Cowes, Isle of Wight
Cowes is a fantastic holiday town located on the very northern tip of the Isle of Wight, perfect for couples and group holidays. Along the town’s pedestrianised High Street, you’ll find a wealth of specialty shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Cowes Hotels offer a variety of accommodation options, providing convenient access to the town’s vibrant seafront and the Esplanade. A short walk along the waterfront leads to the famous Royal Yacht Squadron, where visitors can enjoy views out to sea and appreciate why Cowes is such a popular sailing destination for sailors and enthusiasts from around the world.
Cowes is also a popular spot for an evening out, as many of its bars host entertainment nightly throughout the year. For a festive break, New Year in Cowes is a must, with its lively bars and restaurants creating a true party atmosphere. Many residents and visitors don fancy dress, adding to the town’s unique charm during the celebrations. Fishing enthusiasts also frequent the area; fishermen can often be found along the beach, Esplanade, and around Egypt Point all year round, catching a variety of fish like bass, mackerel, sole, gurnard, and plaice in the summer, and cod, bass, dabs, and whiting in the winter.
The town is most famous for Cowes Week, held in early August, when the entire town transforms into an international hub of sea competition and land-based entertainment. As one of the yachting capitals of the world, Cowes is a must-visit during Cowes Week to experience the vibrant displays at sea and the energetic atmosphere ashore. During the week, the Yacht Haven is alive with live entertainment and events, and in the evenings, crew members gather to discuss the day’s races in the town’s many pubs and restaurants—reputedly having more per square mile than any other town in the UK.
Cowes hosts other notable events throughout the year, including the classic powerboat race, the famous ‘Round the Island Race,’ the Little Britain Challenge, food shows, the Isle of Wight Literary Festival, and more. The town also features several great attractions and historical sites, such as the Sir Max Aitken Museum and Northwood House. Just between Cowes and Newport lies Thorness Bay, a picturesque little bay accessible from the coastal path and backed by Thorness Bay Holiday Park, offering a fantastic range of self-catering accommodations, as well as camping and touring options. This all-action park includes entertainment, a kids’ club, a bar, restaurant, and pool, making it a popular spot for visitors.
