Cowes (pop. 18,900), the island's yachting center, lies on the mouth of the Medina. This world-famous sailing center, base of the Royal Yacht Club and with several shipyards, reaches the high point of its year with Cowes Week, held on the first weekend in August, and the Admiral's Cup, held every two years. Cowes Castle, built by Henry VIII in 1540, is home to the Royal Yacht Squadron (1815), one of the most famous yacht clubs in the world.
Built in the style of an Italian Villa, the Osborne House in Cowes is a remnant of the Victorian age. The cluster of buildings comprising the House once served as the summer residence of Queen Victoria.
Neighboring Osborne House is Barton Manor, an estate which dates originally partly from the 13th century and partly from the 16th century. Prince Albert lent the estate, where royal guests of his time lodged, its Victorian flavor and had numerous trees and subtropical plants introduced into its extensive garden.
Tips: The house and gardens are only open one day a month between June and September.
Norris Castle lies about 1mi/ 2km from Osborne House. This neo-Norman building was constructed in 1799 by James Wyatt for Lord Seymour. Princess Victoria and her mother stayed here in 1831 and 1833.
Tips: This is a private estate with no access to the general public unless by prior arrangement.
From Norris Castle, Quarr Abbey is soon reached by continuing further eastwards. It owes its name to the quarries which provided building material for, among others, Winchester Cathedral.
In 1911 a monastery for French Benedictine monks was built on the site of a demolished abbey dating from 1132. This masterpiece of Expressionist sacral architecture, built of red brick, was designed by Paul Bellot.
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Osborne House
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Osborne House, Cowes
