East Cowes & Osborne

East Cowes sits on the north bank of the River Medina on the Isle of Wight, opposite Cowes. The town includes the vehicle ferry terminal linking the island to Southampton and the Cowes Floating Bridge, a chain ferry that crosses the Medina to connect the two sides. East Cowes grew around shipyards and engineering works, notably J. Samuel White, and traces of that maritime industry remain in boatyards, marinas and metalwork along the waterfront. A riverside path runs past berths and slipways toward the island's northern shore, offering frequent views of working boats and moorings.

Osborne House occupies sloping parkland just south of the town and was the 19th-century residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The estate contains formal gardens, a small private beach and the Swiss Cottage, a miniature farmhouse used by the royal children, all open to visitors. Streets from the house lead into housing and shops clustered near the ferry terminal, providing direct access to the river, local marinas and the short crossings to the mainland.