East Cowes
Cowes is best known as the world’s premier yachting centre. It is the Island’s main port with a natural harbour at the mouth of the Medina river. Yachtsmen from all over the world participate in the season’s prestigious sailing events, of which the best known is Cowes Week, held annually at the beginning of August.
Shopping in the narrow pedestrianised High Street is a delight, with some excellent shops, many catering for the yachting fraternity. The town also has an array of fashionable clothing shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, not to mention some lively pubs.
The high speed passenger service to Southampton is easily located at the cente of the town at Fountain Quay, as is the Tourist Information Centre.
East Cowes is where you will find Osborne House, the former holiday home of Queen Victoria, preserved much as it was when the Queen died here in 1901. Nearby is St Mildred’s Church at Whippingham, where the Royal family worshipped. Both buildings were designed by the Prince Consort.
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