The North of the Island Cowes and East Cowes.
These two attractive bustling towns are separated by the River Medina, and linked by an old-fashioned chain ferry. From a huddle of fisherman's shacks, Cowes and East Cowes grew into villages around West Cowe and East Cowe, two coastal forts built by Henry VIII at the mouth of the Medina.

Cowes & East Cowes
Cowes is famously a Mecca for both National and International sailors and is a fascinating town to wander around, with narrow winding streets, unique shops and excellent array of restaurants.

Take a trip on the floating bridge across to East Cowes where you’ll find coffee shops and local pubs offering a warm welcome. Head up York Avenue and you’ll find, at the top of the town, Queen Victoria’s former retreat, Osborne House, a must see visit.

Key Attractions - Cowes

• Sir Max Aitken Museum
• Unique & Sailing Brand Shops
• Cowes Yacht Haven
• Promenade
• Restuarants

Key Attractions - East Cowes

• Osborne House
• Seafront

Activities - Cowes

• Sailing Regattas Year Round
• Starting point of the ‘Round the Island’
• Medina River Walk
• The Boat Trail
• Cowes Golf Club

Activities - East Cowes

Fishing

Medina River Walk

The Boat Trail

Osborne Golf Club

Events - Cowes

• August - Ryde Carnival
• Early August - Skandia Cowes Week
• Selected dates year round - Numerous Sailing Regattas
• More Information...

Events - East Cowes

• Mid-May - Isle of Wight Garden Show at Osborne House
• Late August - Orchestral Event at Osborne House
• More Information...

Tourist Information
The tourist information centre is located next to the Red Funnel Red Jet Hi-Speed Terminal in Fountain Quay, Cowes and is open all year (on selected days during the winter)