Osborne House

With views across its magnificent estate to the sea and mainland beyond, Osborne House mixes the formal grandeur, sumptuous furnishings and priceless artworks of a royal palace with the informality of a private home, full of the personal memorabilia and memories of a beloved family residence.

Looking much as it did when it was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s ‘escape’ from public life, it retains the intimacy of the time when they retreated here to share private time together and to raise their nine children.

Both the magnificent house and the lovely gardens, with flower-filled terraces and sweeping lawns, may be used as a setting for enviable events that will be the talk of your guests for years to come.

A sweeping gravel drive leads to the grand Italianate house, where guests may arrive by horse and carriage in regal Victorian style.

Inside, the Victoria Hall and its charming Orangery, stunning Indian-inspired Durbar Room and elegant Duchess of Kent suite may be used or dining or drinks receptions.

But it is Osborne’s grounds that are its crowning glory for exquisite summer events. Marquees may be set on the Durbar Lawn for large-scale outdoor events in the same way that Queen Victoria once entertained her guests 130 years or more, ago. For smaller occasions, its terraces and pretty Walled Garden can be used for drinks in fine weather before dining inside. Osborne even boasts its own private beach for informal but utterly exclusive receptions where you can wine and dine your guests before strolling along the water’s edge as the sun sets over the sea. For wedding receptions or other events, English Heritage provides the services of a hospitality professional to help fine tune arrangements as well as a range of carefully chosen accredited suppliers – from caterers to florists – to ensure every occasion runs smoothly and to the highest possible standards.