Experience a breathtaking coastal spectacle as the iconic Cowes Firework Display returns on Friday 7th August 2026! Organised to mark the landmark 200th anniversary of Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight, coastal visitors can enjoy an incredible vantage point across the Solent directly from Lepe Country Park. Running from 5:00 PM until 9:30 PM, visitors can gather along the Hampshire coast, grab takeaway food and warm drinks from The Lookout café, and watch the spectacular display launch over the water at 9:30 PM.
Event Schedule & Opening Times
You can gather at Lepe Country Park on Friday evening to watch the display across the water:
- Event Date: Friday 7th August 2026
- Café & Event Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Fireworks Display Start (in Cowes): 9:30 PM
- Car Park Extended Closing: Open until 11:00 PM (for this night only)
- Mainland Viewing Location: Lepe Country Park, Exbury, Southampton (SO45 1AD)
Attractions & Event Highlights
Enjoy a coastal vantage point on the mainland for this landmark Isle of Wight anniversary celebration:
- 200th Anniversary Celebrations: Organised to celebrate 200 years of the famous Cowes Week regatta, with the fireworks firing over Cowes and visible across the Solent.
- Prime Mainland Viewpoint: Panoramic views across the water to Cowes and the Isle of Wight, allowing spectators to watch the fireworks reflect over the sea from the beach or clifftop.
- The Lookout Café Takeaway: Open throughout the evening from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM serving hot food takeaways, snacks, and warm drinks.
- Seaside Evening Walk: Stroll along the clifftops and stony beach of the New Forest coast before settling in for the display.
Ticket Types & Pricing
Viewing from Lepe Country Park is free to the public, with standard car parking rates applying for vehicles:
- Mainland Viewing Access: FREE (No event admission tickets required at Lepe)
- Vehicle Parking: Standard park parking charges apply
How to Get to Lepe Country Park
Lepe Country Park is situated on the southern tip of the New Forest coastline, directly facing Cowes across the Solent:
- By Car: Accessible via the A326 from Totton and Southampton, following signs towards Exbury and Lepe (SO45 1AD).
- By Bus: Local bus routes serve nearby waterside villages like Hythe and Holbury, with taxi connections available to the beach.
Parking Information
Parking options available on site for the firework viewing:
- On-Site Country Park Parking: Pay-and-display parking is available across the main cliff-top and lower beach car parks. Extended opening hours are in operation for this night only, with car parks remaining open until 11:00 PM. Standard parking fees apply.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theatre shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are the fireworks being launched from?
- The fireworks are launched from Cowes on the Isle of Wight as part of the Cowes Week 200th anniversary celebrations, but they can be clearly viewed across the water from Lepe Country Park on the Hampshire mainland.
- When is the Cowes Firework Display taking place?
- The display takes place on Friday 7 August 2026, launching at 9:30 PM. Viewing activities and café services at Lepe run from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
- Do I need a ticket to watch the fireworks from Lepe Country Park?
- No tickets are required to view the fireworks from Lepe. It is free to gather on the beach and clifftops, though standard car parking charges apply.
- What food and drinks will be available at Lepe Country Park?
- The Lookout café will be open from 5:00 PM until 9:30 PM offering takeaway food, hot drinks, and snacks.
- What time do the car parks close at Lepe Country Park for this event?
- For this event only, the car parks at Lepe Country Park will remain open late until 11:00 PM.
- Why are there fireworks for Cowes Week in 2026?
- This display has been specially arranged to mark the historic 200th anniversary of the Cowes Week regatta.
- Where is Lepe Country Park located?
- Lepe Country Park is located at Exbury, Southampton (SO45 1AD) on the southern edge of the New Forest coast.
- Can I bring my own picnic or chairs?
- Yes, visitors are welcome to bring picnic blankets, folding chairs, and their own food to enjoy while waiting for the display.
- How do I drive to Lepe Country Park from Southampton?
- Take the A326 south past Totton and Holbury, following the local signage toward Exbury and Lepe Country Park (SO45 1AD).
- Are parking charges in effect at Lepe?
- Yes, standard pay-and-display parking charges apply for all vehicles parking in the country park car parks.