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Cowes Week - accommodation, attractions and FAQ
Cowes Week has been going since 1826, so just before half six
Every August, 100,000 people turn up in relatively sleepy Cowes to turn their collars up, race yachts, get sunburnt, watch fireworks and drink Pimms.
Here's our guide to Cowes Week sailing regatta with advice on hotel accommodation and self catering, things to do (whether or not you sail) and some questions you might have.
Here's our guide to Cowes Week sailing regatta with advice on hotel accommodation and self catering, things to do (whether or not you sail) and some questions you might have.
When is Cowes Week?
The dates for Cowes Week vary but it is generally the first week in August. Sailors spend the week racing around the Solent and admiring the cut of their jibs, but there is enough on dry land to make it worth a visit for landlubbers.
Is Cowes Week worth visiting if I don't sail?
About 8500 of the people at Cowes Week are competitors, meaning that the remaining 90,000 (ish) are people watchers, spectators and nosey moochers, like myself.
The town has a fantastic atmosphere all week with big crowds in the pretty high street and on the green overlooking the water.
If you're not a sailor then highlights typically include:
See our guide to things to do in Cowes
The town has a fantastic atmosphere all week with big crowds in the pretty high street and on the green overlooking the water.
If you're not a sailor then highlights typically include:
- the fireworks on Friday night at Cowes Week are good fun. Most of the Island turns up in the town, causing Ventnor in the South Wight to lift by three feet. In 2016, Red Funnel put on a special ferry where you were trapped onboard with Keith Chegwin whilst the fireworks exploded. Remarkably, no-one jumped overboard.
- a family day on the Sunday, with various fun and games on dry land.
- Northwood House often puts on something special, which in recent years has included a big wheel and a gin festival
- the Red Arrows sometimes do a flyover at Cowes Week
- a ladies day, some of which is on the water. However, there are also special offers and discounts at some of the shops.
- live music in the marina every night, generally from tribute and covers acts
- random businesses handing out free pens and selling sailing related things along the Esplanade
- if you've not been to the town before, you can also do some shopping in yachty shops (ideal if you want to choose from 33 types of rope) and there's a free museum called the Sir Max Aitken Museum. There's a shingly beach, or walk along to Gurnard for an ice cream and a play on the swings.
See our guide to things to do in Cowes
Where can I find cheap accommodation during Cowes Week?
Accommodation prices in Cowes go sky high during Cowes Week unsurprisingly - sometimes doubling compared to the week before. However, there are still some reasonably priced options around.
- Cowes town centre Glamping and Camping in pre-pitched tents is available from IntentsGP. Slightly further afield you'll find camping and touring available at Thorness Bay, Waverley Park and at other campsites.
- Hotels in Cowes includes Best Western New Holmwood and Fountain Inn but there are others at Expedia. If you don't mind travelling to Newport (15 minutes away) then there is a Travelodge, Premier Inn and other places to stay.
- Cheap holiday parks include Thorness Bay, which isn't in the town itself but is a 10 minute drive away. Or check out our holiday park guide if you are willing to be a bit further away.
- There are loads of self catering cottages and holiday houses in Cowes at HomeAway and Blue Chip Holidays.
We've also got a guide to 10 places to stay in Cowes.
Camping and Glamping is available from IntentsGP
Where is the best place to watch the sailing at Cowes Week?
Sunsets on the Esplanade are ideal for romantic moves
You've got a few options.
There are spectator boat trips which will take you out onto the water on either a serene little boat, or on a high speed RIB (for those with a stronger stomach than mine).
If you'd rather stay on land, you can watch the races start from near the Royal Yacht Squadron if you can tolerate the sound of the guns firing. You can also get a good view from along the Esplanade, Queen's Road and Egypt Esplanade. I like to park my bottom on the Green.
As someone with very limited knowledge of sailing (I know which way up the yachts go), I would say that I find watching sailing from the shore a bit baffling. It is nice to see all the huge yachts whooshing past in the sunshine, but you really need to be within earshot of the commentary to have any hope of working out who is winning.
There are spectator boat trips which will take you out onto the water on either a serene little boat, or on a high speed RIB (for those with a stronger stomach than mine).
If you'd rather stay on land, you can watch the races start from near the Royal Yacht Squadron if you can tolerate the sound of the guns firing. You can also get a good view from along the Esplanade, Queen's Road and Egypt Esplanade. I like to park my bottom on the Green.
As someone with very limited knowledge of sailing (I know which way up the yachts go), I would say that I find watching sailing from the shore a bit baffling. It is nice to see all the huge yachts whooshing past in the sunshine, but you really need to be within earshot of the commentary to have any hope of working out who is winning.
How much does it cost to race at Cowes Week?
As you might expect, there are various classes of yacht which compete in the sailing regatta at Cowes Week. To give you can idea, prices in 2016 ranged from £210 to £953 per vessel for week long entry, depending on the type of boat and how long in advance you booked. For example, an SB20 competing for the whole week and booked a couple of months in advance would have cost £338 in 2016 (I had to Google what an SB20 was, I thought it was a postcode for St Albans).
There are also prices for daily entry which ranged from £50 to £225 in 2016.
There are also prices for daily entry which ranged from £50 to £225 in 2016.
How much does Cowes Week cost if I'm not sailing?
Assuming you aren't buying a yacht or competing in races, Cowes Week is fairly cheap.
If you are coming over from the mainland, then the Isle of Wight ferry is more expensive than usual during Cowes Week, if you are bringing a car. Expect to pay £100 - £150 (or maybe more) for a car full of people for a week's trip. You can save yourself 10% by booking via the booking form on our ferries guide or you can find other ways to save on our ferry discounts page.
If you travel as a foot passenger you will pay about £15 - £25 regardless of the time of year.
In recent years, entry to things like the Yacht Haven, Marina and Northwood House have been free so you can see some live music and drink Pimms or a softer alternative.
You can pay for things like firework night cruises and trips out, but if you just watch from the Esplanade then there isn't an entry fee.
Parking at Cowes Week is always a bit of a challenge. The town isn't really used to having such a huge number of people. There's a park and ride, or you can sometimes park in Gurnard and walk along the Esplanade into Cowes.
If you are coming over from the mainland, then the Isle of Wight ferry is more expensive than usual during Cowes Week, if you are bringing a car. Expect to pay £100 - £150 (or maybe more) for a car full of people for a week's trip. You can save yourself 10% by booking via the booking form on our ferries guide or you can find other ways to save on our ferry discounts page.
If you travel as a foot passenger you will pay about £15 - £25 regardless of the time of year.
In recent years, entry to things like the Yacht Haven, Marina and Northwood House have been free so you can see some live music and drink Pimms or a softer alternative.
You can pay for things like firework night cruises and trips out, but if you just watch from the Esplanade then there isn't an entry fee.
Parking at Cowes Week is always a bit of a challenge. The town isn't really used to having such a huge number of people. There's a park and ride, or you can sometimes park in Gurnard and walk along the Esplanade into Cowes.
The-Isle-of-Wight-Guru-Don't-Blame-Us-Disclaimer™ The information on this website is correct, as far as we know, but please do check opening times and details with attractions directly if you are planning a long journey - and please contact us if you find anything inaccurate.
