Osborne House, Isle of Wight |

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Osborne House, Isle of Wight

Destination: UK - England
Duration: 1 day

This magnificent former royal residence in East Cowes, Isle of Wight was built for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as their summer retreat and was designed by the Prince himself. The house was to be the royal family’s escape from London and was built next to where Queen Victoria spent her two holidays with her mother.

The royal family stayed at Osborne House for lengthy periods each year and it is here that many of their family photos were taken. The castle also has stunning grounds with nearby gardens and woodland and an authentic “Swiss Cottage” which was brought to the Osborne House piece by piece from Switzerland. Queen Victoria’s private beach including her bathing machine is also on the grounds. Osborne House is also here where Queen Victoria spent her last days and died on the 22nd of January 1901 with her family beside her.

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Example itinerary

Day 1

Morning: Depart from school and travel to Portsmouth for ferry to Isle of Wight, Onward travel to Osborne House.

Afternoon: Upon arrival your group will gain admission to visit Osborne House, former royal residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Explore the stunning house and grounds at your group’s leisure.

Evening: Depart from Isle of Wight in the early evening and travel back to school. End of tour.

Sights & items of interest in Osborne House, Isle of Wight

Family Rooms

Step back in time to the Victorian Period and see the Queen’s Sitting Room and the balcony where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert spent many summer evening sitting and enjoying the surroundings.The room have many of the Queen’s possessions and the nearby bedroom is where she died in 1901.

State Rooms

The magnificent interior of the formal state rooms where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert entertained guest whilst at Osborne House is sure to impress. Also, it is here where Alexander Graham Bell first demonstrated his new invention to the queen.

Swiss Cottage

This two storey chalet nestled in the woodland near Osborne House was brought piece by piece from Switzerland and was by the nine royal children as a play house and was where they learnt important skills from their father.

Private Beach

Queen Victoria spent many hours on the beach with her family and it is here where her children first learnt to swim. She said many times how splendid the beach was.

Bathing Machine

This machine was more like a wagon which was wheeled into the sea so that the queen could bath in the sea whilst preserving her modesty. The machine had a changing room as well as a toilet installed.