To do near Stoat's farm



Things to do
		If you know of any activities which you think should be added to our list, please email us with the details by clicking above.

This list refers to activities in the West Wight. The Island has so much to do and Wight Netguide is a great source of information

Beaches		There are four excellent beaches close to Stoats farm at Colwell Bay, Alum Bay, Freshwater Bay and Compton. They are clean and suitable for families. They are all accessible to within easy walikng distance by car. Naturist bathing takes place at Atherfield Bay.
Birdwatching		The River Yar estuary is a birdwatcher's delight with a huge variety of fowl, seabirds and hens. There are always birdwatching books on sale at Ottakers Bookshop in Newport. They will happily arrange to post them to you
Cycling Top of page		Many of the visitors to Stoats farm come to us on cyling holidays and all of the Island is reasonably cycle 'friendly' with IW Council designated signposted routes. Two of the nearest and most rewarding are from Yarmouth to the Needles and from Shalfleet to Mottistone.
Eating out and pubs Top of page		We have a pub next door- The Highdown Inn (01983 752450). Very handy! It serves good beer and food all year round. West Wight,being geared to the needs of visitors, has many fine pubs and all of them serve food. The Red Lion (01983 754925)in Freshwater old village has won many awards. Other pubs which have made a great success of their food are the Waterfront in Totland Bay with its fabulous setting and perfect sunsets (01983 756969) the Vine Inn, a pub in the centre of Freshwater village with own parking and a busy, friendly feel (01983 752959). In Yarmouth, Fenders Restaurant is new and offering such good food that it is tipped to become one of the busiest in town (01983 760505). (There is a limited amount of local pub knowledge available from Stoats farm staff.)
Fishing Top of page		There isn't much fresh water fishing in the West Wight but there are sea fishing trips organized from Yarmouth Harbour on which the harbour staff will be happy to advise. Equipment can be bought from Harwoods in the Square in Yarmouth. There are also great places for shore fishing. Totland village has a very good fishing tackle shop and there also one in Newport - Scottie's
Golf Top of page		Freshwater Bay Golf Club has spectacular views over the English Channel and its greens have been described as some of the best in England. They welcome visitors. The course is less than 6000 yards but with some challenging approaches and is a par 68 off the back greens.
Painting & Photography Top of page		There are so many coastal and river scenes to capture that the West Wight has become an internationally renowned haven for artists. It has a rich history in photography and the Julia Margaret Cameron museum, dedicated to one of the world's finest photography pioneers, is at Dimbola Lodge in Freshwater Bay. It is no coincidence that many of the world's most celebrated artists have chosen to make the West Wight their home.
Para and hang gliding Top of page		There are courses offered by High Adventure (01983 730075)and the hills and cliffs of the South Wight coast offer ideal conditions for soaring and height gain flying.
Pleasure boat trips Top of page		There are organized pleasure trips to the Needles Lighthouse from Alum Bay. There are daily summer sailings to Poole from Yarmouth Pierhead. The paddle steamer 'Waverley' visits and runs trips from Yarmouth over a few days in the summer. The trips are very popular and it is also possible to look over the ship while she is moored at the pierhead.
Sailing Top of page		The Island is fabulously wealthy in the facitilites in can offer to pleasure boats of all sizes. All of the marinas and harbours offer fine facilities and safe mooring or anchorage. There are certificated training courses run at the UKSA in Cowes at all levels for all ages. There are two local clubs. The Royal Solent Yacht Club is among the finest in the UK with excellent facilities for visitors. Their summer Wednesday evening race series is great fun to watch. The small and very friendly Yarmouth Sailing Club opens only at the weekend and warmly welcomes visitors from other clubs. The beer is very reasonably priced too!
Surfing Top of page		Compton and Atherfield Bays are superb surfing beaches and, when conditions are right, among the most challenging for wind and board surfers.
Swimming Top of page		Their are indoor swimming facilities at the Savoy Holiday Centre in Yarmouth and at the West Wight Swimming Pool in Freshwater village. A new health and sports centre opens here in the early summer 2000
Walking Top of page		So many people come to the West Wight to walk the downs, the river banks and roads that it would be impossible to list all of the beautiful walks of all grades which can be enjoyed. There are numerous books available and there are many local people who will be happy to advise you.