Cowes – Isle of Wight – A paradise for yachtsmen and nature lovers alike

Cowes – Isle of Wight is the main port of the island. It has a natural port at the mouth of the Medina River. The city is perhaps best known as the world’s leading yachting hub. Boaters from around the world participate in various esteemed nautical events during the annual season. The most famous of these is undoubtedly Cowes Week, which takes place every year during the first part of August.

Cowes and East Cowes developed from a group of fishermen’s cottages that developed around 2 coastal forts built by Henry VIII on opposite banks of the River Medina. They were named after the two sandbars (or cows) found offshore. There is an old fashioned ferry chain linking the two cities and both have a long tradition of building fine ships dating back to the reign of Elizabeth I.

Then came the yacht building industry, which grew in importance as yachting became more and more popular. The sport was soon backed by the Royals and during 1854 the Royal Yacht Squadron moved to the old Tudor fort, now known as Cowes Castle. This has put Cowes firmly on the sailing map ever since.

If you’re an avid shopper, you’ll delight in shopping on the High Street, now a bustling pedestrian shopping haven. There are of course plenty of shops related to the yachting industry, but also a wealth of gift shops, clothing stores and of course plenty of lively cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Up the High Street you will find Northwood House and Park. This beautiful estate was built during 1837 and became public property in 1929. Its grounds cover an area of ​​26 acres and today there are facilities such as tennis courts, putting greens, bowling greens and a children’s play area. Next to the park you will find the Church of Santa María, with its beautiful clock tower designed by J. Nash.

For those who have to get back to Southampton in a hurry: the high-speed catamaran service is located near the Tourist Information Office at Fountain Quay.

Whether you are interested in sailing or not, a visit to Cowes – Isle of Wight is sure to be an interesting and relaxing experience, as the city has much to offer the visitor.