Freshwater Bay Golf Club Webcam on the Isle of Wight — Live Streaming Online

History of Freshwater Bay Golf Club

Freshwater Bay Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs on the Isle of Wight. It was founded in 1894 and has been attracting golf enthusiasts from across the UK ever since. The course is situated on chalk hills high above the island's west coast, giving players stunning sea views from every tee.

The 18-hole course measures 5,725 yards with a par of 69. It is one of the most scenic golf courses in England, combining challenging play with a unique natural setting. The club is actively involved in the local community — for the past two years it has been raising funds for the charity Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight, which supports athletes with disabilities.

Location and Natural Features

The golf club is located on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) owned by the National Trust. This means the land has special conservation status and is protected by the state. The course sits on free-draining downland over chalk bedrock, creating ideal conditions for golf and maintaining a unique ecosystem.

From every tee, there are views of the English Channel, as well as views across the Solent, Swanage to the west, and Salisbury Plain to the north. This setting makes playing here truly unforgettable — you are literally playing on the edge of chalk cliffs towering over the sea.

Attractions Around the Club

Several iconic sites are located near the golf club. First and foremost is Afton Down — the site of the legendary Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. From August 26 to 31, between 500,000 and 800,000 people gathered on the hill to see performances by Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Doors, and other stars. It was one of the largest music festivals in history — Britain's answer to Woodstock.

In close proximity to the club are the Victorian fortress Needles Old Battery and the High Down Rocket Test Site — where rocket engines were tested in the 1950s and 1960s. These sites are listed historical monuments and are open to visitors.

How to Get to Freshwater Bay

The golf club is located at: Afton Down, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9TZ. You can reach it by car — from the ferry terminals in Yarmouth or Lymington, the drive takes about 30–40 minutes. Additional parking is available at a public car park a 2-minute walk from the club.

For those travelling by bike, the club offers a lockable shed for bicycle storage. This is a convenient option for tourists exploring the west coast of the Isle of Wight on two wheels.

Wildlife of the Coast

The golf club grounds are not just a place for sport but also an important natural area. Rare butterfly species are found here, including the Adonis Blue and Chalkhill Blue. Both species are considered rare and are protected. The course is also home to large populations of small lizards, dark green fritillaries, and other insects.

The chalk grassland surrounding the field is maintained in its natural state through sheep grazing. This creates an ideal environment for wildflowers and insects that have already disappeared in other parts of the UK.

What You Can See on the Camera

The webcam is installed at Freshwater Bay Golf Club and broadcasts a panoramic view of the golf course. In the foreground are sand bunkers and the grass fairway surface. In the middle and far distance, you can see players moving around the course with their golf clubs. On the right, a car and a pickup truck are parked.

In the background, the main attraction unfolds — the seacoast with its characteristic white chalk cliffs and the open sea. This is the very view of the English Channel that draws golfers from around the world. The camera operates in real time, allowing you to watch the game and the seascape at any time of day.