Cowes, Isle of Wight Beach Resort Guide

Introduction

Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, is famous for Cowes Week (www.skandaicowesweek.co.uk), a huge summer sailing jamboree. However, the town attracts yachters all year round, and there are always hundreds of boats bobbing in the harbour of this pretty Georgian town. Another reason to head here is to see where Queen Victoria relaxed in her glorious summer holiday home of Osborne House.

Who goes there?

Those holidaying in Cowes tend to be yachters and those interested in seafaring activities.

Where in the world?

The Isle of Wight is an island and a county, located 7km (4 miles) from the south coast of the English mainland, in the English Channel. It is separated from mainland Britain by the Solent and is situated south of the county of Hampshire. Cowes is located on the most northerly point of the island and is connected to the English mainland by the ferry to Southampton.

When to go?

The climate is temperate with warm summers and cool wet winters. The hottest months of the year, and the best time for hitting the beach, are from June to September, with temperatures reaching an average high of 26°C (78°F) in August. However, English summers are often unreliable and rainfall can be frequent throughout the year, so always remember to pack a jumper in case skies become overcast.

Beach

Cowes beach is stony, and thus rarely busy, but has wonderful views across the Solent. Most people head to the resort to sail, or watch people sail, and the great thing about the coast around here is that there's always plenty of action, with billowing sails everywhere you look. The area is also packed with sailing clubs.

Beyond the beach

The two towns of Cowes and East Cowes are linked by a chain ferry - a boat pulled by a chain. You can take a trip over to East Cowes to visit Queen Victoria's old stomping ground: the opulent, Italianate Osborne House. You can't get more virulently Victorian than the house of the Queen herself, and Osborne House doesn't disappoint. It's complete with an Indian-style Durbar room and a wooden Swiss cottage in the garden for the royal children.

Family fun

Sailing is a main draw, but if you can't sail, don't panic, just take a boat trip with Solent Cruises (www.solentcruises.co.uk). During Cowes Week (late July or early August), the town turns into a carnival of yachting, with races and countless social events.

A night on the town

Cowes has a good line in traditional cosy pubs, such as the Fountain (High Street), and a quiet drink will be about the limit of your nightlife here. Cowes Week is another story. During the regatta, the town is fit to burst, and there are various temporary bars and club nights.

Eating out

Cowes is a sailing, rather than a culinary capital, but you can eat a great all-day breakfast or brunch at the Octopus Garden Cafe (63 High Street), a cheery, yellow-painted place that's filled with Beatles memorabilia. Otherwise there are lots of breezy cafes around town, and a range of British, Indian, Chinese and Thai restaurants.

Getting around

Cowes is easy to navigate on foot, and you can reach the more industrial East Cowes via a chain ferry. There are buses to other towns on the Isle of Wight, and you can also take ferries from here to Southampton. For bike hire try Wight Cycle Hire (www.wightcyclehire.co.uk).

Flying in

Southampton International Airport (SOU)
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