Osborne
Isle of Wight Attraction
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Osborne
Osborne is a former royal residence in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Build specifically for Queen Victoria and her husband Albert, it was a summer home and rural retreat; often said to be the imposing Queen’s favourite home.
Osborne House
Quoted as saying that "It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot", visitors can see what it was that made the Queen and her nine children fall in love with the house and the island as a whole. You can take a tour of the nursery and private rooms that belonged to the family, walk through the sumptuous dining room and richly decorated, Indian inspired Durbar Room.
Admire the stunning view from the terraces across the Solent – said to remind Prince Albert of the bay of Naples - and stroll through Osborne’s extensive grounds. Don’t miss the miniature Swiss Cottage, built to teach the royal children the art of household management!
Osborne Private Beach
For the first time ever, Queen Victoria’s private beach has been opened to the public this summer. It was here that the Queen regularly bathed and where her children learned to swim – and visitors can experience some traditional seaside entertainment – including Punch and Judy shows throughout the summer months.
You can see the now fully restored bathing machine that the Queen used – a method of ‘preserving her dignity’ while bathing. The Alcove, where the Queen often sat and enjoyed the views across the Solent, has been lovingly restored, and is an ideal spot for quiet contemplation.
Osborne Opening Times
29 March - 3 November: 10am-5pm
4 November 2013 - 31 March 2014: Saturdays & Sundays 10am-4pm (pre-booked guided tours)
Victorian Christmas Event 7 & 8 December 2013
Wight World Special Offer
Take an intimate glimpse into the family life of Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Marvel at the magnificence of the Royal Apartments where Queen Victoria lived with her large family and beloved Prince Albert, and take an intimate glimpse into Queen Victoria’s family life as you tour the nursery and private rooms. Unwind in the extensive grounds and enjoy the stunning views of the Solent that reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples. Explore the charming Swiss Cottage with its child-size furnishings, and take a gentle stroll down to Queen Victoria’s private beach with the Queen’s bathing machine and alcove.
From 29 March - 3 November 2013Car +4: £70.00 Extra Adult: £17.50 Extra Child: £13.50
From 4 November 2013 - 31 March 2014 (Winter Weekends - Saturdays & Sundays)Car +4: £60.00 Extra Adult: £17.50 Extra Child: £13.50
Victorian Christmas Event 7 & 8 December 2013
Car +4: £66.50 Extra Adult: £20.00 Extra Child: £15.00
For groups up to four people book online, for groups bigger than four please call us: 0871 376 1000 (calls cost 7p per minute plus network extras)
Please check Osborne opening hours before booking as reduced opening during winter (Saturdays & Sundays only between 04/11/13-31/03/14). Guided tours of the house during the winter period mst be booked in advance by calling 01983 200022.
Special Offer Terms & Conditions
All the above promotional offers are subject to our Promotional and standard terms & conditions. Fares are subject to a variable and limited allocation. Valid for cars, motorised caravans and pick-up trucks / crew cabs up to 6m long and if over 2.24m in height must be declared at the time of booking. Not valid for light vans, flatbed pick-ups or minibuses.
Travel must be completed by 0130 the following day. Valid from Portsmouth Gunwharf or Lymington. Passengers must check with individual attractions prior to travel as opening times, whilst correct at time of going to print, may be subject to change and supplements may apply for special events. All information correct at time of publishing (February 2013). We reserve the right to alter any of the information without notice. E&OE
Please book online or call Wightlink reservations on 0871 376 1000 (calls cost 7p per minute plus network extras) to book your day trip to the Isle of Wight, and not the attraction direct.
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