Queen Victoria's Italianate seaside palace.
Open to visitorscheck opening times and admission before you go
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built Osborne as their own private retreat, finished in 1851 in an Italianate style Albert chose because the view over the Solent reminded him of the Bay of Naples. Victoria had loved the island since childhood holidays next door at Norris Castle, and she died at Osborne in 1901. English Heritage now looks after the house and grounds, including the Swiss Cottage where the royal children gardened and cooked, plus a stretch of private beach. Open daily through the main season, with a ticket; Ryde Pier Head station is about 7km east.
