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  1. Things to do in Cowes
  2. Places to stay
  3. Beaches in Cowes
  4. Getting there

Cowes

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  2. Things to do on the Isle of Wight
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  4. Guide to Cowes, Isle of Wight

Your guide to Cowes

Cowes is a traditional seaside town situated on the north coast of the beautiful Isle of Wight. Cowes, and its sister across the River Medina, East Cowes, are famous around the world for their connection to yachting and royalty.

You may be familiar with Cowes Week, the oldest and most respected regatta in the world, but this seaside paradise has more to offer than sailing.

With a royal holiday home, a hidden beach (but you didn’t hear that from us!) and a picturesque high street packed with unique independent shops ready to be explored, you won’t be short of memory-making opportunities in Cowes.

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Cyclists stand waterside watching sailors pass

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Things to do in CowesPlaces to stayBeaches in CowesGetting there

Things to do in Cowes

From a royal holiday retreat to one of the oldest sailing regattas in the world, Cowes is home to some of the Island’s most prestigious attractions and events.

It also has a plethora of fine restaurants and pubs, with its central location making it a cultural hotspot for all things foodie.

We’ve rounded up three of our favourite things to do in Cowes below.

The Italian-style villa at the Osborne estate on the Isle of Wight

Osborne

A house fit for royalty and one of the Island’s most treasured gems, Osborne was once Queen Victoria’s holiday home. Many a summer were spent by her and Prince Albert roaming the grounds.

Now, you’ll find grand rooms filled with stunning pieces of art, flower-filled gardens and even a private beach.

Visit Osborne

Osborne
Yachts on the water competing at Cowes Week in 2018, Isle of Wight

Cowes Week

Taking place each August, Cowes Week is seven days of competitive sailing and activities. Around 5,000 competitors head to the town to compete, with sailors ranging from Olympic athletes to weekend enthusiasts.

Now over 200 years old, it’s one of the biggest and most respected regattas in the world, drawing over 60,000 spectators.

Wight Military and Heritage Museum

Uncover what life was like during the world wars with interactive exhibitions, replica street scenes and a wealth of military vehicles at the Wight Military and Heritage Museum.

Found on the main road that links Cowes with Newport, it specialises in collecting vintage memorabilia and makes for an enlightening day out for the family.

Discover the museum

Wight Military and Heritage Museum

Places to stay

Both West and East Cowes offer a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels to cosy B&Bs, many of which are pet friendly.

One of the town’s most popular places to stay is the Albert Cottage Hotel, found in East Cowes and once part of Queen Victoria’s stunning Osborne Estate. A Grade II listed boutique hotel with 10 rooms, perhaps its best feature is the surrounding two acres of picturesque gardens.

Find a place to stay

Beaches in Cowes

Even though the town is home to a bustling harbour, in Cowes you’ll find some of the prettiest, quietest and most quaint beaches the Isle of Wight has to offer. Find some more detail on each of the town’s bays below.

Cowes Beach

Cowes Beach is perfect for boat-watching. You can sit on the shoreline and watch cruise ships, yachts and little boats pass by.

As it’s tucked away behind the town, it’s a great beach to visit if you are looking for somewhere a bit quieter during your visit.

Cowes Beach

Osborne Beach

A private beach exclusive to those visiting Osborne (and therefore a perfect place to visit if you’re an English Heritage member), this beach is perfect if you’re looking for a little alone time.

On site, you’ll find a beach café to satisfy your ice cream needs as well as toilets and changing rooms.

Gurnard Beach sunset and beach huts, Isle of Wight

Gurnard Beach

The ultimate destination for sunset-lovers, Gurnard is home to classic beach huts and stunning views out across the Solent.

Plus, with a little exploring, you may be able to find a hidden beach known locally as Robert’s Beach. We didn’t tell you this, but take a the trail round the back of Gurnard Sailing Club and you’ll find a lesser known rocky and sandy bay.

Gurnard Beach

Getting there

If you’re bringing your car along from the mainland, pick from either our Portsmouth – Fishbourne or Lymington – Yarmouth routes. Fishbourne lies to the east of the Island while Yarmouth lies to the west, but each are only around a 25 minute drive from Cowes.

Looking to explore on foot? Our Portsmouth to Ryde route starts in Portsmouth right next to the city’s major train station, so you can connect with ease from any part of the UK.

The Island Line trains run directly into our Ryde Pier Head port and there’s also a bus station and taxi rank at the other end of the pier, so it’s ideal for onward travel around the whole Island.

Getting from Ryde to Cowes by public transport will take you about an hour on the bus.