Cowes, separated by the river Medina, is split into two attractive towns, names East Cowes and West Cowes. The two are linked together by a unique chain-driven floating bridge which transports car and foot passengers between the two. Cowes is famous of course from being the home of the world renowned sailing regatta, Cowes Week which is an annual event held every August. Situated at the north-end of the Island, it is linked to the mainland by way of the Red Funnel ferries which operate both car and high speed passenger ferries. The narrow streets of West Cowes are lined with an excellent variety of shops with cater for both the sailing fraternity and the casual shopper. It also benefits from a good selection of fine restaurants and Cafés as well as lively pubs. The famous Royal Yacht Squadron is also based in West Cowes. East Cowes was once home to a large ship building industry, and today, it is home to GKN Westlands with it's distinctive union jack painted on the hangar doors. Up the hill from the town centre, lies Osborne House, once Queen Victoria's royal palace where she spent much of her later life and where she died on January 28 1901.