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Cowes offers exceptional visitor appeal with cruise ship passengers able to visit world famous tourist attractions such as Queen Victoria’s magnificent Osborne House in East Cowes, the palatial royal residence used as the setting for the major feature film Victoria and Abdul.

We are proud that the Isle of Wight has recently been recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Every year, a number of small and medium-sized cruise ships on Northern European itineraries are welcomed to the Isle of Wight to enjoy the delights of Cowes, as well as the Island’s stunning coastlines and breathtaking landscapes. Cowes Harbour is working to secure increased cruise calls to Cowes for the benefit of the harbour, town and local economy.

Cowes is ideally located on the central south coast of the UK and is an economical port-of-call for European and UK cruise itineraries. The sheltered anchorage offers ample swinging room with a quick tender run to Trinity Landing for disembarkation. Cruise visitors arrive onto The Parade, which is next to Henry VIII’s “Cowes Castle”, home to the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron and in the heart of Cowes.

After alighting at Trinity Landing, cruise guests may discover the historic town of Cowes and home of world yachting. There is delightful boutique shopping in the winding streets, or a stroll along Prince’s Green gives stunning views over the Solent. Visitors can enjoy a visit to Queen Victoria’s magnificent Osborne House and follow “Victoria’s Island” heritage trail.

Cowes hosts an unrivalled number of yacht races and regattas each year, with thousands of visitors regularly arriving in the town during the season. Cowes Week is the highlight of the British yacht-racing calendar, while the Round the Island Race one of the largest participatory events in the world with around 1,500 boats competing.