The north of the Isle of Wight is home to one of its most well-known towns, Cowes. Famous worldwide for sailing and water sports, providing first-class conditions along with excellent entertainment.
There’s a lot to explore here, with a bustling High Street packed with shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. You can check out maritime museums and plenty of places to take a stroll. Like the Esplanade, where you can relax with an ice cream while watching all the sailing excitement.
A brief history of Cowes
Cowes has a rich history shaped by maritime activity. Originally a small settlement called Shamblord, it grew into a key port thanks to its strategic location and shipbuilding industry. The town’s name likely derives from the sandbanks at the mouth of the Medina River, which resemble cows. In the 16th century, fortifications were constructed on both sides of the river, ultimately leading to the names Cowes and East Cowes.
Nowadays, Cowes is famous worldwide as a top destination for yachting. With its historic harbour, lively high street, and rich sailing heritage, Cowes continues to be a vibrant and unique coastal town.
Things to do
Synonymous with sailing, if you want to test your sea legs, Cowes is the place for you. However, if you’re a seasoned landlubber, there are also plenty of great things to see and do on land.
UKSA has been running sailing courses since 1987. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out or aiming to become a full-fledged career sailor, there’s something here for everyone.
Salty Sailing offers day sailing cruises, the perfect opportunity to get away from it all. Cruise the Solent, drop anchor in Newtown Creek and go for a swim, or take a wander up the Hamble River and finish the day in a local pub.
Don’t miss the Sir Max Aitken Museum. Housed inside The Prospect, this famous pink building is a landmark in itself (you can’t miss it). Once an 18th-century loft for Ratsey & Lapthorn sailmakers, it was acquired and restored by Sir Max Aitken in 1947. Now, the museum displays his extensive personal collection of historical and nautical artefacts, including a gaff from the Royal Racing Yacht Britannia. This impressive piece, dating back to the 1920s, stretches the entire length of the museum and weighs around 900lbs.
Take a trip back in time at The Wight Military and Heritage Museum, found on the outskirts of Cowes. It features a fascinating assortment of tanks, artefacts, vehicles, small arms and uniforms from the 19th century to the present day. Discover what life was like during wartime and learn about those who played a part in the war effort as you explore the replica street scene and other exhibits.
Discover more things to do on the Isle of Wight by visiting our attractions page.
Places to stay
Cowes boasts plenty of holiday accommodation from self-catering cottages to hotels along the seafront.
Located directly on the Esplanade, the New Holmwood Hotel features sea-view lounges and a restaurant, along with two outdoor terraces that overlook the water. It’s a great spot to relax in comfort, whether you’re sipping a morning coffee or enjoying a glass of wine in the evening while taking in the stunning sunset at Gurnard.
The Duke of York is a popular street-corner town pub with rooms, set on the edge of Cowes and close to the marina. It’s known for its live music and various events. Each room is en-suite and equipped with all the usual amenities, plus the prices include a full English breakfast. Every room is individually decorated to a high standard and provides everything necessary for an enjoyable stay.
Situated right on the seafront at Cowes, you’ll find the Rosetta Cottage and East Rosetta Cottage. This Victorian home has been transformed into two self-catering holiday cottages managed by the National Trust, boasting original features and stunning views of the harbour and Solent. Both cottages are connected and share an entrance gate and pathway, making it an ideal spot for families or large groups of friends looking to spend time together. The garden offers expansive views of the sea and the yachts cruising by, and the cottages are only a short stroll away from the town.
Just outside Cowes, in Thorness, you’ll find Thorness Bay Holiday Park, a popular spot owned by Parkdean Resorts. Sitting on a woodland hillside, the park boasts stunning sea views on one side and miles of green fields on the other. With a range of self-catering options from caravans to lodges, chalets and even glamping tents, there’s something for everyone. You can enjoy a mix of activities and entertainment, including big stage shows, a multi-sports court, archery and an indoor swimming pool complete with a waterslide.
Discover more places to stay on the Isle of Wight by visiting our accommodation page.
Food & Drink
Cowes has a great selection of pubs, bars and restaurants lining the High Street, adding to the fun atmosphere of the town.
The Anchor Inn is one of the most popular pubs in Cowes, particularly on the weekends when you’ll find plenty of folk enjoying the local live music. They serve up delicious home-cooked meals and have a great selection of real ale, ciders, beers, wines and spirits. You can soak up the sun in the beer garden, and as the evening rolls in, you can head inside to the traditional pub with two bars – perfect for those busy nights.
The Coast Bar & Dining Room is open all day, every day, so you can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner whenever you like. Indulge in an authentic Neapolitan pizza crafted with type 00 flour and fior di latte mozzarella direct from Italy! You can enjoy your drinks and meal indoors or unwind in the courtyard, a sunny and relaxed area tucked away from the hustle of the High Street. Whether you’re in the mood for a morning coffee or a light afternoon meal, you can count on a charming atmosphere.
Using some of the best local produce and seafood, the team at the Smoking Lobster creates Pan-Asian inspired dishes that are packed with flavour. If you’re a fan of lobster, sea bass, scallops and other delights, this place is definitely for you. Their wine list is carefully curated to pair perfectly with the meals, and they’ve got some great sakes to sample too.
Naturally, every seaside town on the Isle of Wight has to have its classic fish and chip shops, and Cowes is no different. Corrie’s Cabin is a popular choice, so be ready for a little wait, but it’ll be worth it. Everyone knows that fish and chips taste better when you can see the sea, so why not grab your meal and head down to the Esplanade to watch the boats go by.
This is just a small selection of places to eat and drink in Cowes. The best way to discover more is to check out the town yourself or visit our eating out page.
Events in Cowes
During the summer, Cowes turns into one long party, with events happening all season long. While the focus is on the water, the entertainment does not dry up once back on land.
Cowes Week is one of the UK’s longest-running and most successful sporting events. It takes place every year in early August, dating back to 1826, except during the two World Wars and the COVID pandemic in 2020. This event features a week-long schedule that includes competitive racing with up to 5,000 competitors and over 60,000 spectators enjoying shoreside entertainment around the clock.
Northwood House & Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as live music, tennis events, afternoon teas, lawn bars and much more. Among their most popular events are The Wight Proms Festival and The Isle of Wight Literary Festival.
The Wight Proms Festival is an annual celebration of classical music, musical theatre and live comedy. This festival spans six days and wraps up with a spectacular finale called the ‘Last Wight of the Proms’ on the Sunday evening.
The Isle of Wight Literary Festival offers a diverse and eclectic program. Over four days, more than 60 writers and presenters will showcase their latest works. Topics range from crime fiction and history to travel, maritime adventure, gardening, medicine, technology, and the social and political issues of our time.
Another annual Isle of Wight event in Cowes is the Round the Island Race. This one-day yacht race attracts over 1,200 boats and 10,000 sailors, making it one of the largest international races of its kind. Organised by the Island Sailing Club, the race challenges sailing teams from around the globe to navigate a 50 nautical mile course around the Isle of Wight, starting and finishing at the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes.
For more events happening in Cowes and across the Isle of Wight, check out our what’s on guide.
