including the Freshwater Way, and the Yarmouth-Freshwater trail, but many will take you further afield if you want to explore further. Bridlepaths and cycle routes, are also on the doorstep and we are the only holiday location offering direct access to the River Yar through our farm, for canoeing and paddleboarding. The Yar estuary is one of the most picturesque and safest places to paddleboard on the South Coast and is perfect for beginners as well as seasoned boarders.
Yarmouth has an ancient town square surrounded by independent shops, a bakery, ice-cream parlours, an Aladdin's cave of a chandlery and hardware store called Harwoods - along with various eateries and of course Yarmouth's wooden pier that reaches out into the Solent. You will also find small beaches, interesting walks, and ancient history. Why not hire an electric or manual bicycle to fully take in the local scenery?
Yarmouth Harbour holds access to the Island via the Wightlink Isle of Wight ferry. Yarmouth has a main bus terminal which connects with the rest of the Island, as well as local tourist open-top bus routes.
At Yarmouth Harbour itself, our guests are welcome to use the visitor facilities which include Cockpit Essentials - their new improved reception and lounge area - featuring wifi, TV news channels, local produce, fresh bean coffee, mobile charging facilities, launderette and Tourist Information. Summer opening hours are 7am to 10pm so if you need ice or a bottle of local spirits then you know where to go!
To the west of the main harbour area, close to Norton Spit, you'll find a secluded beach. A short water taxi ride from the harbour office offers a fun way to reach the BBQ area and sand dunes Norton Beach has to offer. The Green is a recreational area just over the road, featuring the Yarmouth Harbour Sensory Trail - something the children will enjoy whilst you take in the stunning scenery of the Western Yar Estuary.
The best crabbing spot can be found on the slipway of Yarmouth Sailing Club. Forgotten your crabbing line? Pop into Harwoods - they have them for sale!
A walk or ride in the other direction along the river will take you to the pretty village of Freshwater, passing one of the Island's best pubs The Red Lion. Next door is the prettiest of churches, where some of Lord Tennyson's family are laid to rest. The pub is only a 5 minute walk from our glampsite.
Freshwater High Street is home to many independent shops, cafes & takeaways - including a bike shop, a fish & chip takeaway, a greengrocer, a fishmonger, a butcher, a baker, but alas, not a candle stick maker (although there is one on the Island!).
You will also discover the stunning walks, nature and wildlife of Freshwater's marshes. These lead to the world-famous Freshwater Bay - where stunning white chalk cliffs and amazing surf await you!
You are also close to many of the West Wight's best walking or cycling routes and beaches. Check out Colwell Bay, Totland Bay, and Alum Bay - and head to the top of Tennyson's Down for some of the most epic views of the Island down to the Needles and beyond.
