FAQs about the history of Osborne

Who owns Osborne House?

Osborne House was originally the private property of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. However, after Victoria’s death in 1901, her successor, King Edward VII, had no need for the estate. No other members of the royal family wished to maintain it, and on his Coronation Day in 1902, Edward VII gifted Osborne to the nation.

Today, Osborne House is owned by the nation and managed by English Heritage, which took over responsibility for the site in 1986.

Who lives in Osborne now?

No one lives in Osborne House today. It is owned and managed by English Heritage and was gifted to the nation in 1902 by King Edward VII after Queen Victoria's death.

How long did it take to build Osborne House?

Osborne on the Isle of Wight was built between 1845 and 1851 as a summer residence and rural retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Before the Royal Family purchased the estate, there was already a three-storey house on the site, owned by Robert Pope Blachford. This earlier building was demolished to make way for the new Osborne House.

FAQs about visiting Osborne

Where is Osborne House?

Osborne is located on the Isle of Wight, England on York Avenue, East Cowes, PO32 6JX.

Where is Osborne on the Isle of Wight?

Osborne is located on the North of the Isle of Wight on York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6JX.

Is Osborne National Trust?

No, Osborne is managed by English Heritage. If you are an English Heritage member you can visit for free. Become a member today.

What time does Osborne House open?

All House and grounds:

• From 29 March to 30 June 2025 Osborne is open daily from 10am to 5pm (last entry is 4pm)
• From 1 July to 31 August 2025 Osborne is open daily from 10am to 6pm (last entry is 5pm)
• From 1 September to 25 October 2025 Osborne is open daily from 10am to 5pm (last entry is 4pm)
• From 26 October to 2 November 2025 Osborne is open daily from 10am to 4pm (last entry is 3pm)
• Osborne is closed on 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 November 2025

Ground floor House and Grounds only:

• From 8 November to 23 December 2025, Osborne is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm (last entry is 3pm).
• Osborne is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December 2025
• From 27 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, Osborne is open daily from 10am to 4pm (last entry is 3pm)
• From 2 January to 13 February 2026, Osborne is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm (last entry is 3pm)
• From 14 February to 22 February 2026, Osborne is open daily from 10am to 4pm (last entry is 3pm)
• From 23 February to 27 March 2026, Osborne is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm (last entry is at 3pm)

Is Osborne dog friendly?

Dogs are welcome in the grounds of Osborne. They must be kept on short leads at all times, including in the formal gardens. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house, Swiss Cottage, Café, Victoria Hall Restaurant, play areas and on the Beach itself. There are outside seating areas in the café, Victoria Hall Restaurant and beach café in which all dogs are welcome. Victoria loved dogs, and you can see statues and portraits in the house of many of her dogs.

Can you swim on the beach at Osborne?

The beach at Osborne was a place of great fun and relaxation for the royal family. Today, you can explore Queen Victoria’s private beach and go for a swim in the crystal clear waters too.

Can you visit Osborne?

Yes, you can visit Osborne on the Isle of Wight. It is managed by English Heritage and is free to enter for English Heritage members. If you're not a member, you can book tickets in advance online at a discounted rate, or purchase them on site on the day.

How do you get to Osborne?

Osborne is 1 mile south east of East Cowes. If using maps, please use the postcode PO32 6JT to get here. Visit our Directions page to plan your journey. It is a half mile walk from the nearest bus stops to the Admissions building. Find out more about how to get to Osborne on our Directions page.

Can you travel by Ferry to Osborne?

You can travel to Osborne via Red Funnel Ferries from Southampton to East Cowes, for foot passengers and motor vehicles. Foot passengers can also use the RedJet service from Southampton to Cowes, and come over to East Cowes on the Floating Bridge service. Whitelink offer foot and vehicle ferry services to Fishbourne, Ryde Pier Head and Yarmouth. Find out more about how to get to Osborne on our Directions page.

How long do you need at Osborne?

Osborne is a large estate with extensive walled and terrace gardens, the Swiss Cottage, and its own beach, so there is plenty to explore. Touring the house and it's fine and decorative art collection can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace. The beach and the Swiss Cottage are each about a 30-minute walk from the main house. You can easily spend a full day here and enjoy a bite to eat at one of our cafés or at the Terrace Restaurant too.

How many rooms does Osborne have?

There are a large number of rooms to explore at Osborne. The house is divided into four distinct but connecting blocks, arranged around two courtyards.