Osborne House and Gardens: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert so loved the Isle of Wight that they built themselves a seaside retreat at East Cowes. Osborne House was no ordinary holiday home a palace-by-the-sea is a more appropriate description of the exquisitely furnished house and extensive estate.
Like those who visited the Queen at Osborne, today's guests can arrive in style by horse drawn carriage, an evocative way to become immersed in the special atmosphere of this Royal retreat.
The magnificent sweeping parkland leading down to the sea lends itself especially well to outdoor occasions. On the lovely Upper and Lower Garden Terraces guests may sip cocktails amid flowers and fountains against the backdrop of the house and admire breathtaking views to the bay beyond. A short stroll leads to the expansive Durbar Lawn where up to 2500 people can be wined and dined against this unique vista.
The views are instantly recognisable as the backdrop of many scenes from the widely acclaimed film Mrs Brown, filmed on location at Osborne House in 1996 and starring Judi Dench and Billy Connelly. The film told the story of Queen Victoria's friendship with John Brown, Price Albert's ranger.
At the edge of the estate, the royal familys Private Beach is available for informal, but stylish, parties and barbecues. The beach is equipped with a chalet and provides close-up views of the Solent and sailing boats as they race by.
Closer to the house, the evocative scents and nostalgic prettiness of the Walled Garden provide a picturesque setting for smaller drinks receptions.
Inside the house, the spectacular Durbar Room boasts magnificent wall and ceiling decoration, and is available for small receptions and dinners. This Indianinspired room was created to reflect Queen Victoria's role as Empress of India and originally used for state functions.
For enquiries and bookings please contact:
Kay Andrews, Hospitality Manager
Osborne House, York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JY
Tel: 01983 200022
Fax: 01983 281380
Email: kay.andrews@english-heritage.org.u
For more information about Osborne House and Gardens, please contact 01983 200022, or see event details on the left.
Been to Osborne House and Gardens? Add your review or read other Osborne House and Gardens reviews.
For a full list of forthcoming events taking place in Hampshire, as well as local attractions, days out, theatre, visual arts and sport, visit our events in Cowes page.
Traffic Alerts Staying over in Cowes? See our list of hotels in Cowes, or see our list of hotels near osborne house and gardens
Travelling by car to Osborne House and Gardens at osborne house and gardens? Avoid the queues - get the latest
traffic news for Osborne House and Gardens.
By Paul ArnoldThe World Snooker Championship has seen an unprecedented eight seeds knocked out in the first round …
By Lucy MiddletonPixar studios hope to bounce back from the box office flop of Cars 2 with a film set in the world of…
By Amanda ArnoldUnder grey skies and sheilded from the rain by her husband Prince William, Kate looked stunning in a…
By Paul ArnoldAgainst all the odds, down to 10 men and with their backs to the wall Chelsea have qualified for the…
By Amanda ArnoldJoining The Maccabees, At the Drive-In and Justice at twin festival Redaing and Leeds will be Blur's…
By Amanda ArnoldTake That frontman Gary Barlow was accompanied by Andrew Lloyd-Webber to perform a treat for the Que…
By Lucy MiddletonIt has been announced that Bret Easton Ellis' classic, American Psycho, is to be brought to the stag…
By Amanda ArnoldRobin Gibb stuns medics with his recovery from a coma and is determined to record music again.
By Paul ArnoldArsenal's prolific striker, Robin van Persie, has won the coveted PFA Player of the Year Award after…
By Lucy MiddletonThe city of Liverpool said farewell to the Sea Odyssey Giants on Sunday after three days of the stre…
London's blue plaquesMany well known people have lived in London, and many of their former homes are indicated by a distinctive blue plaque, displayed on the outside of the house they once occupied or were born in. BritEvents reveals a little history behind these interesting blue plaques.
British World Heritage SitesEstablished by UNESCO in 1972 to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage, the list of World Heritage sites lists an incredible 28 sites all worth visiting for their natural beauty, cultural significance, and historic interest.
Experience London for LessLondon is one of the world's most expensive cities, yet it's possible to save money whilst visiting England's capital city. We offer practical tips on where to stay, where to eat, visiting the theatre, museums and other attractions.
Runnymede's Famous MeadowlandWhy is a flat expanse of English meadowland, bordered on one side by the meandering River Thames and on the other by a wooded hillside, internationally famous? The reason is because of a historic event that took place almost 800 years ago.
