With the recent opening of the Upper Terraces and the refurbishment of Queen Victoria’s out door bathing machine, this must see Royal palace by the sea offers a splendid day out on the Isle of Wight, there’s plenty to see and do in the 342 acres of extensive grounds.
A keen horticulturalist, Prince Albert was responsible for the layout of the terraces overlooking the Solent - the view is said to have reminded him of the Bay of Naples in Italy - and for the introduction of many fine trees onto the estate.
The original palm (Latin name Trachycarpus fortunei), was a gift to the Royal couple from King Ferdinand of Portugal and was one of the first ever to be planted in this country following its introduction in 1849 by Robert Fortune - after whom it is named. It died in 2003 and the current tree - its direct descendent - was planted in 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II.
The remainder of the Palm Terrace is planted to match its Victorian appearance, including beds featuring Camellias and Pampas grass and a pergola with wisteria and climbing roses for summer colour and vines producing small grapes in the autumn.
Construction of the Lower Terraces at Osborne, including the Palm Terrace, was done entirely by hand and employed 250 men. Some of the original Magnolia grandiflora specimens planted and trained along the terrace walls on its completion in 1850 have survived to this day.
Also to be seen by visitors for the first time is a newly restored seat made from coal, which has been in its original position on the Lower Terraces at Osborne House since around 1851, but not on public view. It was brought to Osborne after being on display at the Great Exhibition in London, one of Prince Albert's great projects.
The bench-style seat is a unique - and probably the finest - example of 19th century coal furniture and reflects Prince Albert's interest in Italian design, which also influenced the design of Osborne House. Designed by Prince Albert's advisor William Henry Ludwig Gruner, it is made from carved cannel or parrot coal from Scotland.
Parts of the Lower Terraces have never been open to the public before. From 1904, following the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, the house ceased to be a royal residence and the terraces were used exclusively by a convalescent home which occupied part of Osborne House until 2000. The Upper Terraces were opened to the public at this time, but the Lower Terraces remained closed.
"The Palm Terrace is an extremely important part of the terraces, with the palm joining fountains, beds, statues and pergolas as focal points which lead people from area to area. We are delighted to open up this area to allow visitors to fully appreciate Prince Albert's design in its entirety for the first time," said Osborne's Head Gardener Toby Beasley.
Please see our joint ticket passes with the local ferry companies such as Redfunnel, Wight link and Hovertravel for our discounted joint tickets!
Please visit their website for details.
