The chalk cliffs, downs, and sheltered bay at Freshwater made it an ideal place for early settlers, with archaeological finds showing activity here since the Bronze Age and Iron Age. The caves and chines made the area a prime spot for smuggling during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Goods like brandy and tobacco were landed in the bay under the cover of darkness and moved inland through hidden paths. Like most of the Isle of Wight, it changed dramatically during the Victorian era and emerged as a fashionable seaside destination.
Get to know about the things to do in Freshwater and explore everything this iconic coastal town has to offer.
