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 boutique hotel" 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">Image: 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. One of three Isle of Wight outposts that include the original on Ventnor Beach, <a href="https://www.smoking-lobster.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 and restaurant at the beautiful boutique Michelin Key <a href="https://forestershall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foresters Hall</a> (book well ahead). </p>



<p>Or head over the river to East Cowes and join the visiting yachtsmen at&nbsp;<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&nbsp;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&nbsp;pedestrianised&nbsp;High Street&nbsp;is a mix of upmarket branches to keep the yachtie set happy, as well as indie boutiques with plenty of nautical nods, natch. Browse&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/shorelinesofcowes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shorelines</a>&nbsp;sells quirky gifts and artwork.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.livelikethis.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Live Like&nbsp;This</a>&nbsp;(previously voted&nbsp;one of the 10 best shops by the sea by <em>Coast </em>magazine)&nbsp;combines both for lifestyle, accessories, and furniture.&nbsp;</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 Isle 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">Image: Cowes waterfront.<em> <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> </em></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. And moving locations around the Island, DJ Rob da Bank&#8217;s woodfired <a href="https://www.slowmotionwellness.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slomo</a> saunas take in some spectacular views, including 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">Image: Osborne 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 is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="931" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Isle-of-Wight-house-cowes.jpg" alt="5-bed farmhouse for sale in cowes isle of wight" class="wp-image-38992" style="aspect-ratio:1.6111707841031149;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Isle-of-Wight-house-cowes.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Isle-of-Wight-house-cowes-800x497.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Isle-of-Wight-house-cowes-1000x621.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Isle-of-Wight-house-cowes-768x477.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ahoy! 0.7 miles from Cowes, this 5-bed former farmhouse is <a href="https://www.spencewillard.co.uk/listing/cowes-isle-of-wight-38/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the market for £770,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



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



<p>Centrally there&#8217;s both <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> &#8211; both are Ofsted good. 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 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://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/ryde-school/" 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 260 Best Places to Live</a></em></p>


Cowes

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