Classic Boat Museum

Situated in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the Classic Boat Museum has been telling visitors its wonderful maritime story since 1996.

We are based on the banks of the historic Medina River in West Cowes with an impressive collection of over 90 boats, from classic yachts, motorboats, and lifeboats.

We also have a gallery area within the museum of fascinating artifacts telling the story of the marine heritage of the Isle of Wight and the Solent.

Plan Your Visit

Maritime Heritage Trail

For the Cowes Week Bicentenary, The Classic Boat Museum and The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust are collaborating to showcase Cowes yachting heritage in a trail which takes the visitor from the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Parade to the Classic Boat Museum on Thetis Road.

Follow the trail

Cowes Week

For North Sails Cowes Week 2026 the museum will be open for the entire event including the Saturday after the event has finished. If you are visiting Cowes for the regatta, or are looking for an interesting day out in Cowes we would be delighted to see you. Click on the button below for our special opening hours.

Cowes Week Hours

Museum Opening Times

Monday Closed

Tuesday 11am to 3pm
Wednesday 11am to 3pm
Thursday 11am to 3pm
Friday 11am to 3pm

Cowes Week

Saturday 1 August to Saturday 8 August

Saturday 10am to 4pm

Sunday 10am to 4pm

Monday 10am to 4pm

Tuesday 10am to 4pm
Wednesday 10am to 4pm
Thursday 10am to 4pm
Friday 10am to 4pm

Saturday 10am to 4pm

Donate to the museum

We appreciate any donation however big or small. Whatever you can donate will make a difference to us running the museum. To see what your donation could help with click the donate now button.

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Donate now