Guide to Cowes Week

23 July 2019

This August, yacht clubs around the country will be dropping anchor off the coast of the Isle of Wight for the world’s oldest regatta: Cowes Week.

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Grab your binoculars and spectate the thousands of competitors racing head to head from the shorelines or get stuck into the action aboard a viewing boat. The coastal town is brimming with cosy B&Bs, seafood restaurants and quaint country pubs, so even if you haven’t quite got your sea legs yet, you can still enjoy this world-class event in style.

Where to stay

Once the town’s theatre, it would be easy to miss The North House’s now understated exterior. Whitewashed walls soon give way to carefully curated boutique-style rooms, furnished with antique pieces and Farrow & Ball interiors. Be sure to make full use of the homey finishing touches; recline on the sun terrace in one of the coastal-inspired deck chairs, soak off a day of bracing wind in the roll top bath, or tuck into the in-room complimentary cookie jar - perfect fuel after a day on the shores.

Where to eat

After all the racing excitement, you’ll have built up an appetite. Look no further than The Little Gloster’s fresh, seasonal offerings. Boasting locally sourced fresh crab and lobster, this is the perfect location to get your seafood fix. Prefer your fish left in the sea? This award-winning restaurant’s pappardelle with asparagus and cream is a must-try, with the fresh pasta handmade on site using local ingredients. It doesn’t get much fresher than this.

Where to drink

Get into the island spirit with a tipple or two from the local distillery. The only licensed distiller on the island, the Isle of Wight distillery cuts their nautically inspired beverages with local spring water and handcrafts the spirits in small batches. Visit the aptly-named Mermaid Bar to watch the stills in action while sipping on their signature Mermaid Gin or – for the brave of heart – their HMS Victory navy strength rum.

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