Cowes and East Cowes
Cowes is famous all over the world for its sailing, and particularly for the legendary Cowes Week event, which brings enthusiasts and celebrities together to enjoy the island’s excellent sailing waters. It is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, but Cowes has much more to offer, too.
Shopping in the narrow pedestrianised High Street is an enjoyable experience, with a wide range of fashionable clothing shops, gift shops, delicatessens, cafes, restaurants and lively pubs.
A short bus ride or car journey away, Osborne House, Queen Victoria's famous seaside retreat, is managed by English Heritage and provides a fascinating glimpse into the Victorian age. This was Queen Victoria’s favourite residence after the death of Prince Albert, and she died there in 1901. The State and private apartments she used are open to the public, which makes this a 'must see’ island attraction.
A frequent bus service operates between Cowes and Newport, which links with the high speed passenger catamaran ferry service in West Cowes, and the Red Funnel car ferry in East Cowes. East and West sides of the town are linked by a chain ferry. East Cowes marina has been enlarged and improved over the last few years and now provides 150 visitor moorings.
Town guide provided by GoWight, the Isle of Wight video guide.