Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>This picturesque maritime town&nbsp;has much more than its historical regatta to recommend it.&nbsp;Cowes&nbsp;has speedy links to the mainland, plenty of pretty Victorian properties and enough bars and restaurants for foodies to sink their teeth into.&nbsp;For those wanting the best of both worlds, it’s one of our top Isle of Wight picks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat-nbsp">EAT&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Foresters-Hall-Isle-of-Wight.jpg" alt="Foresters Hall Isle of Wight Cowes Robert Thompson Chef " class="wp-image-28691" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Foresters-Hall-Isle-of-Wight.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Foresters-Hall-Isle-of-Wight-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Foresters-Hall-Isle-of-Wight-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Foresters-Hall-Isle-of-Wight-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Foresters-Hall-Isle-of-Wight-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Foresters Hall</figcaption></figure>



<p>There’s more to the pubs and restaurants here than seafood&nbsp;(although if you’re a fan of a fish dish, head to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.theredduster.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Red Duster</a>&nbsp;– you can’t miss the bright red frontage).&nbsp;Bijou Italian&nbsp;<a aria-label="Tonino’s (opens in a new tab)" href="https://toninoscowes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tonino’s</a>&nbsp;has been serving up Puglia-inspired dishes&nbsp;to hungry islanders since 1979. Tucked away in Shepards Marina, <a href="https://thebasquekitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Basque Kitchen</a>&nbsp;specialises&nbsp;in gorgeous Spanish tapas and gin (sip it in the pretty back garden). One of three Isle of Wight outposts that include the original on Ventnor Beach, <a href="https://www.smokinglobstercowes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smoking Lobster</a> in Cowes Marina serves up amazing Island produce &#8216;reimagined through a pan Asian lens&#8217;. </p>



<p>Whatever the time, drop by <a href="https://www.thecoastbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Coast Bar</a> for relaxed, all-day dining. Or grab a fresh cup of joe and a&nbsp;croissant or pick up lunch for the whole crew at the <a href="https://www.lostmillbakery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lost Mill Bakery</a>, where sourdough breads and pastries are freshly baked in house.</p>



<p>For a relaxed drink, the <a aria-label="Compass Bar (opens in a new tab)" href="https://compassbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Compass Bar</a> has plenty of great wine and cocktails and there&#8217;s also a bar at the beautiful boutique <a href="https://forestershall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foresters Hall</a>. </p>



<p>Or head over the river to East Cowes and join the visiting yachtsmen at <a href="https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/isle-of-wight/folly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Folly Inn</a>, an open plan, rustic pub perched on the banks of the river in East Cowes with fab views of the passing yachts travelling down the medina. Also tucked away in East Cowes <a href="https://www.artisancafe.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artisan Cafe</a> is a great spot for coffee, brunch, huge healthy salads and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>The pretty pedestrianised High Street is a mix of upmarket branches to keep the yachtie set happy, as well as indie boutiques with plenty of nautical nods, natch. Browse <a href="https://www.staplesandgreen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Staples &amp; Green</a> and <a href="https://www.jackthompsonandco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jack Thompson and Co</a> for interiors, while <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shorelinesofcowes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shorelines</a> sells quirky gifts and artwork. <a href="https://www.livelikethis.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Live Like This</a> (previously voted one of the 10 best shops by the sea by <em>Coast </em>magazine) combines both for lifestyle, accessories, and furniture. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Cowes-coastline-Credit_Benjamin-Elliot.jpg" alt="Beach and boat at COwes Idle of White Benjamin Elliott  Unsplash" class="wp-image-35260" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Cowes-coastline-Credit_Benjamin-Elliot.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Cowes-coastline-Credit_Benjamin-Elliot-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Cowes-coastline-Credit_Benjamin-Elliot-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Cowes-coastline-Credit_Benjamin-Elliot-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@benjaminelliott?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benjamin Elliott</a> </figcaption></figure>



