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Last month, Time Out published its comprehensive guide to the UK’s greatest seaside towns. Our editors and writers picked out 16 spots, from Scotland all the way down to Cornwall, that they consider the most exciting coastal, port, harbour and resort towns to visit this year. And in the weeks since, we’ve been deep diving into each and every one.
First, we spotlighted top spot Saundersfoot, then unsung Welsh market town Cardigan, followed by creative hotspots Hastings and Folkestone, the unspoiled shores of Alnmouth and the Northern Irish town of Portrush. Now, it’s the turn of Cowes, which ranked eighth on the list.
Cowes on the Isle of Wight is possibly the closest you’ll get to Mediterranean vibes in the UK, as it enjoys some of the hottest average temperatures you’ll get in this country. We called it ‘such a thoroughly idyllic seaside town that it almost seems a bit unreal’.
Along the town’s colourful high street, you’ll find a parade of intriguing independent shops selling all sorts of goods. There’s Sounds + Grounds for records, Cotton & Leaf for stylish plants and pots, Holm for carefully curated bits and bobs and Hatter and Hare for antique treasures. Dotted in between all of those is an exceptional line-up of pubs, like the Union Inn, Anchor Inn and the award-winning Ale House as well as a roster plenty of top-notch restaurants (you’ll find brilliant pizza and burgers at The Garden and mouth-watering Mexican fare at the Prickly Pear), plus coffee shops and bakeries like Lost Mill Bakery and PO41.
Walk towards the sea and you’ll be rewarded with the wide pebbly Cowes Beach (with a few sandy patches) and toasty, calm waters. We suggest strolling around the coast to Gurnard along Queens Road and the Egypt and Princes Esplanades.
This summer is a particularly great time to pay Cowes a visit because August will mark the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week, which is one of the longest-running regattas in the world. Expect hundreds of boats and dozens of races every day, as well as, of course, the usual shoreside parties with live music and street entertainment.
The 16 best UK seaside towns to visit in 2026.
ICYMI: This English seaside town with an award-winning beach is set for a multimillion-pound project.
Plus: The 20 best beaches in the UK, mapped.
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