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United KingdomCowes Destination Guide
It was not until the reign of keen sailor George IV that the stage was set for the heyday of Cowes as 'The Yachting Capital of the World.' In 1826 the Royal Yacht Squadron organised a three-day regatta for the first time and the next year the king signified his approval of the event by presenting a cup to mark the occasion. This became known as Cowes Regatta and it soon grew into a four-day event that always ended with a fireworks display.
Transport I Car Hire I Hotels I Entertainment I Food & Drink I Tourist Tips Cowes Harbour:
The major events each year bring thousands of yachts into Cowes with 10,000 or more boating visitors arriving in the town during the largest events.
Transport:Cowes and East Cowes are key gateway towns for the Isle of Wight. Travellers to Southampton are served by a high speed catamaran passenger ferry from "West" Cowes and a vehicle ferry from East Cowes. Access to the island is by regular ferry, hovercraft or private boat from the nearby towns. The major ferry routes are:
Car Hire:Our Car Hire department can organise any type of vehicle you require, please call 01903 832888 and speak to Isie, or alternatively you can email us your request.
Hotels:
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Trivia: 
Cowes Harbour is one of the busiest in the country for recreational sailing and boating, and hosts an unequalled number of racing events and cruising rallies every season. 
Wightlink Fastcat passenger ferry from Portsmouth Harbour rail station on the mainland to Ryde Pier Head on the island
Alongside the painters writers are very prominent in the Island's history and to a certain extent made the Island the 'chic' place to hangout during the Victorian period. Tennyson took up residence in Freshwater Bay and his work is full of references to his favourite little spot, Swinburne lived and is buried in Bonchurch, J B Priestly lived in Brooke, Rev Leigh Richmon author of the 'Dairyman's Daughter' was actually the vicar of Brading, Samuel Wilberforce was the rector of Brighstone, John Keats lived in Shanklin, Marx & Engels both spent time on the Island, Lewis Carroll lived and wrote in Shanklin, Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield while staying in Bonchurch, Darwin began his 'Origin of Species' on the Island before leaving on his voyage and Winston Churchill even spent his summers in Ventnor where his sister lived.
The Island has a thriving contemporary arts scene with individuals such as Stephen Dews (internationally renowned marine artist), Anthony Minghella (Oscar winning director), The Bees and Drew (both renowned musicians) holding permanent residencies on the Island. The Quay Arts Centre in Newport is one of the best locations to see some of the new work on offer from up-and-coming Island artists and offers an excellent opportunity to purchase a work that one day might possibly feature in the Tate collection. 
The Island had been a gastronomic desert for decades up until a few years ago. Since then the islanders have been making huge strides towards becoming a food destination of excellence, particularly in the field of local produce. The Island is lucky to have a unique climate which has allowed it to become renowned for products such as tomatoes and garlic, their apple harvest is even a month earlier than the rest of the UK!
The Isle of Wight hosts over two hundred events each year from town carnivals and regattas to major international sailing and extreme sports events. With its natural harbours, sandy beaches, rugged downland and more miles of footpath and cycleways than road, the Island is the perfect location for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, sailing and extreme sports.
The house consisted of the original square wing known as 'The Pavilion', which contained the principal and royal apartments. The 'main wing', containing the household accommodation and council and audience chambers, was added later. The final addition to the house was the 'Durbar Wing' built between 1890 and 1891. No single, large room was in the original building, and so a grand chamber was included in the new wing. On the ground floor was the Durbar room, a large hall decorated in the Indian style by Indian craftsmen brought to England especially for the task. This was used as a grand formal room and ballroom. The second floor was for the sole use of Princess Beatrice and her family. Beatrice was the Queen's youngest daughter, who remained permanently at her side.
Located in the centre of the island, the castle is well worth a visit. Charles I was held prisoner here. The castle appears in the popular children's story 'Moonfleet', and the well which appears in the story, with a treadmill driven by a donkey (not worked very hard these days) is a popular tourist feature.
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