Sailing Through Royal History

We are popping up in Cowes!

Sailing Through Royal History is our first pop-up exhibition, taking place 31 July - 29 August 2026, at the historic Commodores House in Cowes, Isle of Wight. 

The Royal Yacht Britannia regularly attended the annual sailing regatta of Cowes Week. This special exhibition will celebrate the Yacht's enduring connection with Cowes, its community and the close Royal links to a close friend and crewmate of Prince Philip, the legendary yacht designer Uffa Fox. This brand-new exhibition will perfectly coincide with the August sailing season in Cowes (the bicentenary of Cowes Week, Marblehead Trophy and the Edinburgh Cup). 

What will I see?

• A brand-new exhibition

• The work of Uffa Fox who grew up in Cowes

• The Royal Family's love for sailing

• Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) experiences

• Britannia and Cowes Week heritage

• Coweslip, the famous Flying Fifteen

• Historic footage of the Royal Family sailing
  

Where is the exhibition? When can I visit?

The Exhibition will be hosted in the historic Commodores House, formerly the workshop of renowned sailing enthusiast Uffa Fox.

*The exhibition will be closed 1, 2, 9, 16  and 23 August.

How much is a ticket?

How do I book to visit?

You can book to visit in advance through our website or on the day at the Commodores House - card or contactless payment only.

FAQS

TICKET QUESTIONS

Do I need to book to visit?

No, you are welcome to either book online in advance or you can buy tickets on the day with card or contactless payment.

How are online tickets sent?

Tickets will be emailed to the email address provided during ticket purchase. This email can be shown on your device or printed out.

Can I change the date/time of my booked tickets?

Yes, please email enquiries@tryb.co.uk and we will get back to you Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00.

I can no longer visit, can I get a refund?

Refunds are available up to 48 hours before your visit- please email enquiries@tryb.co.uk and we will get back to you Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00.

I pre-booked my ticket but I will be early/late, can I still visit?

Absolutely, you can still visit when you arrive within our opening hours. Our team at the ticket desk at Commodores House will assist on your arrival.

Do you offer carer tickets?

Should you visit with someone acting in a carer capacity, they can receive free admission to the exhibition. This ticket is available through this website or at the ticket desk. For both website and in person purchases, please bring along the relevant paperwork on the day- if you don't have any supporting paperwork, please chat to our team at the admission entrance on the day.

Do you have a price for groups?

If you have 15 or more people in your group, please email enquiries@tryb.co.uk and we will get back to you Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00.

Can I use Britannia gift vouchers to pay for the tickets?

Yes, please bring along your Britannia gift vouchers on the day for redemption against the cost of admission. 

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

How long does a visit to the Sailing Through Royal History exhibition in Cowes last?

You are welcome to visit for as long as you wish within our admission hours. On average, visits to the exhibition are 45 minutes.

When does the exhibition close and how long do I have after last admission?

Last entry to the exhibition is at 16:00, closing at 17:00.

Is the exhibition accessible? 

The space is accessible for wheelchairs and single buggies with a lift in place. Please note, should you visit with someone acting in a carer capacity, they can receive free admission. This ticket is available through this website or at the ticket desk. For both website and in person purchases, please bring along the relevant paperwork on the day.

Can I visit the exhibition on a rainy day?

Absolutely! The exhibition is almost entirely inside, with Coweslip displayed on the quayside of Commodores House. 

Where is Commodores House?

The Exhibition is housed within the historic Commodores House, located in the centre of (West) Cowes on the Isle of Wight, and is easily accessible by ferry services from the mainland.

For directions and how to get to the Commodores House, see this page. 

FACILITIES

Are there toilets? 

There are toilets inside the entrance of Commodores House. 

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Can I bring my dog?

We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs. It is not possible to bring other dogs into Commodores House.

Can I apply for an Annual Pass after visiting the exhibition?

Whilst the exhibition is organised by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, this temporary exhibition does not provide the benefit of an Annual Pass, which is provided when visiting the ship, Britannia, itself. 

Is there a space for luggage?

Within Commodores House there is no space for left luggage.

ABOUT COMMODORES HOUSE AND UFFA FOX

Who was Uffa Fox? 

Uffa Fox was a renowned yacht designer and builder who was a former crewmate and personal friend of Prince Philip. 

Why is the exhibition at Commodores House? 

Commodores House was the home of Uffa Fox. Draughtsmen used to work in the drawing office upstairs and wooden boats were built in the boathouse where the exhibition will take place. Prince Philip's Flying Fifteen Coweslip was kept on the quay and was hoisted by crane into the water for racing in the Solent. This venue has a fascinating history and a great viewpoint on the waterfront, in the heart of Cowes High Street.

How was the exhibition designed?

The exhibition has been the curated by Britannia's Historian, Richard Johnstone-Bryden, who wrote his book The Official History of The Royal Yacht Britannia with the unprecedented support of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, alongside the project team which includes leading design company 442 and award-winning consultants Thomson-Gray.