Cowes Beach

About

Cowes Beach is a short pebble and shell covered beach to the west of the town front or Parade. It makes the perfect vantage point for the many sailing events that take place in the historic yachting town of Cowes throughout the year, including the world’s largest sailing regatta “Cowes Week”. Whilst the beach is mainly stoney, there is some sand underfoot below the low water mark and you can find shells, sea glass and other sea-jewels amongst the pebbles.

Princes Parade is a promenade that begins on the front at Cowes (or the main Parade) and continues all the way along Cowes seafront, past Egypt Point, to Gurnard Beach further west. Benches line the wide pathway that skirts the beach, behind which is a grassed area where you can lay a picnic blanket. The Royal Yacht Squadron at the East of Cowes Beach form part of the former Cowes Castle, one of Henry VIII’s defense forts.

A beach shop and take away cafe sits at the western end of Princes Parade and on the small park area opposite here are public toilets. There is ticketed parking on the road and in a car park above the public conveniences in a small wooded area.

The Parade with its shops and Cowes town are within easy reach.

TOP TIP:
This is the best place to see the Round the Island Race held around the first week in June. This famous yacht race starts at the Royal Yacht Squadron at the eastern end of Princes Parade and heads west - usually very early in the morning.

GETTING THERE:
Cowes is a gateway town on the Isle of Wight, served by Red Funnel's fast Red Jet service from Southampton. East Cowes has a floating bridge that carries both passengers and cars. A foot passenger launch for passengers and cyclists is available if the floating bridge is not available. For bus information please visit the Southern Vectis website - www.islandbuses.info/