Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight

The 24th May marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria – the second-longest reigning monarch, and regular holiday visitor to the Isle of Wight. Those wishing to mark this occasion can visit a range of places and locations where Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their nine children would have spent time on the Island.

Here are our recommendations of the top activities and royal places of interest on the Isle of Wight, for those wanting to retrace the footsteps of Queen Victoria.

For a true spot of royalty, visitors can explore Osborne – once the holiday home of Queen Victoria. From state rooms in the house, where the Queen once entertained guests, to family rooms and stunning gardens to walk around in, guests can truly immerse themselves in Queen Victoria’s footsteps at this attraction. There’s also plenty of choice for somewhere to eat at the stunning 19th Century house, including a Terrace restaurant and Orangery, making it ideal for a day out.

On the Isle of Wight, guests can stay in accommodation fit for royalty at 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.

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.

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.

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.