Day Planner

What to do on site?
Which English Heritage properties are nearby?
Which other places of interest are nearby?

What to do on site?

Explore Queen Victoria’s Palace by the Sea

Suggested time needed: 2-3+ hours

Marvel at the sumptuous décor of the Royal Apartments and take an intimate glimpse into the private life of the Victorian royal family. Relax in the grounds with their marvellous gardens and views to the Solent and explore the famous Swiss Cottage where the royal children played.

Upstairs, Downstairs

Suggested time needed: 1 hour as part of house tour

Step from the splendour of royal audience chambers and the intricate décor of the Durbar wing to the private rooms of the royal family including the table deckers rooms where banquets and every day food for the Queen Victoria was prepared.

Explore the extensive grounds

Suggested time needed: 1- 3 hours

Take a stroll around the extensive grounds including the terrace gardens with their views out across the Solent, the Victorian walled garden and hot houses. Take a trip on the horse and carriage rides and explore the famous Swiss Cottage where the royal children played.

Nature lover’s delight

Suggested time needed: 1–3 hours

Enjoy the shade of some glorious and unusual trees including cork trees, and see if you can spot some of the red squirrels who scamper through the grounds.

Swiss Cottage and Garden

Suggested time needed: 45 minutes

Explore the miniature chalet built for the royal children and see where they were encouraged to grow their own flowers and produce. Visit the museum full of unusual objects collected by the Royal family over the years.

Carriage Rides

Suggested time needed: 2–15 minutes

Hop on a carriage for a tour of the beautiful grounds. 3 rides available.

Guided Tours

4th November -31st March 2010 10am-4pm
Wed-Sun (last tour at 2.30pm)
Advance booking is recommended on 01983 200022
Take a fascinating tour around a selection of rooms in Queen Victoria's opulent family home at a quieter time of year. Delight in the stories and anecdotes of Royal Victorian life and afterwards enjoy a stroll round the pleasure gardens or relax over a light lunch in the café.

See the Visitor Information page for more information.

Christmas at Osborne

Suggested time needed: 1–3 hours

Discover the origins of the Victorian Christmas and see how Queen Victoria celebrated the festive season in our Christmas guided tour season, culminating in a festive Victorian weekend event (21 and 22nd November 09)

Have lunch or afternoon tea

Dine in style in the Terrace Restaurant and Orangery or enjoy a light refreshment in the Petty Officer’s Quarter or the Tea Garden.

Which English Heritage properties are nearby?

Carisbrooke Castle

Distance: 6 miles

Explore the magnificent battlements of Carisbrooke Castle, prison to Charles I in 1647. Make friends with the famous Carisbrooke donkeys as they work the well wheel.

Yarmouth Castle

Distance: 9 miles

Enjoy magnificent views over the Solent form Henry VIII’s last and most sophisticated coastal defence.

Appuldurcombe House

Distance: 10 miles

Explore the shell of what was once the islands grandest house and relax in the grounds.

Which other places of interest are nearby?

Cowes

Distance: 1 mile (by chain link ferry)

Maritime centre, famous for two of the world’s most prestigious sailing events.

Isle of Wight Lavender

Distance: 2 miles

A collection of nearly 200 varieties of lavender many available to purchase.

English Heritage Properties nearby

Other nearby attractions