The Fountain Inn, Cowes

Cowes, a small yachting town, is steeped in nautical history and there are still many buildings of historical interest in the vicinity. Two castles were built in Cowes in 1815 using stone from Quarr Abbey in Ryde, after the monastery was dissloved by Henry VIII. The castle in West Cowes is now home to the Royal Yacht Squadron. The castle in East Cowes still stands to this day, overlooking the Solent. Shortly before the Second World War, Two Polish Destroyer Ships were built in Cowes. They were called 'Grom' and 'Blyskawisca' meaning 'Thunder' and 'Lightning'. It is said that they protected Cowes from devastation during a German air raid.

Cowes comes alive in June each year for the 'Round the Island' yacht race. The summer continues to be a hive of activity with the highlight being the 'Skandia Life Cowes Week Regatta' that takes lace the first week in August each year. The first regatta was held between 1815 and 1820.

There is plenty to see and do in and around Cowes. We have put together a list of some local attractions below:

The Needles
Alum Bay, Isle of Wight. Tel: 0870 458 0022
Visit the Website

Isle of Wight Festival
Isle of Wight.
Visit the Website

Amazon World Zoo Park
Watery Lane, Nr Arreton. Tel: 01983 867 122
Visit the Website

Black Gang Chine
Blackgang Chine, Nr Ventnor. Tel: 01983 730 052
Visit the Website

Brading Roman VillaVisit the Website

Brading Wax Museum
open 366 days a year
Visit the Website

Brickfields Horse Country
Animals and rides near Binstead
Visit the Website

Dimbola House
Freshwater, with Photographic Exhibition & Museum
Visit the Website

Flamingo Park
Wildlife Encounter
Flamingo Park

Fort Victoria Country Park
With Planetarium, Model Railway and Marine Aquarium.
Visit the Website

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Wroxall. Over 100 donkeys
Visit the Website

Isle of Wight Military History Museum
Northwood, nr Cowes
Visit the Website

Isle of Wight Natural History Centre
Godshill
Visit the Website

Isle of Wight Zoo
Yaverland's Seafront, nr Sandown
Visit the Website

LA Bowl Ten Pin Bowling
Ryde Pavilion
Visit the Website

Owl an Falconry Centre
Wroxall
Visit the Website

Rosemary Vineyard
Ryde
Visit the Website

Quay Arts Centre
Newport
Visit the Website

Robin Hill Country Park
Downend near Arreton
Visit the Website

Ventnor Botanic Garden
Sub tropical plants
Visit the Website

Xtreme Play
Newport
Visit the Website