Osborne House - © WyrdLight.com
Osborne House is a former Royal Residence located on the Isle of Wight, the house is synonymous with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who were extremely fond of the palace by the sea. The house was seen as a peaceful treat for the Royal couple in tranquil surroundings. In addition to the house there are also fine gardens for visitors to see, along with rides on horses and carriage and activities for children. The seaside location and tranquil environment ensure the house has plenty of character and charm.
Attractions
Osborne House was a firm favourite for Queen Victoria, the historic house by the sea in the Isle of Wight is an impressive house with gardens and boasts some fine collections. The association with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert ensure many visitors come each year to see the heritage site keen to see the relaxing retreat by the sea.
The house is designed in an Italian Renaissance style liked by Prince Albert. The style is well illustrated in the Grand Corridor that links the Pavilion, Main Wing and the Household Wing. The walls and ceiling are well decorated with the Grand Corridor being used as a fine classical sculpture gallery which were extremely popular at the time in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The wonderful ceilings are a much admired feature of all the rooms, the rooms have a number of features, the house was used not only as a family home for the royal family but also as a royal residence, where affairs of State needed to be attended to. It was in the Council Room that the Queen's Privy Council of Ministers met visitors can see the badge of the Garter displayed at the centre of the ceiling in the room.
Prince Albert had an influence in the Great Exhibition held in 1851, there are a number of exhibits from the exhibition that visitors can view in the house. There are also a number of gifts that have been given to the Queen over the years from around the world.
The Royal Nursery has been preserved to reflect the way it would have been as has the private suite of the Queen and Prince Albert which enjoys some stunning views over the estate and beyond.
Back in 1876 Queen Victoria became the Empress of India and had an Indian servant, who would later become her personal Indian secretary. The personal secretary taught the Queen Hindustani and the state banqueting hall was designed with a strongly Indian influence.
The Hall was completed in 1893, the room is reminiscent of a medieval hall and is well known for the deeply coffered ceiling. The hall is elaborately decorated and took many hours to create.
Horse-Drawn carriage rides are available for visitors to enjoy and take a tour of the scenic gardens and grounds. There is also the Swiss Cottage, a wooden chalet located on the grounds this is where the Royal children learned to cook and the surrounding gardens were where the children grew their own produce and flowers. There is a museum that contains a number of diverse collections made up of a variety of objects that were collected by the Royal family over the years.
The Royal Apartments are sumptuously decorated and have an ornate décor giving visitors an insight in to the life of the Victorian royal family. Visitors can see the famous Durbar wing complete with the intricate décor and the table deckers rooms, this is where banquets and every day food for the Queen was prepared.
Visitors can take a very pleasant stroll around the large grounds around the house.
The Gardens include the terrace gardens which offer some breathtaking views across the Solent, there are also the Victorian walled garden and hot houses to see.
Visitors to Osborne during the Christmas season can find out more about how Queen Victoria celebrated Christmas at Osborne. There are festive Victorian events to mark the season, for exact times, events and dates please contact the house for the latest details.
How to Get There
The house can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
The Isle of Wight is located off the South Coast of England, it is approx 95 miles from London. It is possible to drive there with a combination of road and ferry. From London take the M3 to Southampton, from Southampton take the Southampton - Cowes Ferry to Newport. Drive along Dover Road that leads to Well Road then York Avenue, continue along York Avenue until the turning for the Prince of Wales Entrance and turn on to the road here that will lead you to the entrance for the house.
The approx journey time is 2 and a half to 2 hours and 45 minutes.
There is parking available on site.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is PO32 6JX.
By Train:
From London Waterloo & London Victoria and London Bridge Stations in central London trains are available to Southampton Central station. From Southampton visitors can take a ferry to the Isle of Wight and the house is approx 1 and a half miles from the ferry terminal.
Contact Details
Osborne House
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6JX
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1983 200022
Fax: +44 (0)1983 297281
Website: Osborne House
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Open from April until end of September:
From 10.00 until 18.00 (Daily)
October & November:
From 10.00 until 16.00 (Daily)
November to end of March:
From 10.00 until 16.00 (Wednesday to Sunday - Pre Booked Guided Tours Only)
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
Adults: £10.20 approx, Children: £5.10 approx, Concessions £8.70 approx & Family Ticket: £26 approx
Facilities:
There are refreshments available on site and there is an area to enjoy picnics.
A shop offers gifts and souvenirs.
There are toilets on site.
Parts of the house such as the ground floor are assessable to wheelchair users part of the house is not.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Osborne House Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open.
Follow sensible travel precautions and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times. Ensure valuables such as your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to the House, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey planner for door to door directions.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train stop well in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
