In the Spotlight... Cowes

May 15, 2018

Let us take you on a whistle-stop tour of our favourite UK holiday destinations. The Isle of Wight has everything you need for a perfect summer holiday. To find out more, we’ll hand over to Rob, the store manager at FatFace Cowes…

Crew from the FatFace store in Cowes, enjoying a day out by the water wearing FatFace clothes.

Everyone’s welcome on our relaxed and friendly island. Whatever kind of holiday you want, we’ve got it – from sailing, cycling and horse riding to sandy beaches and paddling in the sea.

Life on the water

Our store is in Cowes, where sailing is a way of life. There are lots of ways to get on the water, whatever your ability or experience. Be ready for an action-packed day on your boat with a pair of our hard-wearing chino shorts and a classic polo. Stand-up paddle boarding is also getting really popular on the island. Rent a board, put on a wetsuit and try it out at the beach in Cowes. Or if you love surfing, head to Compton Bay on the south side of the island. Need any advice? Just pop in and see us at the store. Between us we’ve got decades of experience!

Cowes Week

During Cowes Week, a staggering number of boats takes part in different races over eight days. We get up to a thousand competitors. There's a wonderful atmosphere and you don’t have to be involved in the racing to enjoy it. Watch the races from the shore or book a place on one of the spectator boats. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks on the last night!

The FatFace Cowes store crew down by the water's edge in FatFace clothes with their children

A bustling harbour and lots of lovely beaches

There’s always something to see in Cowes. I’ve lived here for 36 years and I still spot something new every day! If you fancy a bit of boat watching, head down to the marina with a bag of chips from Corrie’s Cabin. From there, it's just a short stroll to our pebbly beach, with its fantastic view across the Solent to Southampton and Portsmouth. If you prefer sand, head to Ryde. It’s a bit further round the coast and there’s acres of wonderful beach for the whole family to enjoy.

FatFace Cowes crew wearing FatFace clothes, sitting down by the water's edge with their children

Pubs, picnics and sunsets

Everything’s within easy reach in Cowes. After a day’s sailing or some fun on the beach, you’re never far from a café, pub or restaurant. Right opposite our store is The Anchor, a traditional island pub. A little further down the road is The Coast – a great bar and restaurant serving locally-sourced food. If you walk along the promenade you’ll soon get to Gurnard Beach where the sunsets are top-notch. Embrace laid-back island life and pack up a picnic to eat as the sun goes down.

Nickie, who works at the FatFace Cowes store, having a stroll through the streets and looking at fresh fruit, wearing FatFace clothes

Roam free

We love getting off the beaten track. Follow our lead and roam free on the beautiful coastal paths or on one of the cycle routes. For spectacular views of the whole island, walk up to Culver Down along the coastal path. If you prefer your adventures on two wheels, try the pretty riverside cycle path from Cowes to Newport. And if riding a horse along the beach is on your bucket list, then tick it off with a visit to Sally’s Riding School.

The FatFace Cowes store crew chilling out down by the harbour, wearing FatFace clothes and eating ice cream

Dinosaurs once roamed the island. You can still find some of the best prehistoric remains in Europe here. Head to Compton Beach to search for fossils and giant dinosaur footprints. Later, explore more of our fascinating past at the Brading Roman villa, romantic Carisbrooke Castle or the Victorian grandeur of Osborne House. Here in August? Visit our annual Garlic Festival. It’s a really great little country show and it’s not every day you get to try garlic beer and garlic ice cream!