where we are
how to find us
For those who have never been to the Isle of Wight, be prepared to be
in one of the most beautiful places in the British Isles. After the
pleasure of a short but fascinating sea voyage you find yourselves in an
island only 30 miles long and 12 miles North to south which is a
microcosm of some of the most attractive parts of Southern England.
White cliffs, rolling pasture, heath land, windswept hills, natural and
cultivated forestland, soft sandstone cliffs, pebble beaches, and long
sand strands. There are the magnificent views of the mainland across the
ever-changing Solent, the English Channel to the South and spectacular
sunsets over the New Forest at the North-West. The Island is fascinating
for its wealth of historic sites and has for long been known as one of
the most prolific sources of remains of amazing pre-historic animals.
Cowes is at the Northern Tip of the Island and is a main point of
arrival and departure. The River Medina divides Cowes from East Cowes
and they are re-united by a chain-ferry locally called the floating
bridge. It is a historic little town with a fascinating high street
along the harbour that is a mecca for sailors and holidaymakers. Early
Royal connexions, particularly with Queen Victoria, led to its rise as a
resort for yachtsmen, but it was also a busy port and centre for ship
and boat building. The Solent is one of the best places to enjoy sailing
and with all this it is not surprising that Cowes has become the most
famous centre for yachting in the world! Early this century the seafront
was developed into a long esplanade to the West beginning at The Parade.
That is where you will find us.
The Parade forms the seafront area of Cowes to the West of he town. It
is itself a car park and is the main arrival point for coach parties.
by car
From Newport:
Turn left at the Northwood traffic lights at Northwood Garage. Keep to
the main road, which becomes Place Road until the ‘Round House’
mini-roundabout where you turn left and immediately right into Baring
Road. This is a long road that brings you to the West end of Cowes. It
eventually descends to give you a view over the harbour to the East.
Bear left into castle Hill that drops down past the Royal Yacht Squadron
to the Parade.
From the Floating Bridge:
Keep to the main road that curves inland and rises up Mill Hill. Look
for a sign directing you to the seafront to the right into Victoria Road
that dips down and rises to a T-junction with Park Road. Turn right and
immediately left into Ward Avenue at the end of which is a T-junction
into Baring Road. Turn right and soon left into castle Hill that drops
down past the Royal Yacht Squadron to the Parade.
on foot
From the Floating Bridge:
On leaving the Floating Bridge from East Cowes follow the main road to
the Police Station and turn right into Birmingham Road. This becomes the
High Street and brings you to the entrance to the Red Funnel Red Jet
Fast ferry terminal and:
From the Bus Stop
Outside ‘the Co-op’ walk downhill and turn left to the entrance to the
Red Funnel Red Jet Fast Ferry terminal and:
From the Red Funnel Red Jet Terminal:
Turn west into the High Street, which is a pedestrian area at this
point. Keep going, with occasional glimpses of the harbour on your
right. The road becomes Bath road, which after winding a little comes
out on the Parade. Look for our sign by a path down to the Parade on the
right.
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