Cowes is located on the west bank of the River Medina, on the Isle if Wight. This seaport town is sometimes referred to as West Cowes to distinguish it from East Cowes, a small town facing Cowes. The two towns are linked by the Cowes Floating Bridge. Cowes gives its name to the worlds oldest regatta - Cowes Week, which takes place in the first week of August. The origin of the town name is between two schools of thought. The first dating from the time of Henry VIII when fortifications called cowforts or cowes were built on the east and west banks to prevent French Invasions. The second comes from15th century records of Eastcowes and Westcowes, sandbanks on the River Medina estuary with a supposed likeness to cows. The town industry has always centred around marine craft; East Cowes was once the home of manufacturer Saunders Roe who built the Saunders Roe Princess. At the time, it was one of the largest flying aircraft in existence. Renowned for sailing, the town is also home to the Royal Yacht Squadron which operates from Cowes Castle. By being located due south of the English port of Southampton, Cowes and East Cowes are something of a gateway for the Isle of Wight. A high speed catamaran passenger ferry and a vehicle ferry operate from Cowes and East Cowes respectively. The return journey to East Cowes is something of a spectacle as, on arrival, visitors are faced with the worlds largest Union Jack flag on the hangar doors. This was painted in celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Queens coronation. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert once resided at Norris Castle and Osbourne House. More recently, Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, the last Viceroy of India - Lord Mountbatten and architect John Nash are all famous residents
Cowes Hotel, Cowes Bed and Breakfast, Cowes Cheap Hotel accommodation suitable for a Cowes Weekend Break, a Cowes City Break, Cowes Wedding Accommodation, Cowes Guys Night out, Cowes Girls Night out or even a Cowes Stag Night or a Cowes Hen Night