Rabbit's Bothie, Freshwater Bay

RABBIT’S BOTHIE, FRESHWATER BAY

One bedroom cottage /Sleeps 4
Near to the beach and downs
Coastal walks, bird watching and cycling
Seaside location
Special offers
Short Breaks throughout the year (exc. July and August)

David and Esme’s self-catering accommodation in West Wight, Rabbit’s Bothie, is a ground-floor one bedroom holiday cottage with a country-cottage garden that is perfect for two.

Just 10 minutes’ drive from the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry
Weekend Breaks and Mid-Week Breaks. Open all year.

Rabbit’s Bothie is just three minutes’ walk from the photography museum at Dimbola; St Agnes church with its thatched roof; the post office; and Orchard’s, the village grocer. There is a selection of paths onto Tennyson Down from Gate Lane, the road leading to the beach at Freshwater Bay and Afton Marsh. In the other direction, Bedbury Lane leads to Farringford, the former home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Linen, towels, crockery and cutlery are provided for up to four guests.

Rooms: Lounge/Dining Room/1 Double Bedroom/1 Bathroom

Outdoors: Verandah/ Private Garden/Parking Space

Area access: Car not required

Suitability: Suitable for children from age five/unsuitable for persons with restricted

mobility

Pets: No

Minimum Stay: 3 nights

Changeover Day: Monday/Friday (and Saturday out of main season)

Facilities

Central Heating

TV, DVD/CD Player with i-dock, Internet access

Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Ironing Board, Hairdryer

Cooker, Washing Machine, Fridge, Freezer, Microwave, Tumble Dryer

One double sofa-bed, Table and Chairs (4), King-size twin Single Beds

Linen/house towels/tea towels

Welcome Pack

LOCAL AREA

The walk from Freshwater Bay through Afton Marsh, fields and woods to Yarmouth is clearly marked F1 Freshwater Way. Continue clockwise on the eastern side of the Yar. The former railway line comes back to The Causeway and Afton Road.

But the classic West Wight walk is up to the Tennyson monument and across West High Down to the Needles rocks. Needles Old Battery is owned by the National Trust. The fort was built in 1862 to keep an eye out for Napoleon III’s threatened invasion from France. There are more great views of the Needles from the searchlight position 80 metres (250 feet) above sea level… if you can squeeze yourself down the spiral staircase and along the 70 metre (200 ft.) tunnel. Alternatively, go to the cafe for a cream tea or warming soup and enjoy the view from there. The gap, where the third rock, Lot’s wife, used to be, allows sailors to thread the needle. When the stack collapsed in 1764, the noise could be heard in Portsmouth.

The headland also saw active service in both world wars. Needles New Battery was then home to rocket testing in the 1950s and 1960s. In the underground rooms above the old battery there is an exhibition of models about Britain’s missile and space rocket programme. You can also learn about the National Trust’s conservation work in the area. The buildings are closed in winter, but the chalk downland is always open to walkers. It takes 1½ hours to hike from Freshwater Bay. Come prepared with suitable shoes, hat and coat. Winds here in the West Wight can be strong at any time of the year. West High Down is very exposed.

THE WEST WIGHT

The West Wight, with its Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is not only for those who enjoy the beautiful landscape or tranquil feel of the area, combined with its sandy coves and numerous attractions, it appeals to everyone. The coastal paths offer endless walks with striking scenery, a great place for nature lovers. Visit Alum Bay, noted for its iconic ‘Needles’ attraction or take the ‘Tennyson Trail’ along the coastal path. The sandy beach of Compton Bay is complemented by the quaint coves of Freshwater Bay, and the nearby Totland Bay and Colwell Bay offering swimming, surfing and other water sports for all the family.

The popular town of Yarmouth with its array of fantastic shops, restaurants, and pubs complements the surrounding villages and is host to the ‘Old Gaffers Festival’, one of but a few dates on the calendar not to be missed.

The pretty village of Shorwell is known for its thatched roof cottages and historic buildings. The local Crown Inn dates back the 16th century with the local chapel dating back to the 12th century. The area allows access to local footpaths within the surrounding woodlands.

Brighstone, with its coastline having been designated as a Heritage Coast and Site of Special Scientific Interest is partly owned by the National Trust. The village dates back to 1190, adding to its historical feel and complementing its pretty thatched cottages.

TRAVEL TO THE ISLAND

Red Funnel operates a vehicle/foot passenger ferry from Southampton to East Cowes

with high speed ‘Red Jet’ to West Cowes. (www.redfunnel.co.uk)

Hovertravel operates a high speed foot passenger hovercraft from Portsmouth to

Ryde. (www.hovertravel.co.uk)

Wightlink operates a vehicle/foot passenger ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne and

Lymington to Yarmouth with a Catamaran service from Portsmouth to Ryde

(www.wightlink.co.uk)

Southampton and Portsmouth ferry terminals are linked to London by fast rail

services to London. Joint ferry/rail tickets can be purchased at some terminals.

RATES: £80 per night (sleeps four)

SPECIAL OFFERS:

Two weeks for the price of one

7 nights for the price of four

(Monday thru’ Thursday plus weekend free of charge, exc. July and August)

4 nights for the price of three

(Monday thru’ Thursday, exc. July and August)

CONDITIONS OF PAYMENT

We require a deposit of £100, the balance to be paid six weeks prior to occupation.

We take a loss/breakage deposit of £100.

CONTACT:

David & Esme Ballard

Rabbit's Bothie

Rosedale

Freshwater Bay

Isle of Wight

PO40 9QH

Tel: 01983 752583

info@rosedale-freshwaterbay.co.uk