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All 3 Cowes Attractions »

Osborne House

East Cowes, Cowes PO32 6JX, England
+44 (0) 1983 200 022
Ranked #1 of 2 attractions in Cowes
4.5 of 5 stars 147 Reviews
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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147 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    95
    39
    9
    3
    1
Date Rating
Shanklin, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2012 NEW

Osborne House is a must for any traveler to the Island. To be able to walk round the lovely rooms and look at the paintings, the different themed rooms and furniture is a pleasing experience. You also see the Other Swiss Cottage, not to be confused with our Swiss Cottage Guest Accommodation in Shanklin! Treat yourself and take a wander... More

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Bedford, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2012 NEW

For an English Heritage card holder whilst on the Island! Lots to see in the house and in the grounds (wet when we were there) so walking about in the grounds was not a pleasant as it would have been on a nice day. The on-site mini bus was a big plus on the day we went; very welcome!

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Orlando, Florida
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Arrived just before they closed, but the grounds were very beautiful

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See 2 more reviews by DClif for Cowes
Lincoln
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Osborne House. A lovely building and the tour of the house offered a really interesting insight into Victoria's life. The gardens are also very pleasant with great views across the Solent from the house. Good facilities - Tearooms, etc. A "must visit" place if you go to the Island.

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Wickford
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Loved the fantastic gardens. House was very interesting. Walk to the Swiss lodge well worth doing.

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Malvern, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

A surprising mini palace with some very victorian bits and pieces - some lovely and some hideous. Some of the portraits and photographs are very interesting and there is lots of info about the dynasty of Victoria and Albert

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See 2 more reviews by Ann M for Cowes
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012

We visited at Easter and loved the house. The staff are all so knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. It's well worth doing the short walk to the Swiss Cottage - our son loved seeing the little gardens, the fort and the museum. The food in the cafe is also excellent.

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London
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012

The staff are fantastic, and the food is locally produced. Great menus and highly recommend the high tea and macaroons. Probably the most stunning and fantastic hisorical location imaginable to have lunch.

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See 2 more reviews by Bellseybub for Cowes
Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012

Osborne House is truly magnificent and has some fascinating history to share. With the walks it's easily a day out for all the family. Sadly the attendants are more like guardians rather than guides. They seem knowlegible but you are aware that they are watching your every move ready to admonish with a "do not touch".They are reminiscient of the... More

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wales
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012

A lot of ground if you can manage it Missed a lot of the outside. Statues and rich art. Brilliant knowledgeable helpful staff Amazing rasberry butter spread try it mmm. Wish i had had the legs to have seem the great outside areas Queen Vic and Albert had good modern Victorian taste A massive home for a family and seemed... More

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