The towns of Cowes and East
Cowes lie on either side of the mouth of the River
Medina and are linked by a floating-bridge ferry.
A combination of location and old-fashioned
enterprise have turned the sail-filled resort of
Cowes into England’s leading yachting centre. The
annual Cowes Regatta, run by the Royal Yacht
Squadron, has been held since 1776, while Cowes
Week, which is staged annually each August, was
once a key part of the ‘high season’ enjoyed by
wealthier Victorians.
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Cowes
Regatta - Photo: Isle of Wight Tourism |
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Nearby is Osborne House,
formerly a country retreat for Queen Victoria –
who died here in 1901 – and Prince Albert. Now
controlled by English Heritage, it has a superb
garden with views over the Solent. Swiss Cottage
is a charming chalet in the grounds and once rang
to the sounds of royal children playing within.
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Osbourne House - Photo:
Isle of Wight Tourism |
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