This year the Isle of Wight are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of our beloved Queen Victoria. The 24th May was the birthday of Queen Victoria, the second longest reigning monarch and a visitor to Osborne House of the Isle of Wight
For those wanting to retrace the footsteps of Queen Victoria, here are some of her favourite spots to visit this year.
Visit Osborne House
Osborne House in Cowes was the holiday home of Queen Victoria, Albert and their nine children. Visit the state rooms, family rooms and stunning garden walks with views out to sea. This stunning 19th Century home now includes a Terrace restaurant an Orangery for lunch and afternoon tea.
The Royal Hotel in Ventnor
Founded in 1832, the hotel was named after receiving Queen Victoria’s patronage. Located in exotic south facing gardens and overlooking Ventnor’s amazing coastlines, this boutique hotel offers lavishly decorated rooms, a beautiful restaurant to dine in and a peaceful garden to relax in. There’s even an outdoor swimming pool for when the weather suits, and the hotel serves a delicious afternoon tea which can be enjoyed indoors or outside.
Interestingly, this celebration of tea originated in the Victorian era, when the young Queen Victoria reigned in the United Kingdom.
Discover Victoria and Alberts Island Trail
To discover and explore both lesser-known and famous locations linked to Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight, visitors can take Victoria’s Island Trail.
From seeing the church that Princess Beatrice was married in, to a yacht club that was created for Queen Victoria and her favourite viewpoint on the Island, the trail is perfect for history lovers and keen walkers.
Ventnor Botanic Garden forms part of the Victoria’s Island Trail tour
Open all year round, the Ventnor Botanic Garden forms part of the Victoria’s Island Trail tour – perfect for those wanting to learn about the link between Queen Victoria and the Isle of Wight.
The Chusan Palm Trachycarpus fortune are the oldest palms in the British Isles and were presented to Queen Victoria, who said they should be planted in the grounds of the former hospital and they still remain in the gardens today.
Shanklin Chine is a wonderful historic site with a gorge that opened in 1817
Visited by the young Princess Victoria with her mother in 1833, Shanklin Chine is a wonderful historic site with a gorge that opened in 1817.
Visitors can explore the surrounding area and see the natural beauty at this picturesque attraction. On summer nights during the Chine Lumiere, hundreds of lights illuminate the paths, streams and waterfalls at the attraction.
Visit the Isle of Wight on this royal milestone
If you haven’t visited the Isle of Wight yet then this is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate a royal milestone whilst exploring the island. Passengers can travel to the Isle of Wight on Wightlink in just 22 minutes as foot passengers and in 40 minutes on the car ferry, making it perfect for those wanting a day trip or even a weekend away.
Find out more by visiting www.wightlink.co.uk.
