About Cowes Ferry port:

Cowes is located a short distance off the south coast of England. A Cowes Ferry operates from Cowes to Southampton and Lymington to Cowes. There are two ports in Cowes, East and West Cowes, both of which run a Cowes Ferry service into.

Each season has its own charm on this island. Choose Spring time for the rainbow of colours from the flowers. Choose Summer for lovely beaches and plenty of entertainment. If walks in the woods and forests are on your mind, then choose Autumn when they are ablaze with leaves turning slowly from glorious russet to mellow gold. In Winter you can enjoy crisp clean air and the bracing walks.

Places to visit Asle of Wight - Cowes

Alum Bay - is famous for the many different colors of sand which appear naturally on the beach. A traditional souvenir of the Isle of Wight is a picture or glass paperweight filled with the different colors - there are many stalls where you can get the wherewithal to make your own if you are so inclined. The bay is close to The Needles (see below) and accessible by stairs or by a ski resort-style chairlift. 

Blackgang Chine - was formerly a dramatic gorge through which one could walk to the sea. Following a catastrophic collapse, the Chine ceased to exist some decades ago, but the bizarre entertainment park there, with its animated figures, is still worth a visit. Shanklin Chine - a smaller gorge, can still be visited. 

Carisbrooke Castle - located in the centre of the island, the castle is well worth a visit. Charles I was held prisoner here. The castle appears in the popular children's story 'Moonfleet', and the well which appears in the story, with a treadmill driven by a donkey (not worked very hard these days) is a popular tourist feature. 

Isle of Wight Steam Railway - A former branch line resuscitated to accurately recreate the atmosphere of the island's railways in the pre-war era, when the island was the home of already superannuated locomotives and coaches from the mainland. Accessible by car at the steam railway's Haven street Station, or by changing from the island's one remaining public service railway (between Ryde and Shanklin) at Smallbrook Junction. Open weekends and summer; see website or call telephone number above for precise opening days and times. £8 (adult); £4 (child); ticket entitles holder to unlimited travel on day of issue. 

The Needles - A very famous headland and offshore rocks at the extreme western end of the island. Here you will find early sea defenses such as the Needles Old Battery, now preserved by the National Trust, and Tennyson Down, the national memorial to Alfred Lord Tennyson, and the sight of spectacular sea and land views. 

Steephill Cove - A cove only accessible by foot at the southernmost tip of the island near Ventnor. There is an incredible seafood restaurant right on the beach - the owners catch their own lobsters and crabs daily, you would find it hard to get fresher seafood anywhere! And the view from the tables over the cove and out to sea is breathtaking.