Name: Osborne
Address: York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6JT
Telephone: 0370 333 1181

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Keeping you Safe

What to expect

Half Term Explorer Quest at Osborne | 19 - 27 Feb

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Address

York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6JT

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Winter Opening (from 1 November 2021 - 1 April 2022): Swiss Cottage & museum and the upper floors of Osborne House are closed for winter.

What you need to know

We've made some changes to help keep you safe, and things might be a little different when you visit. Here's everything you need to know.

Do we need to Book?

You don’t need to book your ticket in advance, but you will always get the best price and guaranteed entry by booking online ahead of your visit.

If you are a Member and wish to book, your ticket is still free

Your booking is for the site/event only and does not guarantee a car parking space, which may carry an additional charge.

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Booking FAQs

How are you keeping us safe?

Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe. We’re continuing with enhanced cleaning, using screens and wearing face coverings, and you’ll find hand sanitiser stations on site. You are now legally required to wear a face coverings in all our indoor public places, including our visitor centres, shops, on all on-site transport, and in our cafes except when you are eating or drinking (unless exempt).

You can also help us keep you and other visitors safe by not visiting if you have symptoms, tested positive, or have been asked to self-isolate.

You can visit our reopening page for information on general safety measures we've taken to help keep you safe.

General Safety Information

Do I need to wear a face covering?

Face coverings are now legally required in all our indoor public places, including our visitor centres, shops, on all on-site transport, and in our cafes except when you are eating or drinking (unless exempt).

Do I need a Covid Pass?

No, you don’t need a COVID Pass to visit. Please don’t visit if you have symptoms of Covid-19, have tested positive or if you’ve been asked to self-isolate. We’ll always follow the latest government guidance, and if anything changes we’ll update this page to let you know.

Is the mini bus service available?
Mini bus service - This service runs from 1^st April to 31^st October.

I still have questions.

The answers to all frequently asked questions can be found on our FAQ page.

Read our FAQs

Things to see and do

What's On

Half Term Explorer Quest at Osborne

Sat 19 - Sun 27 Feb 2022 10am - 4pm

Hire Osborne

Inspirational and intimate, Osborne is a venue that will welcome and wow your guests. Hold your event in rooms bursting with colour and regal splendour, or down in the wood-fringed private beach. A marquee over-looking the sea is a memorable setting in which to hold your reception and celebrations, emanating the extravagant events hosted by the Queen herself.

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Osborne Timeline

1774-81Blachford Family

Robert Pope Blachford extends and adapts an existing house into a three-storey residence, with a walled kitchen garden and a brick stable block.

1844-5Victoria and Albert

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert lease Osborne House from Lady Isabella Blachford.

1845A Brand New House

The royal couple buy Osborne. Albert commissions architect and master builder Thomas Cubitt to advise him on an extension. Cubitt recommends they build a new house.

Find out more about the history of Osborne

1846Pavilion Completed

The first phase of building, the Pavilion, is completed. It houses the private rooms of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and the royal nurseries.

1848Household Wing Completed

The second phase is completed, including the wing for the royal household. The old house is demolished.

1851Main Wing Completed

The main wing, initially used by the royal children, is built on the old house site and is linked to the household wing by a long corridor.

Read a description of Osborne

1850sGardens and Beach

An extensive network of new walks and drives is created, including routes around the perimeter of the park and to a private beach.

1853-4Children's Swiss Cottage

A timber Swiss Cottage is built for the royal children in their own garden, nearly a mile to the east of the house.

1861Stables and Servant Facilities

Stables for 50 horses and carriages are completed to the south. The former stables are transformed into kitchen facilities and servants' accommodation.

1861Tragedy Strikes

Prince Albert dies unexpectedly at Windsor Castle, leaving Victoria overwhelmed with grief.

1887Indian Servants

The male dormitory, first built in 1850, is extended to accommodate the Indian servants introduced to the royal household.

1890-91Indian Wing

The Durbar Wing is built to provide a large reception or dining room, as well as a private suite for the queen's youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice, and her family.

1901Queen's Death

Queen Victoria dies at Osborne.

1902Given to the Nation

Against Victoria's explicit wishes, her successor, Edward VII, gives the estate to the nation.

1903-4Royal Naval College

Part of the grounds become the Royal Naval College Osborne. The ground floor of the Pavilion and the council and audience rooms are opened to the public. Other areas are converted into a convalescent home for officers.