Isle of Wight s a magnificent Island separated from mainland England by as little as 3 miles of water and is accessible only by Ferry. The Island has retained its unique charm enchanting 2.7 million visitors each year. From the Southdowns road the white cliffs of Portsdown hill and the city of Portsmouth can be seen and yet one can feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of mainland England. The Town of Cowes is internationally famed for the Cowes Week sailing regatta held annually in August. The terraced streets of the town come alive with the Global sailing set and the Solent becomes a shimmering sea of sails. Cowes is divided by the River Medina into East Cowes and West Cowes. The two are joined by a floating bridge which transports cars and foot passengers. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert loved East Cowes so much that they built a royal palace there. Osborne House which is open to the public, lies just south of Cowes.