What to do during Cowes Week
Credit: Cowes Week
From its beginnings nearly 200 years ago, Cowes Week is probably the world’s most famous yachting regatta.
Lasting until 4 August, Cowes Week is where royalty and A-listers flock to mingle with professional sailors.
Still, Cowes Week is much more than what happens on the water.
There is a host of activities, entertainment and vibrant events on terra firma.
Events
The Regatta Village 28 July-6 August
Live music, bars and food trucks line up the Parade at Cowes, overlooking the Solent. This is a great way to see the spectacle of hundreds of boats on the water.
Northwood House –28 July-6 August
Historic Northwood House hosts the Lawn Bar and Mermaid Garden. Expect dopwn tempo Ibiza vibes and live music from midday until after midnight.
Red Funnel Luminarium – 3-6 August
While visiting Northwood House, enjoy a unique first for the Isle of Wight – the “Dodecalis” Luminarium, by the Architects of Air, in association with Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel. Since 1992 more than three million visitors across five continents have been welcomed into one of the Architects of Air’s monumental luminaria. Immerse in radiant colour, that comes simply from daylight shining through the luminarium’s fabric..
Goodleaf Tree Climbing 3 August and 6 August only
Experience Cowes Week with a view like no other! Goodleaf Tree Climbing holds two days of sessions, for those aged eight years and above to ascend to the canopy of a magnificent tree at Northwood Park.
Pubs with live music
From The Globe on the Parade, via The Fountain, across to the Anchor and ending up at the Duke of York, these pubs host some talented musicians. The Anchor has a full programme of music during the day and the evening, while the Duke of York sees the return of international party band, Brando.
Shopping
The High Street in Cowes is home to many independent shops, each providing a fantastic experience for shop-a-holics
Restaurants
From Tonino’s Italian restaurant, via the renowned Smoking Lobster for Asian fusion, there are many restaurants and pubs with great food options. Get your Creole fix at Call It What You Want, and a seafood feast at Murrays.
Museums and attractions
With sites in Cowes and East Cowes, take a look at some of the Island’s rich sailing history, from classic yachts, motorboats, and lifeboats to Sir Ben Ainslie’s 2017 Americas Cup test boat BAR T1.
Three centuries of maritime history can be found in this quirky museum in the former home of Sir Max Aitken, a delightful pink building on Cowes High Street
Take the short trip on the floating bridge to East Cowes and visit the impressive Osborne, Queen Victoria’s home by the sea
Getting here:
Catch the fast passenger ferry service directly from Southampton to Cowes with Red Funnel and take advantage of a special deal for Cowes Week, just £12.30pp until 4 August.
Why not linger longer – there’s accommodation options aplenty for single travellers to large families:
https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/accommodation – book direct to take advantage of reduced ferry fares to the Isle of Wight.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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