WIREDGOV

This summer, visitors will be able to explore Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s private beach at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight for the first time.

On Friday 27 July 2012, the beach will be opening to the public for the first time. Visitors will be able to lounge in deckchairs enjoying the same vistas that the royal couple so admired – the view was said to remind Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples.

Throughout the summer holidays there will be special seaside entertainment for families, and a new beach café will also be opening, selling a selection of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments.

Queen Victoria spent many enjoyable hours on the beach at Osborne with her family and it was here that the royal children learned to swim. Prince Albert believed in the health-giving properties of sea bathing and encouraged the Queen and his children to do so.

"We drove down to the seashore and remained there for an hour playing with the children who were so happy.” Queen Victoria’s Journal, 5 March 1846

Plan your visit to Osborne

Click here for full press release and related photos