Alfred Tennyson and Julia Margaret Cameron in West Wight trail

It has been put together by The Bay Boutique Bed and Breakfast in Freshwater Bay, using historical research compiled by local artist Becca Cameron, from Freshwater Bay Residents’ Association.

Becca said: "I’ve spent years researching the history of the area.

"As an artist myself, I’ve been intrigued by all the artists, writers, explorers, intellectuals and geniuses who have come here.

"I’m glad that my work has been used in this new guide so people can see what a fabulous culturally important area this is."

Dimbola Lodge (Google Maps).

Funded by the Isle of Wight Council, through an Active Travel innovation grant, the guide leads visitors around Freshwater Bay (an important cultural hub in the Victorian era) and through other parts of the rural West Wight.

Among those featured is one of the most important scientists of his era, Robert Hooke, who was born in Freshwater, in July 1635.

He was an architect and polymath, who used a microscope to visualise a micro-organism - the first to do so.

The Robert Hooke Society was set up in his memory and a dedicated 8.5 mile circular walk is also in place.

Born in Lincolnshire, poet Alfred Tennyson was Queen Victoria's Poet Laureate for much of her reign.

He lived at Farringford House in Freshwater.

The Tennyson Monument stands in his memory, overlooking the back of the Wight and the English Channel.

Farringford House in Freshwater Bay (Google Maps).

Julia Margaret Cameron was a groundbreaking photographer.

Her career is immortalised at Dimbola Lodge - her former home in Freshwater Bay.

Born in India, she only began taking photographs aged 48.

Paul Mocroft, owner of The Bay Boutique Bed and Breakfast, said: "Putting this guide together has been fascinating. I learned so much about past visitors to the area.

"Freshwater Bay has a great energy during the summer months, but it’s extraordinary to think what this must have been like during the Victorian era when it was full of celebrities!

"You can almost feel what it must have been like by exploring the trail yourself.”

Paul Mocroft and Becca Cameron at Freshwater Bay.

Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for Environment and Heritage said: “The aim of the grant is to get people to leave their cars at home and instead use a bike or walk.

“This new guide will not just give tourists something new to see but I hope it will also encourage locals to get out and gain a new perspective on familiar places and our rich social history that many do not realise exists."

There is also a chance to win prizes from businesses in the West Wight, for those who set out on the heritage trail and then fill in a feedback form.

Paul said: "We know what a beautiful part of the world we live in and are keen to share it with others.

"With many more people looking for a UK holiday this year, we want to play our part in opening up the Isle of Wight to more visitors by providing stimulating experiences in cultural tourism."

Find the guide at stayfreshwaterbay.co.uk/heritagetrail or grab a copy from West Wight Tourist Information Points.