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COWES , at the northern tip of the Isle of Wight, is inextricably
associated with sailing craft and boat building: Henry VIII built a
castle here to defend the Solent's expanding naval dockyards from the
French and Spanish, and in the 1950s the world's first hovercraft made
its test runs here. In 1820 the Prince Regent's patronage of the yacht
club gave the port its cachet with the Royal Yacht Squadron , now one of
the world's most exclusive sailing clubs, permitted to fly the St
George's Ensign guaranteeing free entry to all foreign ports. Only its
three hundred members and their guests are permitted within the hallowed
precincts of the club house in the remains of Henry VIII's castle, and
the club's landing stage is sacrosanct. The first week of August sees
the international yachting festival known as Cowes Week , which visiting
royalty turns into a high-society gala, although most summer weekends
see some form of yachting or powerboat racing off Cowes.
The town is bisected by the River Medina, with West Cowes being the
older and more interesting half, its High Street meandering up from the
waterfront Parade. Along the High Street you'll find shops reflecting
the town's gentrified heritage, with boatyards, chandlers and Beken's
famous yachting gallery - a photo by Beken of your yacht is considered
as prestigious as a family portrait by Snowdon.
Cowes tourist office is at the Arcade, Fountain Quay (April-Oct Mon-Sat
9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm, with extended hours during Cowes Week; Nov-March
Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; tel 01983/291914). Boat trips upriver and around the
harbour leave from the Parade; for details contact Solent & Wight Line
Cruises (tel 01983/564602).
The more affordable accommodation options include the Union Inn in Watch
House Lane, off High Street (tel 01983/293163; £40-50), and Halcyone
Villa , Grove Road, up Mill Hill Road from the east end of the High
Street (tel 01983/291334, ; under £40), and in East Cowes, there's the
Doghouse (tel 01983/293677; £50-60), Crossways Road, opposite Osborne
House. The town has a decent selection of places to eat : Baan Thai , 10
Bath Rd (at the west end of the High Street), offers good-quality
oriental food at moderate prices, while the Octopus's Garden , 63 High
St, is a Beatles-themed café serving baguettes and pies. Along the High
Street, you can also pick up a snack or just a pint at the Fountain,
Anchor and Harbour Lights pubs .
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