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
- cruises to Cowes, Isle of Wight
- Cowes, Isle of Wight sailings
- Cowes, Isle of Wight cruises
- 9-night Swan Hellenic cruise
- 9-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 11-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 14-night Seabourn cruise
- 21-night Seabourn cruise
- 22-night Seabourn cruise
- 28-night Seabourn cruise
- 28-night Seabourn cruise
- 28-night Seabourn cruise
- 28-night Seabourn cruise
- 34-night Seabourn cruise
- 35-night Seabourn cruise
- 36-night Seabourn cruise
- 40-night Seabourn cruise
- 40-night Seabourn cruise
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
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Shanklin Beach
Lovely beaches, water depth you can swim safely in, something for everyone.
Open 24 hours
Lepe Country Park
Lovely beach, dog friendly, views of tge Isle of Wight
Open · Closes 10 PM
The Range, Cowes
Lots of home decor, crafts, decorating, garden and food shopping.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Folly Inn
Relaxed pub with riverside seating
Open · Closes 11 PM
The Lifeboat
Great views over the Marina, fabulous food and amazing service.
Open · Closes 10 PM
The Hut
The service was fantastic, food was incredible and the view were 12/10!!
Open · Closes 11 PM
The Anchor Inn
Economy rooms in lively 18th-century pub
Open · Closes 10:30 PM
The Coast Bar & Dining Room
We had dinner here during our stay in Isle of Wight.
Open · Closes 11 PM
Compton Beach
A popular location for swimming, water sports and watching the seabirds.
Smoking Lobster Ventnor
Reservations required·Outdoor seating·Vegetarian options
Open · Closes 9 PM
Yaverland Beach
Easy parking close by lovely clear water and soft black sand.
Wight Military and Heritage Museum
Lots of interesting stuff to see and do.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
The Royal Hotel
The food is exquisite, surroundings perfect and staff superb.
The Fountain Inn
Traditional pub with classy bedrooms
Open · Closes 11 PM
Prego
Closed · Opens 5 PM Mon
Duke of York
... comfortable, clean, friendly staff, good food, diverse pub mix pub.
Corries Cabin
Open
Artisan Cafe
Best food on the isle of wight, great service too
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Smoking Lobster Cowes
Some of the best food and service I have had on the island.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Sandown Beach
Great wide sandy beach with dog friendly areas too
Shoreside Cafe
Fantastic staff and beautiful views whilst chilling with an ice cream
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
The Travellers Joy Isle of Wight
Outdoor seating·Live music·Karaoke
Open · Closes 9 PM
The Garden
Outdoor seating·Private dining room·Vegan options
Open · Closes 10 PM
Egypt Point
Free car park with interesting history and fabulous walks through the wood.
Pier View
Delicious dinner, such as chicken pie and seafood chowder.
Open · Closes 11 PM
The Terrace
Outdoor seating·Vegan options·Kids' menu
Open · Closes 11 PM
The Globe
Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Live music
Murrays Seafood Restaurant
Long-running specialist seafood venue
Open · Closes 9 PM
Eegons Cafe
Best breakfast in Cowes great value and the staff are great.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
The Ale House Cowes
Cosy dining room with seasonal menu
Open · Closes 11 PM
Tonino's Italian Restaurant
Food was all freshly cooked, tasty and decent sized portions.
Closed · Opens 6 PM Tue
Sails of Cowes
Great value breakfast, really tasty local ingredients used.
Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon
Gurnard Bay
Great free parking, beach play area and public toilets
RT Café Grill
Stunning ocean views from the garden tables, excellent food and service
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Painters Arms
Outdoor seating·Doesn't accept reservations·Live performances
Open · Closes 10 PM
Woodside Beach
Come at high tide and swim!
Open 24 hours
East Cowes Sea Front
Playground
Open 24 hours
The Red Duster
Vegetarian options
Open · Closes 10 PM
The Cockle
Open
The Lost Mill Bakery
Stopped in for a sandwich which were excellent and reasonabley priced.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Tue
Number 3
The perfect amuse bouche , homemade bread and tender local fillet steak .
Closed · Opens 7 PM Mon
Prickly Pear Mexican Kitchen
Happy hour food·Fireplace·Vegan options
Open · Closes 10 PM
The Fluffy Pumpkin Coffee House
Lovely coffee, great staff and a lovely little place to sit.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Thorness Bay Beach
Not swimmable but very peaceful.
Compass Cafe and Bar
Happy hour·Great cocktails·Live music
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Comicoffee Cowes
Top-notch food, tasty coffee, and very welcoming service.
Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon
Moocow
Wonderful restaurant, great food, brilliant and friendly service.
Closed · Opens 6 PM Fri
Carvel Lane Speciality Coffee
Best coffee shop in cowes - great flat 'wight' and friendly service
Closed · Opens 6:45 AM Mon
PO41 Coffee House Cowes
Fantastic staff, fantastic food/cakes and the coffee is absolutely tip top!
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Manny's Baguettes
Great food very good value
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Consort Restaurant at Albert Cottage Hotel
Outdoor seating
The Summer Garden
The Little Coffee Bike
Amazing service, great selection of all coffees and cakes.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Pontoon View Bar
Impeccable service, fabulous food and the most breathtaking alcohol.
Open · Closes 8 PM
The Sir Max Aitken Museum
Nautical artifacts in a sailmaker's loft
Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
PINNACLE Shops - Cafe - Fitness Studio - Hotel
Huge and varied selection of items on offer.
Cowes Dress Agency
I get all my good quality clothes here at really great prices!
Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
Live Like This
Really lovely shop with a great selection of unique products.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Cowes Maritime Museum
Small museum of sailing & shipbuilding
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Bar 46 Cowes
Dine-in
Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
White Stuff Cowes
Lovely ethical products and good sales.
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Newmans Sports Café and Bar
We opted for the vegan hot dogs which were absolutely delicious .
Open · Closes 10 AM Mon
Shorelines
Went there today and found some lovely items.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
The Bird Bar
Great cocktails·Live music·Food at bar
Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
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.
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.
Cruise Lines at Cowes, Isle of Wight
- Seabourn (15 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (4 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (2 cruises)
- Swan Hellenic (1 cruise)