Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and the royal family relished their extended summer holidays at Osborne where they delighted in the peace and tranquillity of Isle of Wight life. Today you can walk in the footsteps of the Queen and take the Victoria’s Island Trail. Visit the landmarks that meant so much to the royal family. Discover attractions as well as great places to eat and drink on the Isle of Wight. You’ll find the spectacular scenery of the Island surrounds you everywhere you travel.
“The day was beautiful, the sea so blue…”
At the height of her reign, Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert chose the Isle of Wight as their favourite holiday spot. Creating a palatial home at Osborne, East Cowes, the royal family spent their holidays visiting attractions, towns and beauty spots across the Isle of Wight.
.jpg)
Explore Victoria's Island
The Victoria’s Island Trail includes key locations across the Island, including the church Princess Beatrice married in, the Queen’s favourite Isle of Wight viewpoint, and the yacht club created just for her. Follow in the footsteps of a Queen - walk along the same paths, see the same views and enjoy a unique journey around the Isle of Wight.
Victoria's Island trail
Queen Victoria and Osborne
In the 19th century, Queen Victoria brought her court and wealthy Victorians to the Isle of Wight. Her holiday home at Osborne was at the centre of the Victorians’ love affair with the Island. The Queen’s annual holidays transformed this quiet island into the much-visited destination it is today.
From her early childhood, Queen Victoria liked holidaying on the Island, later saying: “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”. Osborne was built to her husband, Prince Albert’s, specifications between 1845 and 1851, introducing the Italianate style to the Isle of Wight. This architecture is echoed throughout the Island. It can particularly be seen in the gateway town of Ryde, with its skyline showing Victorian towers when viewed from the incoming ferry.
This year marks the 200th birthday of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were born on the 24th May and 26th August 1819 respectively. And here on the Isle of Wight we couldn’t be more excited. To celebrate 200 years of Victoria and Albert, Osborne House are putting together a birthday trail which you’ll able to follow at Osborne from the 24th May. Click here to find out more.
The Durbar Room at Osborne
In 1876 Queen Victoria became Empress of India, following which the ‘main wing’ was added to Osborne. Designed by the father of Rudyard Kipling, the wing includes the world-famous Durbar Room, built for state banquets with Indian delegates. In the corridor leading to the heavily decorated room are portraits of Indian representatives. These include a painting of the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, about whom Queen Victoria said: "Those eyes and those teeth are too beautiful". Seen in the photos are replicas of Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim's outfits worn by the stars of Victoria & Abdul, Dame Judi Dench and Ali Fazal, exhibited in 2017 for the launch of the movie.
.jpg)
Make a Royal holiday of it
Enjoy a regal Isle of Wight stay. Discover gorgeous accommodation fit for royalty across the Island. Whether a stately home, thatched cottage, or a stylish boutique B&B, there are many stunning places to stay on the Isle of Wight. You can even indulge in a majestic stay at Osborne, the home of Queen Victoria, or the royal castle of Carisbrooke.
There are many places to stay with historical connections too. Stay in the house where John Keats wrote romantic poetry, or treat yourself to a stay at the Ventnor hotel favoured by Queen Victoria. You can even stay in the grounds of a botanic garden where you’ll find plants collected by Victorian collectors and donated by Queen Victoria.
Travel to the Isle of Wight
Getting to the Island couldn't be easier. There are regular ferry crossings from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington. There is also a hovercraft route from Southsea which takes 10 minutes to get to Ryde. Regular Isle of Wight bus and rail services will take you around the Island. Travelling by bike and foot is easy, with an excellent network of cycle paths and footpaths across the Island.
The Victoria’s Island Trail highlights places loved by Queen Victoria and her family. We’ve created a number of itineraries for you to take. Travel across the Isle of Wight finding royal connections.
Victoria's Island trail leaflet
Download the trail leaflet
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
.png "Isle of Wight")
like, follow, share....join in!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
TikTok
Threads