Cowes, Isle of Wight

Cowes, Isle of Wight

England

Watch world-class yacht racing unfold from the shore during Cowes Week, the world's oldest continuous sailing regatta.

Currency British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Language English
Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit Apr–Sep
Typical Duration 8-18 nights
Price Range From $3,080 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

A charming Victorian sailing town on the Isle of Wight, Cowes is renowned as a premier yachting destination and gateway to exploring England's scenic coastlines and historic ports.

Cruises that visit Cowes, Isle of Wight

Build Your Day in Cowes, Isle of Wight

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Osborne Queen Victoria's cherished residence Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 10k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Shanklin Beach Lovely beaches, water depth you can swim safely in, something for everyone. Public beach · ★ 4.5 · 7k Open 24 hours
Lepe Country Park Lovely beach, dog friendly, views of tge Isle of Wight Country park · ★ 4.5 · 5k Open · Closes 10 PM
The Range, Cowes Lots of home decor, crafts, decorating, garden and food shopping. Home goods store · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Folly Inn Relaxed pub with riverside seating Pub · ★ 4.2 · 2k Open · Closes 11 PM
The Lifeboat Great views over the Marina, fabulous food and amazing service. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k Open · Closes 10 PM
The Hut The service was fantastic, food was incredible and the view were 12/10!! Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Open · Closes 11 PM
The Anchor Inn Economy rooms in lively 18th-century pub Pub · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
The Coast Bar & Dining Room We had dinner here during our stay in Isle of Wight. Modern European restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
Compton Beach A popular location for swimming, water sports and watching the seabirds. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Smoking Lobster Ventnor Reservations required·Outdoor seating·Vegetarian options Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Yaverland Beach Easy parking close by lovely clear water and soft black sand. Beach · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Wight Military and Heritage Museum Lots of interesting stuff to see and do. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
The Royal Hotel The food is exquisite, surroundings perfect and staff superb. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
The Fountain Inn Traditional pub with classy bedrooms Pub · ★ 4 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
Prego Italian restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM Mon
Duke of York ... comfortable, clean, friendly staff, good food, diverse pub mix pub. Hotel · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Corries Cabin Fish and Chips · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open
Artisan Cafe Best food on the isle of wight, great service too Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Smoking Lobster Cowes Some of the best food and service I have had on the island. Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Sandown Beach Great wide sandy beach with dog friendly areas too Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Shoreside Cafe Fantastic staff and beautiful views whilst chilling with an ice cream Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
The Travellers Joy Isle of Wight Outdoor seating·Live music·Karaoke Pub · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
The Garden Outdoor seating·Private dining room·Vegan options Modern European restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Egypt Point Free car park with interesting history and fabulous walks through the wood. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Pier View Delicious dinner, such as chicken pie and seafood chowder. Gastropub · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
The Terrace Outdoor seating·Vegan options·Kids' menu Modern European restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
The Globe Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Live music Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Murrays Seafood Restaurant Long-running specialist seafood venue Fish and seafood restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Eegons Cafe Best breakfast in Cowes great value and the staff are great. Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
The Ale House Cowes Cosy dining room with seasonal menu Pub · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Tonino's Italian Restaurant Food was all freshly cooked, tasty and decent sized portions. Italian restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Tue
Sails of Cowes Great value breakfast, really tasty local ingredients used. Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon
Gurnard Bay Great free parking, beach play area and public toilets Public beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
RT Café Grill Stunning ocean views from the garden tables, excellent food and service Bar & grill · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Painters Arms Outdoor seating·Doesn't accept reservations·Live performances Pub · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Woodside Beach Come at high tide and swim! Public beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
East Cowes Sea Front Playground Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
The Red Duster Vegetarian options British restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
The Cockle Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open
The Lost Mill Bakery Stopped in for a sandwich which were excellent and reasonabley priced. Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Tue
Number 3 The perfect amuse bouche , homemade bread and tender local fillet steak . Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM Mon
Prickly Pear Mexican Kitchen Happy hour food·Fireplace·Vegan options Mexican restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
The Fluffy Pumpkin Coffee House Lovely coffee, great staff and a lovely little place to sit. Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Thorness Bay Beach Not swimmable but very peaceful. Beach · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Compass Cafe and Bar Happy hour·Great cocktails·Live music Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Comicoffee Cowes Top-notch food, tasty coffee, and very welcoming service. Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon
Moocow Wonderful restaurant, great food, brilliant and friendly service. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Fri
Carvel Lane Speciality Coffee Best coffee shop in cowes - great flat 'wight' and friendly service Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:45 AM Mon
PO41 Coffee House Cowes Fantastic staff, fantastic food/cakes and the coffee is absolutely tip top! Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Manny's Baguettes Great food very good value Sandwich shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Consort Restaurant at Albert Cottage Hotel Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Summer Garden Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Little Coffee Bike Amazing service, great selection of all coffees and cakes. Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Pontoon View Bar Impeccable service, fabulous food and the most breathtaking alcohol. Bar & grill · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
The Sir Max Aitken Museum Nautical artifacts in a sailmaker's loft Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
PINNACLE Shops - Cafe - Fitness Studio - Hotel Huge and varied selection of items on offer. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Cowes Dress Agency I get all my good quality clothes here at really great prices! Women's clothing store · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
Live Like This Really lovely shop with a great selection of unique products. Gift shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Cowes Maritime Museum Small museum of sailing & shipbuilding Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Bar 46 Cowes Dine-in Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
White Stuff Cowes Lovely ethical products and good sales. Clothing store · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Newmans Sports Café and Bar We opted for the vegan hot dogs which were absolutely delicious . Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 AM Mon
Shorelines Went there today and found some lovely items. Gift shop · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
The Bird Bar Great cocktails·Live music·Food at bar Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Cowes, Isle of Wight

