Cowes is a historic and charming seaside resort to Isle of Wight in England, known for its unique maritime history and major sailing events. The city has a picturesque harbor, which is a popular anchorage for sailors and yachts. A special way to experience Cowes is with a ferry crossing from Southampton. The crossing takes only about an hour and offers unforgettable views to Solent Bay and the Isle of Wight coastline. Traveling by ferry from Southampton to Cowes is a unique and unforgettable way to discover the Isle of Wight.
Table of contents
Timetable, Prices & Availability
Enter your travel details in the connection search to check times, current prices and ferry availability in the port of Cowes.
Ferry connections from & to Cowes
Here you see an overview of all ferry routes which currently call at the port of Cowes:
Route | Country of origin & country of destination | Number & Duration |
---|---|---|
Ferry Southampton – Cowes (Isle of Wight) | EnglandEngland, Isle of Wight | up to 20 times a day approx. 1 hour |
Ferry Cowes – Southampton | England, Isle of WightEngland | up to 20 times a day approx. 1 hour |
Brief information harbour Cowes
Country: | England, Great Britain |
Language: | English |
Currency: | British pound (GBP) |
Time zone: | Europe/London, GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) |
UNLOCODE: | GBCOW |
Addresses & Arrival
To make your journey to Cowes easier, you will find all the important addresses in the ferry port of Cowes here.
Address ferry harbour Cowes
Street: | Dover Rd |
Postcode & city: | PO32 6RG Cowes (Isle of Wight) |
Country: | England (United Kingdom) |
GPS: | 50.758854, -1.290037 |
Ferry terminals & other addresses
Provider | Address |
---|---|
Red Funnel |
Red Funnel - East Cowes Terminal Dover Rd, East Cowes PO32 6RG Cowes (Isle of Wight) England (United Kingdom) GPS: 50.758867, -1.290045 (Latitude, Longitude) |
Red Funnel |
Red Funnel - Red Jet West Cowes Fountain Yard, West Cowes PO31 7AR Cowes (Isle of Wight) England (United Kingdom) GPS: 50.762699, -1.296817 (Latitude, Longitude) |
Parking lot |
Parking lot at East Cowes ferry terminal Dover Rd, East Cowes PO32 6RA Cowes (Isle of Wight) England (United Kingdom) GPS: 50.758294, -1.290127 (Latitude, Longitude) |
E-charging station |
Shell Recharge Charging Station - 1x CHAdeMO 60 kW, 1x CCS 60 kW, 6x Type2 22 kW Well Rd, East Cowes PO32 6SP Cowes (Isle of Wight) England (United Kingdom) GPS: 50.758284, -1.288362 (Latitude, Longitude) |
Motorhome parking space |
Waverley Park Holiday Center 51 Old Rd, East Cowes PO32 6AW Cowes (Isle of Wight) England (United Kingdom) GPS: 50.761736, -1.284402 (Latitude, Longitude) |
Travel information
Arrival by car
How to reach the ferry port of Cowes on the Isle of Wight by car:
- From the west of the island (e.g. Yarmouth): Follow the A3054 towards Cowes. At the junction with the A3021, turn right from Dover Road. Follow the road to Trinity Wharf at Cowes ferry terminal.
- From the south of the island (e.g. Ventnor): Take the A3020 north to Newport and then take the A3054 to East Cowes. At the junction with the A3021, turn left from Dover Road. Follow the road to Trinity Wharf at Cowes ferry terminal.
- From the north of the island (e.g. Ryde or Fishbourne): Head west on the A3054 to East Cowes. At the junction with the A3021, turn left from Dover Road. Follow the road to Trinity Wharf at Cowes ferry terminal.
Arrival by bus & train
There are regular bus services to Cowes ferry port from various locations on the Isle of Wight. Check the timetable and route for buses serving Cowes.
Arrival by plane
The nearest airport is the airport in Sandon or Bembridge. From there, you can either drive or take the bus to Cowes and on to Cowes ferry port.
Map of the ferry harbour Cowes
Travel guide: Cowes: Sailing center with royal flair
The picturesque town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight enchants visitors with its maritime heritage, vibrant sailing culture and charming Victorian streets. Discover this unique coastal town, which is world-famous for its regattas.
Places of interest and excursions
Cowes offers a variety of historical and cultural attractions:
- Osborne House: Former summer residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, surrounded by magnificent gardens and with impressive sea views.
- Cowes Maritime Museum: showcases the town’s rich sailing history and the importance of shipbuilding.
- St. Mary’s Church: A historic church known for its beautiful architecture and tranquillity.
- Cowes Castle: the home of the Royal Yacht Squadron, offers an insight into the exclusive world of sailing.
- Northwood House: An impressive Georgian manor house surrounded by a beautiful park.
Activities
There are numerous activities in Cowes that reflect the maritime spirit of the town:
- Sailing: Take the opportunity to sail yourself or watch one of the famous regattas.
- Hiking: Explore the picturesque landscape of the Isle of Wight on numerous hiking trails.
- Shopping: Discover local handicrafts and maritime souvenirs in the boutique stores of Cowes.
History of the place
Cowes has a long history as an important place for shipbuilding and sailing, dating back to the 17th century. The town is famous for Cowes Week, which has been held annually since 1826 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing regattas in the world.
Eating, drinking and shopping
Enjoy fresh fish and seafood in the restaurants on the harbor or try local specialties in cozy pubs. Cowes offers a variety of shopping opportunities, from maritime equipment stores to small art galleries.
Public transport
The Isle of Wight is easily accessible by ferry, and buses and cabs provide convenient transportation in Cowes.
Accommodation
From historic hotels to cozy bed & breakfasts – Cowes offers accommodation to suit every taste and budget.