Osborne House

Victoria and Albert bought Osborne in 1845 wanting somewhere private away from court, and Albert designed the house himself with the builder Thomas Cubitt in the style of an Italian villa, with two campanile towers, because he thought the Solent resembled the Bay of Naples. Victoria died here in 1901. The Durbar Room, added in 1890, is a state banqueting hall in elaborate Indian plasterwork designed by Bhai Ram Singh, reflecting Victoria's position as Empress of India. In the grounds stands the Swiss Cottage, a chalet brought from Switzerland where the royal children were taught cookery, gardening and carpentry, each with their own plot and wheelbarrow. Victoria's private beach with her bathing machine was opened to the public in 2012.

Highlights

• The Durbar Room - an Indian-plasterwork banqueting hall of 1890.
• The Swiss Cottage - a chalet where the royal children learned practical skills.
• Victoria's beach - her private bathing beach, with the bathing machine.
• The Italianate towers - Albert's own design, echoing the Bay of Naples.

When to go

April to September for the grounds, beach and full opening; the house opens on reduced hours in winter and closes some periods entirely. The walled garden is at its best in summer.

What to expect

The grounds are extensive and the Swiss Cottage is a long walk or a shuttle ride from the house. Ferry costs to the island are substantial. Photography is restricted in parts of the house.

Nearby

Cowes and its yachting harbour are alongside; Carisbrooke Castle lies south at Newport.

Key facts