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EuropeUnited KingdomEngland

Cowes

England, United Kingdom · Europe

About Cowes

Cowes works well as a base: 10 minutes from Wootton, 15km from Military Road, Isle of Wight.

Cowes is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 21,226, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Cowes sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Cowes to your route.

About Cowes

Cowes () is an English seaport town and civil parish on the Isle of Wight, England. Cowes is located on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina, facing the smaller town of East Cowes on the east bank. The two towns are linked by the Cowes Floating Bridge, a chain ferry. Cowes has a population of 14,370

Read more according to the 2021 Census. Charles Godfrey Leland's 19th-century verses describe the towns poetically as "The two great Cowes that in loud thunder roar/This on the eastern, that the western shore". Cowes has been seen as a home for international yacht racing since the founding of the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1815. It gives its name to the world's oldest regular regatta, Cowes Week, which occurs annually in the first week of August. Later, powerboat races are held. Much of the town's architecture is still heavily influenced by the style of ornate building that Prince Albert popularised.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Cowes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Cowes?

Cowes offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Cowes?

Plan your road trip to Cowes with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Cowes as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Cowes located?

Cowes is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 50.7625 latitude, -1.2978 longitude.

What is the population of Cowes?

Cowes has a population of approximately 21,226 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
21,226
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
England
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
50.7625, -1.2978

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomEnglandTown

Worth the detour from Cowes

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

famous road

Military Road, Isle of Wight

Thrilling clifftop road along the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight with sweeping sea views and access to dramatic landslip scenery.

15 km · about 30 min drive

museum

National Motor Museum Beaulieu

Set in the grounds of a historic abbey, it houses over 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring from 1893 to the present.

16 km · about 30 min drive

natural wonder

The Needles, Isle of Wight

Three distinctive chalk sea stacks rising from the sea off the western tip of the Isle of Wight, topped by a red-and-white striped lighthouse.

23 km · about 25 min drive

national park

New Forest National Park

Ancient royal hunting ground where wild ponies and deer roam freely through 219 square miles of heathland, woodland and coastal marshes.

24 km · about 30 min drive

cafe

Caffeine & Machine: The Hut

The Hampshire outpost near the South Downs, 45 minutes from Goodwood and close to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

32 km · about 35 min drive

landmark

Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

A remarkable collection of rare and unique motorcycles in the New Forest assembled by legendary trials rider Sammy Miller.

33 km · about 40 min drive

cafe

Loomies Moto Cafe

A beloved biker cafe on the A32 in Hampshire that draws motorcyclists from across southern England with its welcoming atmosphere and hearty food.

34 km · about 40 min drive

racetrack

Goodwood Motor Circuit

Historic circuit famous for the Revival and Festival of Speed, offering member track days on the original 1948 layout.

40 km · about 45 min drive

Driving roads near Cowes

  • Right hereMilitary Road, Isle of WightThrilling clifftop road along the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight with sweeping sea views and access to dramatic landslip scenery.
  • 41 kmGoodwood Festival of SpeedThe hillclimb course on the Goodwood estate driveway where Formula One cars, prewar Grand Prix machinery and rally legends run flat out past a country house each summer. The 1.16-mile course is estate road year-round.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

April to October

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Cowes.

East Cowes

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

1 km awayPop. 8,428

Gurnard

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

2 km away

Northwood

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

3 km away

Wootton

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

6 km awayPop. 4,231

Newport

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

7 km awayPop. 24,884

Lee-on-the-Solent

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 7,224

Ryde

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 24,096

Titchfield

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

11 km awayPop. 7,280

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence