Freshwater Bay (pop. 5,070) lies on the west coast and is a relaxing resort with a beautiful bay. The poet Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) lived here for more than 30 years. His house, in which he received such illustrious guests as Garibaldi, Lewis Carroll, Charles Darwin and the Prince Consort, is now a hotel, Farringford House. All Saints'
Church (13th century, restored) has a beautiful late-14th century brass of the knight Adam de Compton.
To return to Newport from Freshwater it is best to choose the coastal route (17mi/27km) via Alum Bay and Yarmouth, as this is more attractive than the direct inland road.
Freshwater is of particular interest to scientific travelers because it is the birthplace of Robert Hooke.
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