Osborne — Attraction in Isle of Wight

So, we've visited Osborn House in the past as kids - great memories...

You don't really appreciate it though until you're a little bit older and can take in the scale of it - Nicely restored main house, stunning italianate gardens and a long walk to the private royal beach.

STAFF:

I found English Heritage staff really knowledgable, and it was great to speak with them and learn about victorian Britain in greater depth.

COVID RESTRICTIONS:

For social distancing, much of the house is currently closed (1st and 2nd floor), and the Swiss Cottage too - we were told these will re-open on June 21st.

CAFE & SHOP:

I was quite disappointed seeing as this was supposed to be the end of the tour and leave a good lasting impression on me. Instead, the lady was aggressively trying to sell us EH annual memberships before we'd even gotten into the shop!

I found the shop quite random; I understand its run by English Heritage and so you have all of their merchandise, from foam swords for kids to kitchen towels and victorian cook books; but a real lack of flow and cohesion from a retail perspective - it feels like its all just been thrown in there.

The Café is also closed due to Covid restrictions (strange, as every other pub, cafe and restaurant opened up on May 17th 2021).

There is a limited menu - poor choice of vegetarian options (there was literally no vegetarian food on when we went).

PRICING:

It was rather expensive for what it is, and a real shame English Heritage didn't consider lowering entry fees given most of the exhibit is closed off!

In addition, pricing options and EH memberships favour families of four (2x adults & 2x children); so if you're like me and driving around 5x senior citizens, be prepared to pay the best part of £100 to get in.

There is also no option for "House Only" tickets. We got lucky with the weather but if it's raining heavily, like it did this weekend, your 'House & Grounds' ticket is wasted.

ON REFLECTION:

The tour was okay. Expensive for what it currently is, but nonetheless a nice morning out.

If it was up to me, I think the house would serve better and fair stronger as a Hotel & Resort; I feel it has so much more to offer than EH currently use it for.

I would offer guests afternoon tea both inside the café and on the terrace.

I would price tickets more flexibly and consider Over 65s and Disabled visitors as categories (definite price restructuring required here).

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To English Heritage - Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss any of the information or...

We had a code for complimentary tickets. As we wanted to visit on the day, we rang English Heritage (a 35-minute wait for the phone to be answered.) The staff member to whom we spoke told us he had never heard of the scheme and neither had his colleague but, if we turned up at Osborne House, we should be able to use it. We drove up there and queued up...to be told that we could only use the code online so couldn't visit that day. We returned 3 days later. Osborne House itself is lovely and the exhibits are well done. Staff within the house are friendly and knowledgeable but there's a lot which can be improved. Firstly, parking. There is additional parking when the main car park is full but there's one tiny sign telling you that. Secondly, the admissions desk. We had to queue in the main queue, even though we had online tickets. One staff member told us we had to queue because the tickets needed to be scanned; when we got to the desk, nothing was scanned. We would have been waved straight through but the person behind the desk queried why we had complimentary tickets. There was no need to ask as we had the tickets, so clearly the website had accepted our code. She then wanted to look up on her list reasons for having them to make sure ours was there; it was but it made us feel awkward and u welcome. Thirdly, signage. Once you go through into the gardens, there was one sign pointing to the house but then hardly anything. Within the house it wasn't always clear where you had to go, especially as the roping wasn't always accurately placed. However, we had to wait outside in the pouring rain before we even got in the house, as it was too crowded. This makes perfect sense but please provide some shelter, such as a gazebo. Even the poor staff member on the door was saying that her staff waterproof wasn't waterproof and she was wet, despite her umbrella, so she would have benefited. It would also make the floor less wet in the house. On exiting the house, signage is again poor and you had to guess the way to the restaurant. Fourthly, toilets. We appreciate the building is old but there is no reason for broken seatsvor a,seat only partially fixed on, which we experienced in the Ladies and the Gents. Once you come out of the toilets at the back, there is nothing to tell you where to go. It's surely not difficult to provide adequate signage? Perhaps EH could get someone who doesn't know the property to take a tour and point out where signage is needed? Overall, Osborne House itself is lovely but signage and staff training are both...

Visiting Osborne House is like stepping into a regal Italian villa, meticulously crafted and surrounded by lush, enchanting gardens. This palatial residence, once the cherished summer retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, offers an intimate glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of British royalty during the 19th century.

From the moment you approach Osborne House, its grand facade, reminiscent of Renaissance palazzos, captivates the eye. The architecture, designed by Prince Albert himself, is a harmonious blend of classical and modern elements, reflecting his innovative spirit and appreciation for the arts. Each room within the mansion is a testament to the couple's refined taste, adorned with exquisite furnishings and priceless artworks that once belonged to Victoria and Albert.

The interior is a treasure trove of history and elegance. Walking through the grand corridors and lavishly decorated rooms, you can almost feel the presence of the royal family. Highlights include the sumptuous Durbar Room, with its intricate Indian-inspired decor, and the private apartments that offer a more personal insight into the daily lives of the queen and her consort.

The gardens of Osborne House are nothing short of spectacular. Spanning over 200 acres, they are a delightful mix of formal terraces, vibrant flower beds, and serene woodlands. The Italianate terraces, with their statues and fountains, offer stunning views over the Solent, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. The Swiss Cottage and Museum, nestled within the grounds, provide a charming diversion and a peek into the royal children's world.

What makes Osborne House truly special is its ability to transport visitors back in time. The well-preserved artifacts and the carefully maintained grounds offer a rich, immersive experience that history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike will find fascinating. The knowledgeable guides and comprehensive exhibits further enhance the visit, providing context and stories that bring the history of the house to life.

In summary, Osborne House is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in royal history, architecture, or simply seeking a beautiful and serene escape. Its blend of Italian-inspired design, rich historical significance, and breathtaking gardens make it a jewel of the Isle of Wight. A visit to Osborne is not just a tour of a house; it's a journey into the heart of a bygone era, filled with elegance, romance, and...