Victoria, East Coast of Australia, Australia

Cowes Beach

Cowes Beach is a charming beach located in the coastal town of Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, known for its unique pebble and shell-covered landscape. Its prime location to the west of the town front or Parade offers a splendid vantage point for witnessing various sailing events, including the renowned Cowes Week sailing regatta. The beach's natural features include a mix of sand and stone, with the sand primarily visible below the low water mark. Visitors can often find shells, sea glass, and other sea treasures among the pebbles, adding to the beach's charm.

Running along Cowes Beach is Princes Parade, a scenic promenade that extends from the front of Cowes and passes Egypt Point. This promenade offers several benches and grassed areas, making it an ideal spot for picnics. The eastern end of the beach is home to the Royal Yacht Squadron, a historic structure that once formed part of Cowes Castle, a defense fort established by Henry VIII.

Cowes Beach also boasts a range of amenities for visitors' convenience. At the western end of Princes Parade, a beach shop and a take-away cafe are available for those seeking refreshments. Public toilets are easily accessible, nestled in a small park area opposite the cafe. Parking facilities are available on the road and in a car park situated above the public conveniences in a wooded area. The beach's proximity to The Parade and Cowes town ensures easy access to additional shops.

Reaching Cowes Beach is a straightforward process. Visitors can utilize Red Funnel's fast Red Jet service from Southampton. An alternative route is through East Cowes, which features a floating bridge that caters to both passengers and cars. When the floating bridge is unavailable, a foot passenger launch is provided for passengers and cyclists. Additionally, bus transportation is accessible via the Southern Vectis service.

Discover accommodation options near Cowes Beach and enjoy watching the famous sailing regattas from this stunning pebble and shell-covered shore.

In addition to its natural beauty and amenities, Cowes Beach is known for its popularity among families, locals, and tourists, especially on sunny days. Despite its popularity, the beach retains a pleasant atmosphere, making it a beloved destination throughout the year. The beach's clean, clear waters are ideal for swimming, while the beautiful red rocks that dot the landscape are a delight to explore.

What to do at Cowes Beach?

Amenities

Cowes Beach amenities include parking and toilet.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Cowes Beach include Thai on the Island, Pino's Trattoria, La Porchetta Phillip Island Restaurant / Cowes Pizza & Pasta, The Jetty Phillip Island, Anerie and Asian Restaurant Phillip Island.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beauty and family-friendly nature of the beach, with its clean, clear waters and the red rocks that are great for exploration. The beach's popularity is evident, attracting hundreds of people for swimming and other water activities, even on colder days. However, some visitors found the water to be cold.

Where to Stay near Cowes Beach?

Visitors to Cowes Beach often stay in the town of Cowes itself, which offers a variety of accommodation options within walking distance to the beach. The area is popular not only for its scenic beach but also for its proximity to sailing events and the charming town atmosphere, making it a comprehensive holiday destination.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Find the best nearby activities

What to do near Cowes Beach?

Where is Cowes Beach?

Latitude: -38.4475568 / Longitude: 145.2386518

Cowes Beach is located in Victoria. The following map of Cowes Beach shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

Cowes Beach: Weather Today

📅 Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Today isn't ideal for the beach at Cowes Beach. The maximum air temperature will be 12.9 °C, and the sea temperature is 12.5 °C, so swimming is not recommended. The sun will be out with very few clouds, but the UV index will only reach 4. The wind will be light, and the waves will be moderate.
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Air

Low / High2.9°C/12.9°C
Feels Like (High)10.7°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature12.5 °C
Wave Height1.2 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:00/17:46
Sunshine Hours9.8 hrs
UV Index4.3
Cloud Cover5%
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Wind

Speed6.2 km/h
Gusts16.6 km/h
DirectionE

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