Gurnard is a small, pleasant resort to the west of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The gently shelving beach consists of sand and shingle, and since 1999, is classed one of the Islands ‘Award Winning’ beaches. Gurnard Bay is suitable for bathing, dinghy sailing and windsurfing. The village has a beachside cafe, an award-winning restaurant and two pubs both serving good food. The two mile walk along the coastal road into West Cowes is a lovely stroll both in summer and winter alike. Cowes is divided into two distinct towns, linked by the regular floating bridge chain ferry. It is a world-famous yachting centre, with superb facilities for all kinds of watersports, as well as a wealth of excellent restaurants, inns, and plenty of interesting shops. In East Cowes a great day out is Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s Italian-style country retreat. Gurnard is an ideal base for exploring the rest of the island, such as sandy beaches, lovely walking country, picturesque chines and many family attractions.
