-Discover a range of royal experiences 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. 

Wightlink recommends some of the top activities and royal places of interest on the Isle of Wight, for those wanting to retrace the footsteps of Queen Victoria.

Visit Osborne

For a true spot of royalty, visitors can explore Osborne - once the holiday home of Queen Victoria. From state rooms, 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. Find out more at: https://www.wightlink.co.uk/top-attractions/osborne/.

Stay at The Royal Hotel

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. Prices for a classic room start from £175 for one night and afternoon tea packages start from £23 per person. Find out more at: https://royalhoteliow.co.uk/.  

Victoria's Island Trail

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. Find out more at: https://www.wightlink.co.uk/do/queen-victorias-island-trail/.

Ventnor Botanic Garden

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. Admission prices start from £9.50 for adults and £6 for children (aged between 6 – 16 years). Find out more at:  https://www.wightlink.co.uk/top-attractions/ventnor-botanic-garden/.

Shanklin Chine

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. Admission prices start from £4.60 per person. Find out more at:  https://www.wightlink.co.uk/top-attractions/shanklin-chine/.

The Isle of Wight is a fantastic location to celebrate a royal milestone whilst enjoying a relaxing break. With Wightlink, passengers can travel to the Isle of Wight in just 22 minutes as foot passengers and in 40 minutes on the car ferry, making it perfect for those wanting a day trip or even a weekend away. Wightlink fares start from £17.00 day return as a foot passenger (based on travelling on 24th May 2019) or from £85.75 day return by car ferry. To find out more and book, visit www.wightlink.co.uk.

ENDS

Wightlink

Wightlink is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator carrying almost 4.5 million holidaymakers and Islanders across the Solent to the Isle of Wight every year. Eight ferries on three routes complete over 45,000 sailings a year, giving Islanders an easy and frequent service to mainland Hampshire, and tourists an accessible way to enjoy a taste of Island life.

With seamless train connections to Portsmouth Harbour and Lymington directly to the Wightlink terminals, getting to the Isle of Wight could not be easier. Passengers can step off the train from London, hop on a Wightlink catamaran and be on the Island from just 22 minutes, while the car ferries take around 40 minutes from Portsmouth and Lymington. On board, passengers and drivers alike can relax in the lounges and enjoy some refreshments before arriving on the Island to enjoy the range of attractions, events and experiences that make the Isle of Wight a leading destination for tourists.

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Drive Less See More – www.wightlink.co.uk/dlsm

For more information about Wightlink Ferries, please contact:

Belinda Hallworth           020 7680 7114               belinda.hallworth@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Radhika Sharma            020 7680 7118               radhika.sharma@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Claire Nelson                 020 7680 7116               claire.nelson@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Jo Kenworthy                020 7680 7125               jo.kenworthy@flagshipconsulting.co.uk