Victoria’s Island Trail walking route

Take the chance to walk in Queen Victoria’s footsteps by taking Victoria’s Island Trail.

The famous Queen, and her husband Prince Albert, were hugely fond of the Isle of Wight and visited regularly. Osborne, in East Cowes, became their holiday home – a place for the royal family to relax and a base from which to visit the myriad attractions and beauty spots across the Island.

And now you can do the same. Victoria’s Island Trail includes a series of both lesser-known retreats and famous locations across the whole of the Isle of Wight, including the church Princess Beatrice married in, the Queen’s favourite Island viewpoint, and the yacht club created just for her.

Use the interactive map to plan your journey and see our list below for more details about each landmark.

Victoria’s Island Trail itinerary

Day trip

Light on time but still want walk the same paths as Queen Victoria? It’s easy to explore the best of the Isle of Wight in just one day and it’s even easier with our sample Island Trail itinerary.

Morning – Get your Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, then head to Osborne, the holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Take in the stunning scenery and walk in regal footsteps.

Lunch – Travel southwards to Newport and explore Newport Minster. Eat at one of the many popular restaurants or traditional pubs in the area, such as the Blacksmith’s Arms or the Bargeman’s Rest.

Afternoon and evening – Stop by at the Royal Hotel and maybe even sample some tea before heading onto Ventnor Botanic Garden. Squeeze in a trip to Shanklin, perhaps exploring Shanklin Chine, and have dinner by the sea.

Drive back up to Fishbourne for your return ferry.

Overnight stay

Make a night of it and stay over on the Island. Explore our list of accommodation partners to find a place to stay.

Day one – Cross the Solent with Wightlink and explore Carisbrooke Castle, only a short drive from our Fishbourne terminal. While there, take in the museum of local history, before heading down to Blackgang Chine where there is plenty to do and see.

Tour Shanklin Chine in the late afternoon and eat dinner by the seaside to round off your first day.

Day two – Head straight to Osborne and spend the morning touring one of Queen Victoria’s favourite retreats. Have lunch nearby at the Lifeboat, right next to the River Medina.

Make Cowes your base for the day and go to St Mildred’s Church before taking in the stunning views of the Solent at Egypt Point. It’s a short trip back to Fishbourne where you can hop on your Wightlink ferry to return home.