Osborne House and Gardens Houses

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 family's 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