This involved taking a little ferry just about 100 metres across the inlet separating east and west Cowes and then walking about 20 minutes up a hill to the house. Had to ask locals the directions as there were no signs anywhere giving directions. There is not even an info centre in either east or west Cowes which is a bit strange.
Osborne House was built for Victoria and Albert and became their and later her favourite place to stay. Their 9 children also loved it there apparently. It is a beautiful building and the grounds are magnificent. It is basically as Victoria left it as the family handed it over to the nation soon after her death on 1901. All the furniture etc is left including very interesting pieces such as the piano which they both used to play - very well apparently - and the bed on which they both died. The nursery furniture is also intact as is the magnificent Indian-inspired Dunbar Room.
Also visited the Swiss chalet which Albert had built as a play house for the children and where each had a garden complete with monogrammed Wheelbarrows! Miniature kitchen was also installed where they could learn to cook.
Back to Cowes by about 4 and checked out the many eating places for tea - opted for a seafood restaurant. Also had a chat to the guy at the cycle shop reviews possible trails to try tomorrow if the weather is OK as is again predicted. We are very impressed with Cowes - it is very picturesque and not too crowded with lots of great little shops to browse through.
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