October 6th Shanklin & Osborne House

The Swiss Cottage

Today the weather forecast was such that the better weather was likely to be in the morning and then coming to rain.  We decided to go to Osborne House to view the grounds in the better weather and house when it rained.  After breakfast we picked up a hire car and made our way across the island to the House (the holiday residence of Queen Victoria and her family).  The grounds are extensive and we walked round the walled garden, down to the beach and along to the Swiss cottage built for the 9 children by Prince Albert.





Osborne House

Viewing shelter

Luckily after viewing the Swiss Cottage there was a courtesy bus to take us back to the main house and by this time it was beginning to rain.  We had a snack at the restaurant and then started on the journey round the house.  It was very interesting with many artefacts from the period and as usual it was difficult to retain it all.  We saw the room where Queen Victoria died in 1901.  On reflection, we both agreed the house was well worth visiting.  It was still pouring as we made our way back to the hotel for a freshen up before a good dinner.





Victoria's and Christine's bathing machine