If you have 7 days to spend in Cowes, there are plenty of things to do and see:
Start your trip with a visit to Osborne House, the former summer home of Queen Victoria. Take in the stunning grounds, gardens, and lavish interiors. Allow 2-3 hours for this visit.
Get a taste of the local culture at Cowes Harbour Market, open every Sunday. Browse local crafts, foods, and souvenirs. Allow 1-2 hours for this visit.
Explore Carisbrooke Castle, a former prison for Charles I and the site of a famous donkey-powered well. Allow 2-3 hours for this visit.
Spend a day at the beach! East Cowes Beach and Gurnard Beach are both popular spots. You can also try your hand at water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding. Allow 4-5 hours for this activity.
Visit the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, a preserved heritage railway running from Wootton to Smallbrook Junction. Learn about the island's railway history and take a ride on a steam train. Allow 3-4 hours for this visit.
Take a trip to the Needles, a series of chalk stacks rising from the sea on the western end of the island. Take a boat tour around the Needles and stroll along the clifftops of nearby Alum Bay. Allow 3-4 hours for this visit.
Round out your trip with a visit to Quarr Abbey, a working monastery with impressive architecture. Take a walk through the orchards and gardens and finish with a visit to the on-site farm shop. Allow 2-3 hours for this visit.
As for accommodations, there are plenty of options in and around Cowes. Try the upscale North House or the cozy Melville Hall Hotel and Utopia Spa.