About Cowes, Isle of Wight

Cowes has long been synonymous with sailing excellence and maritime tradition, making it a cherished port of call for discerning cruise travelers exploring Northern Europe's most captivating coastlines. Nestled on the northern shore of the Isle of Wight, this charming town serves as a perfect stepping stone for voyages that venture along the British Isles, with itineraries typically ranging from eight nights and extending to some of Europe's most storied destinations. Luxury cruise lines including Seabourn, PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection regularly include Cowes in their carefully curated routes, offering passengers the opportunity to experience authentic English coastal culture without the crowds of larger ports.

As a port of call, Cowes provides convenient access to both the Isle of Wight's natural attractions and the broader appeal of England's south coast. Passengers typically enjoy shore excursions to nearby Dover, or venture further afield to destinations like Oban, Fowey, Kinsale, and Belfast. The town itself boasts excellent port facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, with the famous Cowes Week sailing regatta drawing international attention each August. Whether you're exploring the island's picturesque villages, discovering its rich maritime history, or simply enjoying the genteel charm of this quintessential English harbor town, Cowes offers a memorable introduction to one of Europe's most rewarding cruise regions.
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Reasons to Visit

1

Royal Yachting Heritage & History

Explore Cowes' legendary maritime legacy at the Cowes Heritage Centre, housed in a Victorian building overlooking the Medina River. Walk past the Royal Yacht Squadron, one of the world's oldest yacht clubs, and discover how this charming waterfront town became the birthplace of modern yacht racing since 1815.

2

Fresh Seafood & Local Flavours

Indulge in locally-caught fish and chips at waterfront restaurants, or sample fresh oysters and mussels at traditional English pubs lining the High Street. Cowes' proximity to the Solent ensures the seafood is impeccably fresh, paired perfectly with local ales and ciders.

3

Picturesque Medina Waterfront Stroll

Wander the scenic Medina River waterfront, where colourful sailboats bob gently and Victorian architecture frames the water's edge. The tree-lined promenade offers stunning views across the Solent to the mainland, with charming cafés perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

4

Unique Nautical Shops & Galleries

Browse independent boutiques and maritime-themed shops clustered around the High Street and waterfront, featuring nautical art, bespoke sailing gear, and local crafts. You'll discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs celebrating Cowes' yachting culture that you won't find elsewhere.

5

Cowes Week Festival Spirit

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cowes Week (August), the world's longest-running yacht racing regatta, where the town buzzes with sailors, spectators, and celebrations. Even outside peak season, the sailing culture permeates daily life, offering authentic glimpses into this nautical paradise.

Cruise Lines at Cowes, Isle of Wight

Cruises Departing From Cowes, Isle of Wight

Cruises Visiting Cowes, Isle of Wight

Ship Schedule at Cowes, Isle of Wight

Cowes, Isle of Wight Location

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