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Osborne House

East Cowes, Cowes PO32 6JX, England
+44 (0) 1983 200 022
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Ranked #1 of 3 attractions in Cowes
Type: Historic Sites
Description: Former retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (circa 1845) still retains many of the royal couple's possessions, art work and photographs.
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467 reviews from our community

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    13
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Date Rating
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW via mobile

Outstanding house, full of history and taste of the royal family life, still containing all the furniture belonged to Victoria and Albert. Unique example of Italian architecture in England enriched by stunning and very well maintained gardens. Many curious details of 19th century life are shown, one for all the bath machine that could really sound hilarious for a 21st... More

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Fernhurst, England, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

Over the year’s we have been to many historic places both here and aboard, and although it is steeped in history we felt it was lacking in soul. The constant reminders of them as a couple are everywhere, intertwined V and A’s in the floors, curtain rails, wall paper, etc., it was as though in their own home they had... More

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Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
47 helpful votes 47 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013 NEW

The grounds are very large and attractive and would make a wonderful place to spend a day, including a beach for children. The house and formal gardens are impressive and the historical presentation is excellent (but the guide book as it is really worth it - although not essential). We walked to and from the Cowes Chain Ferry (about 2km... More

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See 4 more reviews by David4511 for Cowes
London
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

This English Heritage venue is a real gem. There is lots to see here but by far the best bit is the beautiful Osbourne Bay. This was Queen victoria's private beach and you can tell why when you see it. It almost felt like we were on a tropical island. We spent an hour and half just playing on the... More

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Rochester, United Kingdom
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3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

A beautiful setting with views over the Solent from some of the windows in the house. I could imagine Queen Victoria swimming on her private beach. The house itself has many personal items that belonged to the Royal family and although the house has been passed to the public the contents are still owned by our current Queen. Well worth... More

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Bracknell, United Kingdom
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3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

Osborne House is a very well maintained stately home where Queen Victoria once lived. It has a lot of character and gives the visitor a glimpse into the life of the royalty in those times. The whole tour of the house including gardens takes a good 3 hours if you don't want to rush through it. Add another hour or... More

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5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

An insight to the lives of the royals. Go on a sunny day to appreciate the full splendour of the gardens....

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See 2 more reviews by BasiaJon for Cowes
Worcester, United Kingdom
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013 NEW

Osborne House has to be one of the nicest stately homes I have visited. It is beautifully maintained both inside and out. It simply oozes history. The route round the house is easy to follow and at no point did we feel rushed. The staff in the house were superb, they really did "know their stuff" and were keen to... More

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Southampton, United Kingdom
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013

Thoroughly enjoyed osborne house and escaped the sales pitch on joining English heritage. Walk or take courtesy bus to the beach and enjoy a locally made ice cream- I recommend the English toffee flavour. The grounds are gorgeous and lovely place to sit and take in the views.

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Stockport, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
73 reviews 73 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 55 cities Reviews in 55 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013

Where to start? This stately home scores first of all with the Royal connection. You can learn all you want to know about Victoria & Albert, their tastes in art & design and mechanical innovations, their children and the Europe-wide family tree they originated, from the informative displays here. The Italianate architecture and gardens have huge visual impact, as do... More

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