The yachtsmen's town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight is only a short sail away from the English coast, but you'll find it a peaceful waterside retreat. Its cobbelstone main street is lined with sailing shops and quaint pubs, serving up real English ales and plentiful sea stories.

This town is the scene of amazing yacht races year round, the biggest being the Round the Island Race in June, and the annual Cowes Week in early August.