Cowes & East Cowes

Around the world, Cowes is the town people think of when the Isle of Wight is mentioned.

Cowes, and its sister across the river, East Cowes, are well known around the globe for yachting and royalty.

Cowes Week is the highlight of the packed yachting calendar while over the River Medina, the imposing royal palace of the past, Queen Victoria’s beloved Osborne House, dominates the landscape.

These two towns are divided by the river but united in being the gateway to the Island for traffic from the Red Funnel Southampton ferries.

There is so much to see in both towns so, Say Yes to getting the tang of the sea in your nose.

As well as being a magnet for tourists they both have thriving boatbuilding industries, so crucial to the Isle of Wight economy in the past and present.

There are bags of things to do on each bank of the Medina and the easiest way to get between the two is via the vehicle and foot passenger chain ferry that only takes a few minutes to link the two towns.

Things to do

Cowes

Stroll along the High Street, Parade and Esplanade for wonderful views of the bustling harbour and across The Solent. See the prestigious yacht clubs and, if you are lucky, hear the small cannon at the Royal Yacht Squadron fire to start or finish another top-level yacht race.

Find out about the boating history of Cowes by visiting Cowes Maritime Museum in the middle of the town, while the Sir Max Aitken Museum provides another fascinating glimpse into the town’s story.

Northwood House is a centre for many concerts and events, such as The Wight Proms, the IW Literary Festival and the Great Wight Bite Food Festival.

You can also shop until you drop in the independent stores that fill the High Street, with numerous quality pubs, restaurants and cafes mingled in with the retail experience.

East Cowes

Across the water in East Cowes, Osborne is a day out on its own - the utterly stunning house which was built in an Italianate style under the supervision of Prince Albert, the Queen’s consort, drawing gasps of admiration and just wait until you see the Indian-inspired Durbar Room and the beautiful gardens.

Check out The Gallery, part of the Classic Boat Museum, which also has a site in Cowes.

St Mildred’s Church at Whippingham was Queen Victoria’s personal favourite and well worth a visit, whilst the town’s seafront provides great Solent views.

Places to eat

Cowes is a haven for foodies, whether you like fish, Isle of Wight meat or something a little more exotic, there is something for everyone. The Smoking Lobster, The Heron and The Coast Bar & Dining Room are a few favourites in the town but the choice just starts there. If you like a something a little different then The Basque Kitchen offers a taste of that region, infused with Isle of Wight produce.

If pubs with grub are more your taste then The Duke of York is a nautically themed family run Inn worth a visit and The Anchor is a popular spot for food, drink and live music.

Across the Medina, East Cowes has a good choice of pubs and restaurants too including the popular Lifeboat pub. Albert Cottage is a popular wedding venue but also serves afternoon teas and has an a la carte restaurant.

If you are looking for something a little less formal in East Cowes, then Prego offers top notch Italian food while The Prince of Wales pub is ideally situated for a bite after a visit to Osborne House.

You can find out more about where to dine and drink in the area here.

Places to stay

From boutique hotels to rooms above a town centre pub, the two towns have plenty of options for you to lay your head. There are also loads of self-catering choices in both towns but book early as the towns are very popular in the yachting season and particularly around Cowes Week and Round-the-Island Race.

If you want a very special, regal air to your stay then Osborne House has several options for self-catering, including Pavilion Cottage, a former cricket pavilion used by officer cadets, in the grounds of Queen Victoria’s former home.

For families, Waverley Park caravan site is ideal.

Over the water in Cowes, the New Holmwood Hotel offers superb Solent views to take in the sailing, shipping and the New Forest.

Just outside Cowes, Parkdean Resorts’ Thorness Bay site offers caravans and camping options in lovely countryside with lots of amenities and its own beach.

Events

You are never far from a big yachting event in Cowes. Including the Rolex Fastnet Race; Round-the-Island Race and Cowes Week.If you like the elegance of yachts from a bygone age, Classics Week takes place in July, while petrolheads will love the thrill of the start of the Cowes-Torquay Powerboat Race during August.

If the arts are more your thing, then Northwood House hosts The Wight Proms in August and The Isle of Wight Literary Festival in October. 

For a full events calendar, head to our What's On page.

Tourist information

For the latest information about East Cowes, go to the Tourist Information Point at the community library in East Cowes.

Click here to find other Tourist Information Points that are located across the Isle of Wight.

Getting there and getting around

Southern Vectis buses serve both towns with the Service 1 taking you to and from Newport to the heart of Cowes while Services 4 and 5 link East Cowes with Newport and Ryde respectively.