Group of sailboats racing on blue ocean water with white sails billowing in the wind under clear sky

Palm fronds frame a Mediterranean beach town with moored boats and blue waters under a clear sky

The beautiful seaside town

Cowes · Isle of Wight

“Everyone in Cowes is either going out on the water, coming back from it, or talking about it.”

Cowes is a working sailing town on the Medina, on the north coast of the Isle of Wight. For one week every August it becomes the centre of world yachting; for the other fifty-one it's a pleasant, unhurried place to eat, drink and watch the boats.

The Union is on the High Street, in the old part of town — surrounded by chandlers, sailmakers and the sort of shops that still sell one thing and sell it well.

Cowes, Photographed

A town built around its harbour

Crowd of spectators watching sailboats from a waterfront dock on a sunny day — The Parade

Sailboat docked at sunset with orange sky reflecting on calm water and wooden pier in foreground — Sunset at the moorings

Cowes Seafront on the Isle of Wight as seen from East Cowes on a bright sunny day — Cowes seafront

Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK. July 22, 2020. The Royal Yachting headquarters and Royal moorings taken from the Southampton ferry at Cowes on the Isle of Wight — The Royal Yacht Squadron

Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the centre of British sailing, viewed from the water from a sailing yacht — Approaching the harbour

Worth Knowing

Getting here and what's around

Cowes Week

The oldest regatta in the world, held every August. The whole town fills up — book rooms a year ahead if you want one.

The Red Jet & the pontoons

Foot passengers from Southampton in 25 minutes. If you've come by boat, we're a two-minute walk from the visitor moorings.

The Medina & the yards

Walk up the river past the boatyards, or take the chain ferry across to East Cowes and the old town.

Getting here

Island Line to Ryde, then the number 1 bus to Cowes. Or drive — the Red Funnel car ferry lands you ten minutes away.

While You're Here

Things to do in Cowes

Cowes is a small town with a great deal going on. Whatever brings you here, there's plenty to fill a day — most of it within walking distance of the door.

Cowes Maritime Museum

Cowes' maritime and shipbuilding history, told through historic photographs, models and artefacts. Free to enter.

The Sir Max Aitken Museum

A fascinating maritime museum on the High Street, housed in an 18th-century sailing loft.

The Classic Boat Museum

In West Cowes, with a large collection of classic yachts, motorboats, lifeboats and other maritime exhibits.

Egypt Point

A beautiful coastal viewpoint at the western end of Cowes, with views across the Solent.

Cowes Esplanade

Walk along the seafront, watch the boats and enjoy the views across the Solent.

Northwood House & Park

A historic Victorian house and surrounding parkland, a short walk up from the centre of Cowes — worth the climb for the grounds alone.

Cowes High Street & The Parade

Independent shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants and the famous sailing atmosphere.

Cowes Yacht Haven

A great place to see visiting yachts and experience the town's sailing heritage.

Solent boat trips

Solent Cruises runs trips out onto the Solent from West Cowes.

Trinity Theatre

Cowes' community theatre, hosting plays, music, comedy and film. Worth checking what's on while you're here.

The Union Inn, a white-fronted pub with dark trim offering rooms and breakfast, located on a brick street

Finding the Door

Watch House Lane,
PO31 7QH.

We're a minute from the High Street and the Red Jet terminal. White frontage, hanging sign, and a bench outside that's nearly always occupied.

From the ferry: About 4 minutes on foot
Parking: Parade Car Park, 2 mins

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