Imagine drawing up to Osborne House more than a century ago for an audience with Queen Victoria in a carriage drawn by a pair of fine horses.
Visitors today can arrive in the same impressive style, by horse-drawn carriage taking them the short drive from the visitor centre reception right to the doors of Osborne House.
Horse power was once vital to the smooth running of Osborne House and its extensive estate. Absolutely everything, including the bricks and mortar which built the house, would have been transported to Osborne by horse.
A team of versatile cobs would have lived on site year-round to work – rather like a Land Rover might on a modern estate today. They would have brought produce from local farms to supply kitchens, move blocks of ice and hauled logs for fires – Queen Victoria hated coal fires. Horses even mowed Osborne’s lawns, wearing special leather boots so as not to cut up the turf.
Today work for the horses is a piece of cake by comparison – and they are spoilt rotten by visitors who bring them carrots and mints.
How to book
Pre-book by calling 079 1264 3399.
A minimum of 24 hours notice must be given, with payment taken on the day.
Prices
Adult £1
Senior 50p
Child 50p
(These prices are in addition to the entrance fee)
