Make ‘MAMA’S DAY’ With a Tour of Osborne House.
Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Mothering Sunday 18th March 10am-4pm

Say ‘Thank You’ to your ‘Mama’ on Mothers Day weekend with a guided tour of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight to learn about one of Britain’s most famous mothers, Queen Victoria.

Tours of the ground floor rooms of her favourite house will concentrate on the great Queen’s private role as mama to her nine children and looks at the life they enjoyed at Osborne. Queen Victoria’s family grew over an amazing 17 years – with the first born in 1840 and her last in 1857.

There will be a chance to meet all of them, portrayed in paintings, in life-size sculptures and in a poignant collection of marble hands, arms, legs and feet which were commissioned by Queen Victoria during the 1840s and 1850s as permanent souvenirs of her babies.

Running from 10am until 4.30pm, the special tours on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Mothering Sunday 18 March, are a superb opportunity to find out about Queen Victoria’s experiences as a mother and the intimate life she and her family enjoyed at Osborne.   Tours must be pre-booked by calling 01983 200022 and cost just £9.80 for adults, £7.40 for concessions and £4.90 for children.

Mothers can also be indulged in Osborne’s stylish waiter-service Terrace Restaurant, with a different special meal treat on the menu each day to suit every taste.  On Friday a delicious Victorian Tea, substantial enough for lunch and including favourites like dainty smoked salmon sandwiches and plump fruit scone with fresh berries, is being served from noon to 3pm. 

On Saturday sons and daughters may invite their mother to share a tasting lunch – great for those who can never make up their minds!  They may pick two savoury delicacies – such as Ventnor stout and island cheese rarebit and smoked halibut with chicory leaves and lemon and olive oil drizzle and follow with two puddings including a warm chocolate melting moment and raspberry meringue with soft whipped cream. 

Sunday lunch caters for the whole family with a choice of a hearty traditional roast leg of lamb with redcurrant gravy or a more contemporary linguine with scallops, white wine and cream and a rocket and mixed leaves side salad. 

All mothers will be served with a complimentary glass of champagne and take away a small gift.  Admission to Osborne’s extensive grounds, perfect for a stroll before or after lunch, is included in the meal price. 

Early booking is recommended since demand is expected to be high – call 01983 298052 or email Osborne@digbytrout.co.uk

Osborne House is 1 mile south of East Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

For information on events at English Heritage properties around Hampshire during 2007, call 0870 333 1183 or visit:  English Heritage

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