Guidebook for Cowes
Food Scene
Fabulous food and great views, all within 5 minutes of the house down the hill.
25 locals recommend
The Little Gloster Restaurant with Rooms
31 Marsh RdFabulous food and great views, all within 5 minutes of the house down the hill.
A great place to stop for breakfast brunch or coffee. Views of the bay and across the Solent are exceptional.
11 locals recommend
The Watersedge
Shore RoadA great place to stop for breakfast brunch or coffee. Views of the bay and across the Solent are exceptional.
Great reclamation of an old quay and buildings. Art galleries and quirky shop, cafe with whole food and vegetarian menu. Casual but always pleasant. Wifi usually available.
15 locals recommend
Quay Arts
15 Sea StreetGreat reclamation of an old quay and buildings. Art galleries and quirky shop, cafe with whole food and vegetarian menu. Casual but always pleasant. Wifi usually available.
Lovely coastal town based on sailing and thus seasonal. However, interesting to visit in all seasons, with art galleries and cafes as well as shops and views of the shipping lanes and marinas.
Cowes Tandoori
40 High StLovely coastal town based on sailing and thus seasonal. However, interesting to visit in all seasons, with art galleries and cafes as well as shops and views of the shipping lanes and marinas.
Everything Else
Worsley Road Stores
23-25 Worsley RdVery convenient and long hours. A family business.
Creek Café
Fishbourne LaneThe ferry lands here from Portsmouth.
The ferry from Southampton docks here, across the chain link ferry from West Cowes. Alternative car route via Newport.
12 locals recommend
Red Funnel Ferries
Dover RoadThe ferry from Southampton docks here, across the chain link ferry from West Cowes. Alternative car route via Newport.
Entertainment & Activities
Colemans Farm Park
A popular petting farm with activity area.
Great for children. Coastal erosion means views exhilarating. Roller coaster fun but relatively small. Maze, dinosaurs, wild west village, etc.
122 locals recommend
Blackgang Chine
Great for children. Coastal erosion means views exhilarating. Roller coaster fun but relatively small. Maze, dinosaurs, wild west village, etc.
Another great day out for children. Extensive wooded parkland with rides, climbing equipment and slides etc. Site of Bestival in September.
101 locals recommend
Robin Hill
Downend RoadAnother great day out for children. Extensive wooded parkland with rides, climbing equipment and slides etc. Site of Bestival in September.
Sightseeing
Stunning ancient castle where King Charles I was kept prisoner and where his daughter Elizabeth died. Lovely views and very interesting walks inside and around the castle walls.
133 locals recommend
Carisbrooke Castle
Castle HillStunning ancient castle where King Charles I was kept prisoner and where his daughter Elizabeth died. Lovely views and very interesting walks inside and around the castle walls.
Early Photographic museum about Julia Margaret Cameron, aunt of Virginia Woolf. Beautiful and interesting to see.
Julia Margaret Cameron Trust
Early Photographic museum about Julia Margaret Cameron, aunt of Virginia Woolf. Beautiful and interesting to see.
Superb walks and views. Steep climb to the top but we find it worth the effort!
46 locals recommend
Tennyson Trail
Superb walks and views. Steep climb to the top but we find it worth the effort!
Parkhurst Forest
Beautiful forest, home to red squirrels and walking trails.
Newtown was the capital of the Island until the estuary silted up. Very pretty and quiet village, ancient town hall and walks.
13 locals recommend
Newtown Creek car park
2 Coastguard CottagesNewtown was the capital of the Island until the estuary silted up. Very pretty and quiet village, ancient town hall and walks.
Essentials
Aldi
Airfield WayClose to the house for food etc.
An alternative to Aldi, in East Cowes. Near the Red Funnel car ferry terminal.
19 locals recommend
Waitrose & Partners
Well RoadAn alternative to Aldi, in East Cowes. Near the Red Funnel car ferry terminal.
Shopping
Ryde - I.O.W
Pretty Victorian coastal town with variety of shops and cafes, restaurants etc.