Monday, visited the Gun Wharf in Portsmouth for some retail therapy and to meet up with Sue and Lorna. Due to circumstances we opted for a trip across the ocean in the afternoon. I say ocean it's actually called the Solent and the destination, the Isle of Wight. In 2006 we went there and one of the things we wanted to see was Osbourne House, the summer home of Queen Victoria, but after circumnavigating the island we arrived at the house after closing time.
As you might guess it became our first port of call. We hopped on the ferry and in 40 minutes we were driving onto the Isle of Wight and within another 10 minutes we arrived at the house.
HMS Iron Duke off to who knows where.......
Penny off to the Isle of Wight.....
Osbourne House
designed by Prince Albert
summer sun in the garden
checking out the garden
Queen Vic's private beach
Penny's private ice cream
Busby Pete
Do I like butter..... oh Yesssss!
Fascinating place, we spent over two hours looking at the house, gardens and beach. The Queen had her own private beach, when Albert was alive they spent many happy hours here with their children. Albert was from all accounts a devoted father and did a great deal to bring up his children as normal as possible, but of course after he died Victoria was beside herself with grief and although she still came to Osbourne House it was no longer the happy place it once was.
Sunset over the Solent..