Griffin of Cowes - the Isle of Wight Follies Treasure Hunt
- Isle of Wight Follies
- Aug 21
- 2 min read
Check you have your Isle of Wight Passport and set sail (metaphorically) on a journey with the Isle of Wight Follies Treasure Hunt to find the Griffin of Cowes. Believe it not, he is usually found strutting along The Parade, muttering about the state of things and how tourists don't taste the same anymore. He also ponders why they call it fast food when the people who eat it become slow food, and easy to catch! The Griffin becomes particularly grumpy and hungry during Cowes Week, which he calls “seven days of noisy sails, fancy hats, and yahoo-Henry types who can’t steer a dinghy in a straight line, and of course, dinner!”
Legends make us grumble
Normally, he’s a lobster-and-kayak kind of Griffin. But during Cowes Week? Forget it. No space on the water, no peace on the esplanade, and the waiting times at restaurants are enough to make a mythical beast nibble on his second-favourite snack: tourists in boating attire, failing that,his third favourite, people who eat fast food!
His neighbours don’t help either. He occasionally bumps into Leprechauns from Northwood (always trying to sell him dodgy lucky charms) and the Golem of Gurnard (who insists on flexing his “rock-hard abs”). The Griffin is unimpressed. Even the Minotaur of East Cowes is better company; at least they can complain together while waiting for the floating bridge.
Cowes Hot Spots
When you’re not dodging the Griffin’s side-eye during Cowes Week, you’ll find Cowes has its charms:
The Parade & Esplanade: His stomping ground, especially when he’s on lobster patrol. A kayak, a flat bit of sea, the peace and tranquillity, a moment to be.
Cowes Yacht Haven: Full of “yahoo Henrys,” who wear pastel coloured jumpers over their shoulders, an odd bunch, but nice enough people. This place is worth a peek if you like shiny boats and a view made for royalty.
Northwood Park: The Griffin won’t admit it, but he rather enjoys a quiet stroll here, picking the flowers, making daisy chains and loving life, well, provided the Leprechauns aren’t about.
Floating Bridge to East Cowes: A rare spot where mythical beings and commuters share an awkward silence and prayers that the floating bridge won't break down, be delayed, stop floating due to the 'wrong type of water', or have any emotional issues... Prayers that often go unanswered.
Local restaurants: Any place serving lobster is automatically on the Griffin’s “approved” list, but given the Griffin will cheerfully devour a fast-food-stuffed tourist, their recommendation can be taken only so far. Find out for yourself.
Ready for the Isle of Wight Follies Treasure Hunt?
Grab your Isle of Wight Passport, join the quest, and meet the Griffin of Cowes in all his grumpy, feather-ruffled glory. Complete your task, earn your collectable card, and add his story to your mythical adventures.
Always remember your passport
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