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Queen Victoria's Isle of Wight

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Visit Queen Victoria's favourite home

For generations people have been visiting the Isle of Wight for its beaches, yachting and countryside - most notably Queen Victoria, who established a family residence there after her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. Enjoy a private evening at the home she chose, Osborne House - her "place of one's own - quiet and retired".

Day One

Make your own way to your hotel in time for dinner, and to meet your hosts and guides Penny Dearing and Gay Jackson.

Day Two

Take the Ferry from Southampton to East Cowes, and then head to Osborne House for a guided tour of the grounds followed by lunch. From here we'll head to Carisbrook Castle, where King Charles I was imprisoned. After a talk by the curator in the fascinating museum, you're free to examine the exhibits relating the story of Charles I's stay, and see the famous donkey-powered waterwheel - now restored to its working glory.

In the late afternoon we'll return to Osborne House, stopping briefly at Whippingham Church. You've a full private, guided tour of the house, followed by a drinks reception in the Duchess of Kent Suite. After dinner in the splendid Victoria Hall, the curator will give a talk about Queen Victoria's life at the House.

Day Three

This morning we'll visit Portsmouth's historic docks - home of some of Britain's most historic ships. See 'HMS Warrior', Nelson's 'HMS Victory' and the 'Mary Rose', before you return to the hotel to check out and begin your journey home.

 
 

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To book, please call   0845 226 9729* *Charged at local UK rates  Office opening hours   Mon-Fri 9am-7pm  Sat 9am-4pm  Sun 10am-2pm  Bank Holidays 10am-2pm