Discover Cowes on the Isle of Wight
Situated on the most northerly point of the Isle of Wight, Cowes is a vibrant destination whatever the season.
A waterfront town with spectacular sea views, Cowes has long been known as the home of sailing thanks to a unique tidal system attracting amateur and professional sailors to its waters to race. The principal event in the UK’s sailing calendar is Cowes Week, established in 1826, a weeklong event that sees thousands of yachts compete on the Solent each year.
For those who prefer to keep both feet firmly on dry land, Cowes offers a buzzy atmosphere and spectacular foodie scene. Walking down the charming pedestrianised high street strung with bunting and lights, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to places to dine out, day and night.
Unique experiences for foodies and shoppers
You’ll find every type of eatery from modern bistros and seafood specialists to Indian restaurants and the local chippie. And there are plenty of places to grab a drink along the way too, with traditional sailing pubs keeping the Dark & Stormies flowing through to contemporary cocktail bars that feel fresh out of the city. Cowes town has a buzz unlike anywhere else on the Isle of Wight, and truly comes alive in the summer months. A dream destination for those who like a little indulgence.
Alongside its hospitality, the high street offers a brilliant retail experience, with independent shops selling fashion, antiques, wine, watches, art, jewellery, children’s toys, books, pet supplies, homeware and more. While away the hours seeking out personal gifts or unique souvenirs to take home, with a number of coffee shops, cafés and bakeries along the way for when you’ve shopped until you’ve literally dropped.
out & about in cowes
Just up from the high street in the centre of town, you’ll find Northwood House with its elegant gardens and tennis courts, tended to lovingly by local volunteers and open to the public. Once a grand manor house, Northwood House was gifted to the to the people of Cowes in 1929 by Princess Beatrice, daughter of Queen Victoria, and it is still at the heart of the community today. Now an event space, Northwood House hosts several events throughout the year, from a 1920s gala in the ballroom to a Spring Garden Fair. Northwood House also boasts its own “Lawn Bar”, open spring and summer for drinks, pizza, live music, and DJ nights in a spectacular alfresco setting. Well worth a visit.
A walk along Cowes Parade, Esplanade and Green will have you as close to the water as you can get without getting wet! Follow the sea all the way to the pretty village of Gurnard, a totally flat waterfront walk popular with dog walkers and families with children on bikes. The walk will take you around 30 to 45 mins, with a village green, play park, beach and pub waiting for you in Gurnard – you may even find an ice cream van along the way! The views at sunset are breath-taking along the waterfront, and The Woodvale is a great place to reward yourself with a tipple and a bite while you watch the sun melt into the sea.
Getting to Cowes
From Southampton it takes just 28 minutes to get to Cowes on the Hi-Speed Red Jet service, on foot or with a bike, but you’ll feel miles away from the chaos of the city once you arrive. For exploring outside of the town, you’ll find regular buses from M&S Food, taking you to Newport in just 15 minutes. At Newport Bus Station, you’ll find onwards connections to the rest of the Island – just remember, you’ll always need the Number 1 bus from Newport back to Cowes.
Coming with a car, it takes just 1 hour from Southampton by ferry and you’ll arrive in East Cowes, just across the river from Cowes. From the Red Funnel terminal, head straight up the hill past Waitrose, before turning right back down the one-way hill towards Cowes Floating Bridge… The Floating Bridge does not run to a timetable but will go back and forth until midnight each day, just a 5 minute journey across the river to Cowes once you’re aboard – and a totally unique Island experience!
