Osborne House – English Heritage
‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot,’ said Queen Victoria of Osborne, her beloved home on the Isle of Wight.
Inside the House
Today, a visit to Osborne offers something for everyone to enjoy. Inside the house, get an intimate glimpse into royal life as you explore private apartments and grand reception rooms lined with furnishings and artworks from the Royal Collection.
Step into the sumptuous state rooms of Queen Victoria at Osborne, where the Queen of England entertained her important guests. Osborne was built specifically for Victoria and Albert, and its architecture and furnishings reflect their passions, taste and style.
Peek into the private world of Victoria and Albert and their nine children, in the family rooms at Osborne.
Visit the queen’s sitting room and see the balcony where Victoria and Albert used to listen to nightingales on a summer’s evening. See the queen’s personal bath tub in the dressing room, and, next door, the bedroom where she died, on 22nd January 1901.
Explore Swiss Cottage
Explore the world of the Victorian royal children at Swiss Cottage, thanks to the generous funding of several donors including the Heritage Fund.
Discover the interests and personalities of each of the nine princes and princesses in the ‘Childhood at Osborne’ exhibition. Play where the royal children played, and step back in time to 1861 as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert join their offspring for afternoon tea.
See fascinating objects from around the world in the museum; wander in between the royal children’s vegetable plots; and enjoy a wildlife trail on your way to the beach.
Visit Victoria’s Private Beach
“We have quite a charming beach to ourselves,” Victoria wrote in 1845, and it was here at Osborne beach that the Queen regularly bathed and her children learned to swim.
Enjoy the magnificent views out to sea from Queen Victoria’s alcove, and pop inside her bathing machine to see where she got undressed.
Grounds and Gardens
Complementing the magnificent Italianate ‘royal palace by the sea’, are gardens and grounds filled with breathtaking views. A place to relax and discover seasonal colour throughout the year.
The ornate terrace gardens, renovated in 2016–17 as part of a major conservation project, are a riot of tulips in spring. The mild Mediterranean climate allows stunning bedding displays in summer. Wander the Victorian walled garden with its espaliered fruit trees, and explore the wider parkland with its historic trees, many planted by Prince Albert.
Book your ticket now for the best price, and get ready for a great-value day out at one of the Isle of Wight’s best-loved attractions.
Don’t miss:
See Queen Victoria’s very own bathing machine on her private beach.
Explore Victoria and Albert’s personal collection of art and furniture.
Play like the royal children with two play areas and fun family trails.
Upcoming Events:
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Osborne – Sunday 10th March 2024
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a stylish afternoon tea at the Terrace Restaurant in Osborne, Isle of Wight. Enjoy finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and a variety of pastries and cakes crafted by their talented chefs. Choose from a selection of fine teas or add a touch of sparkle with bubbly. Visit the website to find out how to book.
The Big Brick Build, Osborne – 6th – 14th April 2024
Get creative with master builders and help bring history to life with LEGO® bricks. Join Osborne House team as they create a sculpture of Queen Victoria in brick art form! Once you’ve worked your magic, the brick builders will piece your creations together to unveil a stunning statue of the queen herself.
Book online and save 15%.
Easter Adventure Quest, Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne – 23rd March – 14th April 2024
Join English Heritage for a cracking adventure quest at either Carisbrooke Castle or Osborne this Easter holiday. Hunt for clues in the grounds, track down the Easter eggs and get rewarded with a tasty chocolate treat. You can take on the quest every day of the school holidays, and it costs just £2 to take part. This is for each child, whether you’re a member or not, and it’s on top of the ticket price. There’s no need to book, and you can pay when you arrive at the site. Book online and save 15% on your entry ticket.
WANT TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE MORE ISLAND HISTORY? WHY NOT TAKE A TRIP TO CARISBROOKE CASTLE – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
