Cowes (on both sides of the River Medina) was already home to excellent boatbuilders back in the 17th century when they caught the eye of Russia’s Peter the Great. They did the same for Henry VIII who, from the other side of The Solent, watched in horror as his beloved Mary Rose sank just off the Isle of Wight.

Seaplanes, flying boats, hovercraft, Red Jets and Thames clippers have all been built here, so the town’s boatbuilding tradition goes back a very long way! 

Often referred to as ‘the sailing capital of the world’, the races of its prestigious Cowes Week (world-renowned sailing regatta) and the Round the Island race are started with the firing of the guns outside its exclusive Royal Yacht Squadron.

Sail lofts abound (one housing the quirky and eclectic Sir Max Aitken Museum) located along its main narrow pedestrian streets. These are lined by quaint and stylish shops, a few dating back to when Queen Victoria’s carriage was to be seen rattling over their uneven surface.
 
Also home to the Classic Boat Museum – its maritime and royal history is intertwined and can be sensed all around you.

The prominent Northwood House, set in extensive grounds, COULD have become the home of royalty, but instead, became a party house where international royalty and other very well-known people were entertained in an unimaginably excessive fashion! Its large secret networks of tunnels, accessed by a flight of rickety stairs, have inevitably led to speculations which make for some cracking tales! But even without these, what we know about how the house has been used at different periods of time is more than enough to keep you fascinated!
 
Let us whizz you through the centuries (metaphorically speaking – our pace will be nice and leisurely!) We will walk and talk you through all these areas and topics, keeping you right royally (and nautically) entertained, with the odd whiff of romance and scandal. There will certainly be something for everyone! 

We will be happy to extend the tour to East Cowes on the opposite side of the river, to visit Osborne House (where Victoria and Albert finally settled down). Let us bring it to life for you by giving you a very private and lesser-known account of the lives of the royal couple who made this their ‘home by the sea’. 

We would also like to show you St. Mildred’s Church, Whippingham – just a few streets away from Osborne. This royal church on the banks of the Medina enjoys an idyllic location and is beautifully tucked away. A gothic fantasy designed by Albert for Victoria, it was completed just before his death. The final resting place of 4 royals – it has its own story to tell – and should ideally be visited in addition to Osborne. 

Royalty, Racing and Rigging – new!

A deluxe Walking Tour for private bookings of 15 people or over

We are proud to introduce a brand-new tour in collaboration with The Boat Shed (Classic Boat Museum), The Max Aitken Museum and RORC (Royal Ocean Racing Club). It is designed to take 3.5 hours but can be adapted in its length. We have allowed approximately 45 minutes in each Museum with an in-house exclusive guided tour in each one. A leisurely stroll through the quaint pedestrian centre of Cowes as you walk from one to the other, whilst learning some fascinating facts and anecdotes from different periods of history.

The tour will start at the Sir Max Aitken Museum and next will be The Boat Shed, which is part of The Classic Boat Museum.  Eventually arriving back at The Esplanade, the tour will end at The RORC. This is a sailing club of the highest calibre. Slightly elevated on its waterfront location, it offers stunning views across The Solent. It is diagonally opposite The Royal Squadron (RYS) in one direction and Trinity Landing in the other. We guess you would prefer to sit outside on their vast and relaxing terrace if the weather permits. If not, you will feel equally happy inside its newly furnished ultra stylish bar and lounge area.

Wherever you sit, you will be served a superb Isle of Wight cream or savoury tea with a special twist.  Depending on the time of your visit, you may instead be tempted by something from their lovely lunch menu. In addition to tea or coffee, you may additionally feel like indulging in a local Mermaid gin, vodka or rum-based cocktail, a gin and tonic, prosecco or something equally wonderful!  The array of drinks behind the bar is second-to-none! You will still have time for browsing the unique shops of Cowes and be able to make some great purchases. Both museums, The RORC and Isle of Wight Guided Tours are all very excited to have created this tour and feel confident that you will simply love it!