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COWES , at the northern tip of the Isle of Wight, is inextricably associated with sailing craft and boat building: Henry VIII built a castle here to defend the Solent's expanding naval dockyards from the French and Spanish, and in the 1950s the world's first hovercraft made its test runs here. In 1820 the Prince Regent's patronage of the yacht club gave the port its cachet with the Royal Yacht Squadron , now one of the world's most exclusive sailing clubs, permitted to fly the St George's Ensign guaranteeing free entry to all foreign ports. Only its three hundred members and their guests are permitted within the hallowed precincts of the club house in the remains of Henry VIII's castle, and the club's landing stage is sacrosanct. The first week of August sees the international yachting festival known as Cowes Week , which visiting royalty turns into a high-society gala, although most summer weekends see some form of yachting or powerboat racing off Cowes. The town is bisected by the River Medina, with West Cowes being the older and more interesting half, its High Street meandering up from the waterfront Parade. Along the High Street you'll find shops reflecting the town's gentrified heritage, with boatyards, chandlers and Beken's famous yachting gallery - a photo by Beken of your yacht is considered as prestigious as a family portrait by Snowdon. Cowes tourist office is at the Arcade, Fountain Quay (April-Oct Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm, with extended hours during Cowes Week; Nov-March Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; tel 01983/291914). Boat trips upriver and around the harbour leave from the Parade; for details contact Solent & Wight Line Cruises (tel 01983/564602). The more affordable accommodation options include the Union Inn in Watch House Lane, off High Street (tel 01983/293163; GBP40-50), and Halcyone Villa , Grove Road, up Mill Hill Road from the east end of the High Street (tel 01983/291334, ; under GBP40), and in East Cowes, there's the Doghouse (tel 01983/293677; GBP50-60), Crossways Road, opposite Osborne House. The town has a decent selection of places to eat : Baan Thai , 10 Bath Rd (at the west end of the High Street), offers good-quality oriental food at moderate prices, while the Octopus's Garden , 63 High St, is a Beatles-themed cafe serving baguettes and pies. Along the High Street, you can also pick up a snack or just a pint at the Fountain, Anchor and Harbour Lights pubs .
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