Just a few hours from London on the relaxing Isle of Wight stands Osborne House, stands the former royal holiday residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Often referred to as ‘England in Miniature’, it’s not surprising that the Isle of Wight was selected as the location of the royal’s summer house. Home to a beautiful coastline of sandy beaches, white chalky cliffs, and stunning sea views, the island’s holiday appeal during the summer is an easy sell.
For these same reasons, my friends and I decided to plan a visit, hoping that we would have a relaxing retreat by the sea with some cultural attractions thrown into the mix.
This brings me to the topic of today’s blog post, Osborne House, one of the top attractions on the Isle of Wright.
About Osborne House
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built Osborne House as their private family residence. It provided a home away from the regal duties required when living at Buckingham Palace in London.
It offered the royals a peaceful setting to live more freely as they tried to get on with everyday family life with a semblance of normality. That’s easy for the likes of me and you, but not so much for the royals and the media circus that surrounds them. I can’t even imagine what it must be like constantly watched and scrutinised wherever you go, so living away from the limelight on a small island must surely have helped!
Constructed between 1845 and 1851, Osborne House designed by Prince Albert in collaboration with architect Thomas Cubitt who also constructed the main facade of Buckingham Palace. It reflects Italian Renaissance style with grand balconies, terraces, and sweeping views of the Solent (the strait between the Isle of Wright and Great Britain).
Before visiting the Isle of Wight, I’d not heard of Osborne House. I don’t take an interest in the Monarchy very much if I’m honest, but from an historical point of view, it’s a great way to learn about the past. Visiting places like Osborne House and other royal residences is a way for me to learn about British History since I didn’t retain much from my school days. That alone makes it makes a trip worthwhile.
The architecture of buildings like Osborne House and the lavish interior is another reason to visit.
The house is set inside incredibly attractive grounds inspired by Italian architecture. You’d hardly guess it were England from a photograph.
Highlights of Osborne House
The Durbar Room: Enter the ornately decorated Durbar Room, where intricate Indian motifs and rich colors pay homage to the British Empire’s dominion over India.
The Swiss Cottage: Discover the Swiss Cottage, a charming miniature chalet where Queen Victoria’s children learned practical skills and enjoyed imaginative play. Delve into the cottage’s interactive exhibits, offering insight into the royal family’s daily life.
The Beach and Bathing Pavilion: Stroll along the tranquil beachfront and behold the Bathing Pavilion, a seaside retreat where Queen Victoria indulged in her love for swimming and leisurely seaside pursuits.
It was Queen Victoria’s favourite residence and also housed her extremely large family. Once you see the sea view from the terrace you’ll quickly appreciate why she was so fond of living here.
Inside Osborne House
The exterior and interior of Osborne House is grand, but not on the same scale as Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. Nor does it compare to other countries with former royal homes such as the Chateau de Versailles in France or the Hermitage in Russia.
To give you an idea of what to expect, I would say it compares more similarly to one of England’s big stately homes. And even then, there are stately homes in the UK that are still more opulent, such as Chatsworth House in the Peak District.
The most impressive room in the house is probably the Dunbar room where Victoria held lavish banquets.
It is decorated in a rich Indian style by request of the Queen who was fascinated by the country and wanted to bring elements of it into her home.
Interestingly, the ceiling (which is the room’s most magnificent feature) was designed originally by Lockwood Kipling whose son, Rudyard, wrote The Jungle Book.
Sadly tragedy struck when Prince Albert died at only 42 years old. This left the Queen heartbroken and with nine children to support.
Amid her grief she was still quite the diplomat. She managed to arrange strategic marriages between her nine children and the majority of the other royal families across Europe which earned her the nickname ‘the grandmother of Europe’.
As a result of these matrimonial ties, Queen Victoria is related to most of the current royal families across Europe: Spain, Denmark, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands.
After a long life, Victoria died at Osborne House in January 1901. The house was later given to the state, and opened to the public as a private museum here today.
Private beach
Did you know that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had their very own private beach? That’s right, located a short 10-minute stroll from Osborne House is a secluded private beach with a little cafe overlooking the sea. I recommend popping into the cafe for a sweet treat or caffeine fix – the selection is small but very tasty!
On the day my friends and I visited, we lucked out with the weather – it was perfect. We spent time relaxing without a care in the world.
To my surprise there were not many visitors on the beach despite it being summer. Yay! Aside from relaxing and soaking up the rays, we looked for pretty shells washed ashore on the beach.
We arrived quite late in the afternoon so that probably had something to do with the fewer visitors. There are a lot of beaches on the Isle of Wight, so I guess everyone can all spread out so to speak.
Whatever the reason for having the entire beach to ourselves, this made it feel like quite a royal affair on the Isle of Wight!
Pratical information
Location: Osborne House is located on the Isle of Wight, accessible by ferry from the mainland England Via Southampton and Portsmouth. Address: York Ave, East Cowes PO32 6JX
Opening Hours: The estate is typically open to visitors from spring to autumn, with varying hours depending on the season. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and ticket availability.
Ticket Prices: Admission fees vary depending on the type of ticket and visitor category. Standard adult ticket is £20. Discounts are often available for children, seniors, and groups.
Guided Tours: Enhance your experience with a guided tour led by knowledgeable experts who offer insights into Osborne House’s rich history and architectural significance.
Accommodation on the Isle of Wright
When visiting the Isle of Wight, there are various accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Look for accommodations in popular towns and seaside towns such as Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, and Ventnor.
If you’re looking for somewhere unique and memorable, The Garlic Farm ticks that box and more!
Looking for more things to do on the Isle of Wight?
Why not catch the Needles Chairlift to Alum Bay Beach?
