Cowes

Cowes, a seaport town and civil parish on the Isle of Wight, is a well-kept secret of the British Isles. Sometimes referred to as West Cowes, the town is located on the west bank of the River Medina estuary, facing the smaller town of East Cowes.

There are many things to enjoy both in and around the town, particularly the beautiful scenery the Isle of Wight is famous for. Cowes is a town enjoying boating activities, with the Royal Yacht Squadron and the world’s oldest regular regatta, Cowes Week, occurring annually in August.

Beautiful sights to feast your eyes on include the harbour and beach, as well as the surrounding countryside, where you can enjoy outdoor pursuits such as walking, cycling and nature watching. The town is near to the other towns on the Isle of Wight for sightseeing, however there are a number of independent and charming shops within Cowes, all featuring spectacular buildings in which they reside.

Military Museum, 490 Newport Road, Cowes PO31 8QU (01983) 527411
Located in a former World War II military Barracks, the Military Museum houses a collection of tanks dating back to the 1940s.

Many of the tanks are in working order and there are opportunities to ride in these and an armoured vehicle. The museum also operates moving tank displays and guided tours of their workshops.

Cowes Week, Regatta House, 18 Bath Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7QN (01983) 295 744
Held annually, Cowes Week is one of the UK’s longest-running UK sporting events. Staging up to 40 daily races comprising 1,000 boats, it is regarded as one of the largest sailing regattas in the world.

The Green and The Parade are the best places from which to view proceedings. Events begin by the firing of cannons close to the Royal Yacht Squadron.