| Cowes - Isle of Wight is the main port on the island. It | | | | since. |
| has a natural harbor at the estuary of the Medina | | | | If you are an avid shopper, you will delight in shopping in |
| River. The town is perhaps best known as the premier | | | | High Street, which is now a lively pedestrianized |
| yachting center of the world. Yachtsmen from all | | | | shopper's paradise. There are of course many shops |
| across the globe partake in various esteemed sailing | | | | related to the yachting industry, but also a large |
| events during the yearly season. The most famous of | | | | number of gift shops, clothing shops, and of course |
| these is no doubt Cowes Week, which takes place | | | | numerous lively cafes, pubs and restaurants. |
| yearly during the first part of August. | | | | Above High Street you will find Northwood House and |
| Cowes and East Cowes developed from a cluster of | | | | Park. This lovely estate was built during 1837 and |
| fishermen's cottages that developed around 2 coastal | | | | became public property in 1929. Its grounds cover an |
| fortresses built by Henry the eighth on opposite banks | | | | area of 26 acres and there are nowadays facilities like |
| of the Medina River. They were named after the two | | | | tennis courts, putting greens, bowling greens and a play |
| sandbanks (or cows) found offshore. There is an | | | | area for children. Next to the park you will find St |
| antiquated old chain ferry linking the two towns and | | | | Mary's Church, with its beautiful clock tower designed |
| both have a long standing tradition of building fine ships | | | | by J. Nash. |
| dating as far back as the reign of Elizabeth I. | | | | For those who have to get back to Southampton in a |
| After that came the yacht building industry, which grew | | | | hurry: the high-speed catamaran service is located |
| in importance as sailing became more and more | | | | near the Tourist Information Office at Fountain Quay. |
| popular. The sport was soon endorsed by the Royals | | | | Whether you are interested in yachting or not, a visit to |
| and during 1854 the Royal Yacht Squadron moved into | | | | Cowes - Isle of Wight is sure to be an interesting and |
| the old Tudor fort, now known as Cowes Castle. This | | | | relaxing experience, since the town has so much to |
| has placed Cowes firmly on the yachting map ever | | | | offer the visitor. |