Time has stood still at the Dimbola Museum and Galleries, perched high above the picturesque Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight. The multi award-winning museum occupies the former home of the pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. She was one of the earliest photographers to promote photography as an art form, made even more remarkable because she was a woman. Women of her social standing were not often allowed a voice, though it would seem she fought against all sorts of preconceptions.

This rambling house has been lovingly restored and is now home to temporary exhibitions, a Victorian dressing up room, a dedicated Alice in Wonderland space, as well as a museum shop filled with unique handmade gifts, and a creaky, pile-them-musty-high second-hand bookshop.

Dimbola lies at the heart of this small bohemian community made up of lively artists, actors, writers and designers, who together are committed to keeping the Freshwater circle spirit alive today. It is run by a dedicated team of local volunteers who give up their time with a passion.

Don’t leave the museum without visiting The Mad Hatter at Julia’s Tea Room. So delightful it was, that we couldn’t tear ourselves away from a whole sunny afternoon spent in the front garden lingering over the delicious lunch until we also gave in to a large slice of a perfect Victoria Sponge.

If you find yourself on Wighty, do take a detour (you never too far from anywhere on the island) to this magical Bay and discover its natural beauty.

Images by Fatima Malagueira & courtesy of Marc MacNab