Cowes has been seen as a home for international yacht racing since the founding of the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1815. The town gives its name to the world's oldest regular regatta, Cowes Week, which occurs annually in the first week of August. Fortunately, our visit just missed this busy time of year in the town and we settled into our garden chalet at the charismatic and very homely Ward Avenue B&B for two nights.
Our plan to walk around the island was put on hold for a day as we took time to visit a couple of important historic sights
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First up was Osborne House, a former royal residence, built between 1845 and 1851 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a summer home and rural retreat. Indeed the proactive Prince Albert designed the house himself complete with woodland walk down to the private beach, beautiful gardens and a 'Swiss Cottage' where the royal children were encouraged to learn to cook and garden...they sold their produce to their father as a way for him to teach them the basics of economics. A mini fort outside Swiss Cottage was used to teach the children battle tactics!
We explored various rooms of the house furnished with original items, including Queen Victoria's private desk and death bed. The Royal Collection fills rooms and corridors where Victoria entertained heads of state, royalty and inventors (including Alexander Bell who first demonstrated the telephone here), whilst maintaining her rule over the vast British Empire.
'It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot' said Queen Victoria of Osborne House, and we probably agreed with her as we strolled through the garden terraces and woodlands down to the water
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Conveniently, the bus to Newport passed by Osborne House, which was our next stop in order to visit Carisbrooke Castle. Newport is a rather non-descript country town. However, the castle, of the historic motte-and-bailey variety, is the town's redeeming feature. Its most famous resident was Charles I, who was imprisoned here for 14 months prior to his eventual execution in 1649 during the Civil War. He tried to escape on several occasions, including one failed attempt when he became wedged in the bars of his window. We climbed the steep steps up the massive mound to enjoy fabulous views from the ancient castle keep, followed by a brisk walk around the battlements.
That evening we enjoyed a candle-lit cold spread on the veranda of our garden chalet - dreamy... The next morning we were up early for a wholesome breakfast to fuel us for our next leg of the coastal path. With 59 miles to cover in 3 days carrying full camping equipment, we were up for the challenge!
Sailing through Royal Waters...
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Cowes, England, United Kingdom
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2025-02-13