<p>Living right by the sea is always a tonic. Not to mention the Isle of Wight is a wellbeing haven of stunning countryside. If you don&#8217;t fancy your yoga on a paddle board (which can be arranged), <a href="https://www.isleofwightpilates.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isle of Wight Pilates</a> has studio-based yoga and pilates classes in Cowes. For massage and alternative therapies, <a href="https://becalmedincowes.co.uk/services/wellbeing-relaxation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BeCalmed of Cowes</a> offers massage, reflexology and other holistic therapies. In summer, head south for DJ Rob da Bank&#8217;s woodfired <a href="https://www.slowmotionwellness.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slow Motion Wellness</a> sauna looking out over the beautiful Compton Bay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>The sailing scene is big here, with many likeminded locals enjoying the social side of their hobby at the town&#8217;s yacht clubs. If you don&#8217;t have a boat, there&#8217;s also a golf course, tennis courts, beaches and plenty of family-friendly green spaces, as well as some of the liveliest pubs and bars on the Island.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>In Cowes itself, <a href="https://www.caods.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity Theatre</a> belongs to one of the oldest amateur dramatic societies in Britain which use it to stage their shows and host social events. Also in town, <a href="https://northwoodhouse.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwood House</a>, a grade II listed Georgian manor house, is used for lots of cultural events, including the Isle of Wight Literary Festival and the annual <a href="https://www.wightproms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wight Proms</a>, a week of opera, musical theatre and rousing orchestral concerts, held every August. Close by in Newport, there&#8217;s <a href="http://www.medinatheatre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Medina</a> and <a href="https://www.apollo-theatre.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Apollo</a> theatres, a Cineworld and <a href="https://www.quayarts.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quay Arts</a> for exhibitions, workshops, comedy and live arts events. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Osbourne-House-in-Autumn.jpg" alt="Osbourne House East Cowes autumn leaves best places to live isle of wight move to" class="wp-image-28756" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Osbourne-House-in-Autumn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Osbourne-House-in-Autumn-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Osbourne-House-in-Autumn-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Osbourne-House-in-Autumn-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Osbourne-House-in-Autumn-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Osbourne House</figcaption></figure>



<p>Head across the floating bridge to nose around&nbsp;Cowes’ sister town East&nbsp;Cowes, and you’ll spot&nbsp;English Heritage site&nbsp;<a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=osborne_house_20&amp;&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwupD4BRD4ARIsABJMmZ8PVHhJaa_XfoUasSsXdm7Rhw6hAaqx74xVAxIKdyKUSA3KpPTHxeEaAoXgEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osborne House</a>, best known as Queen Victoria’s seaside retreat.&nbsp;There are also plenty of museums, most with a maritime or military theme.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/cowes-maritime-museum-p140581" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cowes Maritime Museum</a>&nbsp;is free to visit, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.classicboatmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Classic Boat Museum</a>&nbsp;costs a couple of pounds to enter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Property is massively varied in style and age here but if you’re lucky you can nab views of the River Medina.&nbsp;Properties in&nbsp;Cowes&nbsp;has&nbsp;an overall average price of £343,195. Detached go for&nbsp;£527,375 and semis £303,878.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Cowes-house-view.jpg" alt="View from a balcony Cowes Isle of Wight Best Places to Live coastal property " class="wp-image-35889" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Cowes-house-view.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Cowes-house-view-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Cowes-house-view-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Cowes-house-view-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sea view? This four-bed, three storey townhouse comes with a private mooring. <a href="https://www.spencewillard.co.uk/listing/old-town-cowes-isle-of-wight-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £1.49m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Centrally located, <a href="https://blackberrylanecowes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackberry Lane Nursery and Pre-School</a> and <a href="https://www.littlelovelane.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Love Lane Pre-School and Nursery</a> are both rated as Good by Ofsted. A short drive away, <a href="https://www.rydeschool.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryde School with Upper Chine</a> has a lovely nursery for children aged 2 yrs upwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>There’s an excellent array of state primary schools nearby, including <a href="https://www.cowesprimaryschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cowes&nbsp;Primary School </a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gurnardprimaryschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gurnard Primary School</a>, both rated as Good by Ofsted. <a href="https://cowesec.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cowes&nbsp;Enterprise College</a> with its secondary school and sixth form is a&nbsp;solid option for older children, also with a Good rating. <a aria-label="Priory School (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.prioryschool.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Priory School</a>, a co-ed day school in&nbsp;Whippingham, is a nearby independent option for&nbsp;Cowes, as is <a href="https://www.rydeschool.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryde School with Upper Chine</a>, a co-ed day and boarding school catering for ages 2 – 18 yrs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Cowes&nbsp;isn’t what we’d call a beach retreat, but&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;Gurnard is within walking distance and is home to several quaint shingle beaches for a dip and a picnic.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Funnel</a>&nbsp;ferry&nbsp;has a passenger-only high-speed service&nbsp;to Southampton that crosses 30 times a day &#8211; from there you’re looking at a 90 min train to London Waterloo. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Cowes

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