Isle of Wight Guided Tours

These lovely twin towns are very much based around their history of shipbuilding, including both sail and rope making. Equally important is its history of yacht racing. At the same time, its royal connections play a huge part. In fact, the maritime and royal history of the town go hand in hand.

In the 1545, Henry VIII, who built ships on the Isle of Wight, watched in horror from across the Solent as his flag ship the Mary Rose sank just off the Island. One century later, Peter the Great visited the Isle of Wight and was so impressed with its shipbuilders that he took a couple of the best of them back to Russia with him to build his fleet.

Our ‘partner’ Stephan Roman has written a marvellous book called ‘Isles and Empire’ on the links between the Isle of Wight and Russia from this time onwards. He will also be happy to conduct a guided walk/talk for your group if arranged sufficiently in advance. In more recent times, seaplanes, flying boats, hovercraft, Red Jets and Thames Clippers have been built in East Cowes.

Two equally superb but very different maritime museums can be found here. One is the Classic Boat Museum which has premises on both sides of the River Medina. The Boat Shed is on the west side and The Gallery on the east.

In the latter you will be introduced to a wealth of pivotal characters in the history of the maritime history of Cowes, including the history of the Americas Cup (first started in Cowes) and Ben Ainslie’s present day all-consuming attempts to win it for the UK for the very first time.

Osborne (House and Gardens) is a complete ‘must see’ when on the Island. Favourite home of Queen Victoria, it is also English Heritage’s flagship property in the country. With us, you won’t just have an ordinary visit but a right royal experience. We will regale you with tales of Victoria and Albert and their nine children as they conducted their daily lives here. It should not be forgotten that this was NOT a mere holiday home as is often said – it wasn’t! Victoria ruled the Empire from here when she was in residence, very ably aided by her husband who was indispensable to her.

Nearby St. Mildred’s (often just called ‘Whippingham Church‘) was commissioned by Prince Albert for Victoria. He also helped with its design – a somewhat Gothic fantasy, partly inspired by his northern Bavarian hometown of Coburg. Sadly, he lived just long enough to see it completed but not to experience the first service held there. Learn about the four royals buried here – two inside the church and two outside in its pretty churchyard which nestles on the tranquil banks of the River Medina.

The prominent Northwood House, around which the town of Cowes was built, is, set in lovely grounds. It might have become the home of royalty (Victoria and Albert did consider it), but instead it became a party house where international royalty and other celebrities and those in the public eye were entertained in an unimaginably excessive fashion. Its large network of secret tunnels, accessed by a flight of rickety stairs, have inevitably led to speculations which make for some cracking tales! But even without these, the facts about the use of the house over time will prove more than enough to keep you fascinated! (This tour will be exclusive – the house isn’t generally open to the public. Our ‘partner’ Tim Wander (pictured below on left of right-hand photo, together with delighted clients from the US.), all-time expert and author on the subject of the House will be your guide.

NB: If you are searching for Osborne House, you will find this under a separate tab bearing its own name!

We love this place! A very Victorian boutique hotel with a museum-like quality at the same time as being completely homely. Owner Maggie Ankers couldn’t be more friendly and hospitable as well as incredibly knowledgeable, with fantastic tales to tell. Its location, set just above the Royal Yacht Squadron, commands magnificent sea views from its sea-facing bedrooms, of which there are several. The drawing room overlooks the sea as does the garden and terrace. The whole house has that ‘certain something’ – it is quirky and a definite one-off! If minimalistic and modern is your thing then this isn’t for you, but if you are a fan of all things Victorian, you will simply adore it!

This place is a great favourite of ours. Situated right on the banks of the River Medina, it commands terrific views. With a large amount of seating both inside and out - you have ample opportunity to make the most of what there is to observe in the way of life on the river. The staff are both friendly and ultra efficient and the very large selection of both hot and cold food is truly delicious. Just a few minutes from Osborne, it is a great lunchtime choice to combine with visiting Osborne either in the morning or afternoon.

Cowes and East Cowes

'Royalty, Racing and Rigging'

The Royal Yacht Squadron

Osborne and St. Mildred’s Church

Cowes Hotels

Villa Rothsay Hotel

Foresters Hall

Restaurants and other eateries

Smoking Lobster

The Coast

The Garden

Albert Cottage Hotel - East Cowes

The Folley Inn - East Cowes

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