South East

Visit - Isle of Wight

Nestled off the Hampshire coast, the picturesque Isle of Wight is home to a rich history.

Osborne

Queen Victoria's seaside palace

Carisbrooke Castle

The island's castle

Yarmouth Castle

Defender of the Dorset coast

Take a dip at Osborne's private beach

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert spent many enjoyable hours with their family on the beach at Osborne. Today you can enjoy this private and special place with your family. See where the royal children learned to swim, and enjoy the same magnificent views across the Solent.

 

Things to see and do at Osborne

Meet the Famous Carisbrooke Donkeys

For hundreds of years the famous Carisbrooke donkeys have drawn up water in the castle's well house. Meet our resident donkeys for yourselves on your visit and find out about their life at the castle.

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Discover Royal Collection highlihgts at Osborne

The collections at Osborne remain the single most important example of the shared tastes of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. They are intensely personal, with many items commissioned by the royal couple and given to each other as birthday and Christmas gifts.

Many of the great paintings in the state rooms, and Queen Victoria's belongings in the family rooms, are part of the Royal Collection.

See for yourself

Visit Yarmouth Castle

During your holiday to the Isle of Wight, don’t miss the chance to explore the quirky seaside town of Yarmouth and its fascinating castle - one of the best picnic spots on the island.

Plan your visit

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Isle of Wight Travel itinerary

Chosen by Queen Victoria as a holiday retreat and by the Normans for one of their medieval defence forts, the Isle of Wight is an island fit for rulers and royalty. Just two hours from London, the island is rich in history, charm and intrigue.

We've put together this travel itinerary to help you plan your visit.

Plan your island visit

Places to Stay

When holidaying on the Isle of Wight, you'll need a place to stay from which to explore. Booking one of our luxurious holiday cottages for your stay is the perfect way to make the most of your holiday. As well as enjoying some of the island's finest accommodation, you'll get free entry to all of our historic places on the island and a discount in our cafe's and shops.

Our top tip

Make the most of your visit to the Isle of Wight with English Heritage membership. English Heritage members get free entry to all of our special historic places on the island, as well as free or discounted entry to our events. What's more, by joining, you'll be helping us look after these special places for future generations to enjoy.

Join English Heritage today

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