Pictures of Cowes
About Cowes
The most famous yachting resort in the world. Cowes dates back to Tudor times and is divided in two by the River Medina, creating East and West Cowes. The two being linked by a chain ferry. West Cowes being the more vibrant of the two especially during Cowes Week (August), when it is filled with yachts from around the world and personalities to match. The new waterfront development of marinas replacing the old industry of shipbuilding but still retaining the services of the yachting industry.
Cowes has many fashionable cafes, restaurants and shops, mostly along the High Street. The entrance from the harbour and home to the Royal Yacht Squadron is Cowes Castle (erected in 1538 on the orders of Henry VIII). From here the 22 brass cannons (once used on William IVâ??s ship Royal Adelaide) mark the start of the races. From the esplanade visitors can watch the start of the races, the shipping movement of Red Funnelâ??s Hydrofoil service or the Car Ferry service to Southampton, movements within the River Medina also include Blade Runner carrying the wind turbine blades for export. From here one can also see the many cruse ships proceeding through Southampton Water.
The mix of residential properties rising from the waterfront to higher ground in the Northwood area including Northwood House now used by Cowes Council.
Exploring the town past and present, a visit to the Maritime Museum housed in the library in Beckford Road, Sir Max Aitken Museum, High Street or the Parish Church of St. Mary built by the famous architect John Nash. The new Boat Trail, a four-mile walking route which features 40 places of historic interest.
Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.
Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Cowes
| Osborne House | (1.7 miles, 2.8 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Stone Point Country Park | (2.8 miles, 4.4 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Lepe & Calshot Foreshore Country Park | (3.3 miles, 5.3 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Ashlett Creek | (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Exbury Gardens | (4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Quarr Abbey | (5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Carisbrooke Castle & Museum | (5.2 miles, 8.4 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Robin Hill Country Park | (5.6 miles, 8.9 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Royal Victoria Country Park | (7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction N) | Pictures |
| Titchfield Abbey | (7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Appley Park | (7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Rookley Country Park | (7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Flamingo Park | (7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Beaulieu Abbey | (7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Beaulieu Palace House | (7.8 miles, 12.5 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
All attractions in CowesAll attractions in Isle of WightComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Cowes
Parkhurst, in the county of Isle of Wight (3.1 miles, 5.0 km, direction S)
Waymarked walks take you through woodlands inhabited by Red Squirrels.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Lepe, in the county of Hampshire (3.3 miles, 5.4 km, direction NW)
This is mostly a small country park amongst trees with beautiful views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Newport, in the county of Isle of Wight (4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction S)
County Town, being sited on the River Medina, about 5 miles from the sea. Despite its name, the town became the 'New Port' and was given its charter by Richard de Revers, Lord of the Island, as early as 1180.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Carisbrooke, in the county of Isle of Wight (5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction S)
Carisbrooke sits close to Newport on the lovely Isle of Wight.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Exbury, in the county of Hampshire (5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction NW)
Standing close to the saltmarshes and creeks along the Beaulieu River, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Exbury must be one of the most captivating villages for miles around.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Newtown, in the county of Isle of Wight (5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction SW)
The village lies at the head of the picturesque Newtown estuary and is surrounded almost entirely by a Nature Reserve owned by the National Trust.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Ryde, in the county of Isle of Wight (6.4 miles, 10.4 km, direction E)
One of the Island's most popular resorts and is situated on the north-east coast. The town is the first port of call from the mainland on the south-east side.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Calbourne, in the county of Isle of Wight (7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction SW)
Calbourne is a lovely old place that has long been a natural haunt of artists from all over England who are drawn by the unspoiled and picturesque beauty spot.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Beaulieu, in the county of Hampshire (7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction NW)
This lovely village is set in the lush greenery of the New Forest where a pretty village street leads to the banks of the Beaulieu River at the point at which it opens up as an estuary.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Netley, in the county of Hampshire (8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction N)
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Shorwell, in the county of Isle of Wight (8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction S)
The pretty village of Shorwell, with its three handsome Manor Houses, lies cradled in a wooded valley beneath the bare downs.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Seaview, in the county of Isle of Wight (8.7 miles, 14.0 km, direction E)
Info | Pictures | Hotels
South Baddesley, in the county of Hampshire (8.8 miles, 14.2 km, direction W)
This is a small picturesque hamlet at the edge of the New Forest National Park overlooking the Solent towards the Isle-of-Wight.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Godshill, in the county of Isle of Wight (9.1 miles, 14.6 km, direction S)
This is a gorgeous little spot which makes an ideal 'away from the crowds' location in which to sample peaceful Island life.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Portsmouth, in the county of Hampshire (9.2 miles, 14.9 km, direction E)
When Henry V issued the order that effectively founded the British Navy in 1415, little could he have envisaged how the sterling...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in Isle of WightComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Ryde Pier Head Station | (6.2 miles, 9.9 km, direction E) |
| Ryde Esplanade Station | (6.3 miles, 10.1 km, direction E) |
| M27 Junction 9 | (8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction N) |
| M27 Junction 10 | (8.9 miles, 14.4 km, direction NE) |
| Southampton Airport | (13.2 miles, 21.2 km, direction N) |
| Bournemouth Airport | (23.2 miles, 37.4 km, direction W) |
| Cowes to London | (72.6 miles, 116.8 km, direction NE) |
Hotels & Accommodation in Cowes
| Hotel Name | Approximate distance from Cowes center |
| The Fountain Inn | (0.1 miles, 0.2 km) |
| Newport Quay Hotel | (4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction S) |
| Master Builder's House Hotel | (5.8 miles, 9.4 km, direction NW) |
| Dorset Hotel | (6.8 miles, 10.9 km, direction E) |
| Ryde Castle | (6.8 miles, 11.0 km, direction E) |
| Holiday Inn Fareham Solent | (6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction N) |
| Dormy House Hotel | (7.0 miles, 11.2 km, direction N) |
| The Montagu Arms | (7.6 miles, 12.3 km, direction NW) |
| Red Lion Hotel | (8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction NE) |
| Springvale Hotel & Restaurant | (8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction E) |
| All hotels in Cowes |
