Offering all allure of the French Riviera and the excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix (without the hassle and expense of getting there!). when the 8,500 sailors hit Cowes for the world-famous Regatta, you could be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere exotic.

The comings and goings in the harbour are best viewed from the West Parade and alongside the uber-exclusive Royal Yacht Squadron, where the start of Cowes Week Regatta is heralded by shots from 22 impressive brass cannons that were once used on a ship belonging to William IV

For further nautical adventures, you can walk the well-signposted four-mile Boat Trail to discover some of the places that have made Cowes dominant in the sailing world, before popping into Cowes Maritime Museum in Beckford Road.

Facing into Southampton Water and divided in two by the River Medina, linked by a floating bridge, Cowes is the entry point for visitors from Southampton. East Cowes was once the industrial heart of the Island where shipbuilders built high-speed ships, seaplanes and flying boats before and during World War II

Osbourne House, the former home of Queen Victoria and her family in the 19th century, is also located on this side of Cowes, a short drive away. Tip - Saturday is the quietest day to visit.