Osborne Golf Club

Tee off in the footsteps of royalty – the course on the Osborne House estate, originally just two holes, was reserved for Queen Victoria’s household and guests. Now a 9-hole parkland course, laid down in 1904, it is 6,358 yards off the white tees – the longest on the Isle of Wight – with a par of 70. Separate tees on four of the holes create new challenges for the player and, what’s more, there are nine alternative greens for use when the main greens are being maintained, ensuring the course usually remains open even under difficult circumstances.

Highlights of a round include the uninterrupted views over the Solent and across to Portsmouth from the 8th fairway and a hazard adjacent to the 7th green – a pit where, according to local legend, Queen Victoria’s elephants were bathed.