Osborne - (Near , South East)

5 /5 Hayley J Bacon: VISIT DATE: WED 30/07/2025 VISIT TIME: 12:00 - 18:00 VISIT TYPE: Family Visited on Wednesday 30 July with my 6-year old daughter, my mother, my aunt and my grandmother. Osborne is an incredible place to visit and definitely requires a full day to explore as the site is so large. There is a lot of walking involved, but less mobile visitors, or those who tire easily can take advantage of the mini-bus which goes from place to place, or sit and enjoy the views from the cafe on the terrace. The house itself contains a fine collection of art and sculptures, giving a good insight into the tastes of Victoria and Albert, as well as the fashions of the day, with fine views from the windows of the formal gardens and grounds. On the outside, there are plenty of lovely areas to walk and it is always nice to turn and look back to the house, which looks lovely from all angles. Within the grounds you will find Swiss Cottage, the best play house ever built for children, with its fully functional kitchen and gardens. Next to this is a museum built to house the collection of items gifted or collected by the royal children and you’ll also find the play area tucked behind. Carry on towards the sea and you can enjoy time on the estate’s private beach and yes, if you’ve brought your swim wear, you can swim! Sadly, no bathing cabinet for us members of the proletariat, but it’s still quite nice to be able to say you’ve swum off Queen Victoria’s private beach, which we did! This is a truly remarkable place to visit, well worth the entry fee and expertly managed by English Heritage. It is worth getting membership if you’re staying on the Isle as there are a few EH sites nearby. As we visited during the summer holidays we were lucky enough to catch a traditional Punch & Judy show at the beach and take part in games on the lawn. EH often do special events during school holidays so check their website for details.

5 /5 Grace: The tour guide who ushered us through Albert & Victoria’s favorite residence was incredible. There were a handful of small group tours going simultaneously. We were able to appreciate that this was a museum and a home where people lived and collected treasures from throughout the world.

4 /5 Nic Gaskin: A lot of these sort of places are easier to appreciate, out of the main summer season. We visited yesterday. It was 14C and overcast. The house was just as beautiful and the history and stories about the house, were just as interesting and touching. The Beach was just as beautiful and the lunch we had, tasted just as good. What we didn’t have to do, was share it with a thousand other people. We didn’t queue for anything at all and we had time to view and ponder many of the stunning features and artworks, for as long as it took. If you really want to appreciate this wonderful house that was gifted to the Nation. Try an out-of-season trip. P.s. The food is wonderful and you really should have a slice of the best Victoria Sponge cake that you will ever eat.

5 /5 TRACEY ABBOTT: So full of history, lovely grounds, beach and house. Stayed in a cottage on the estate, which gave free access to the house and grounds as well as other English heritage castles and properties on the isle of wight. A lovely treat.

5 /5 Matt Longville: This was one of the most beautiful English Heritage places I have visited. Osbourne House is set within the grounds of The Osborne Estate. The House was the holiday home to Queen Victoria and her family. You can clearly see why she spent alot of her time here. The rooms in the house and perfectly kept and decorated giving you a glimpse into their lives and the past. The House is the crowning glory but the grounds are remarkably kept and worth spending an hour walking through the gardens. Whilst doing so, take a stroll down to The Queens Road, down at the Beachfront then up to The Swiss Cottage. Now, as an English Heritage member I am always full of praise for staff and volunteers at these sites who do such a great job and are friendly and eager to talk but unfortunately the English Heritage staff within the house on our day of visiting were not so, speaking to several other visitors that day they too had also encountered the same as ourselves. Very disappointed as the staff members inside the house made my visit and experience and intimidating one. This aside, other staff around the site and welcome centre were great. A lovely place to spend a good 3 to 4 hours. Car park if free for English Heritage membership.