Isle of Wight

We all agreed that the Isle of Wight was probably our favourite destination of our entire trip last week and definitely a place we would like to go back to someday soon.

It all started with a ferry ride from our hotel in Portsmouth over to Fishbourne - a village on the northeastern coast of the Island.



Last month we became members of English Heritage which allows us free entry to over 400 historical sites in England. One such site is Osborne House: Queen Victoria’s palace by the sea. Victoria herself once wrote: ‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot’ and we certainly have to agree! Filled with Victorian opulence, extravagant interiors, and jaw-dropping Indian décor, Osborne was also built as a family home. As we walked through the Queen’s bedroom, the nursery rooms and even royal bathrooms, we got an intimate glimpse into royal family life.



















Even more impressive to us, though, was the Swiss Cottage (pictured above) with its child-size furniture and vegetable gardens. Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, built the Swiss Cottage as a location where he could teach their 9 children "life skills" such as gardening, cooking, etc. We liked this place so much that our family has determined to build our own Swiss Cottage someday... back in America, that is.

Our next stop on the Isle of Wight was the 17th-century Calbourne Water Mill, the only water mill of its time still in operation. We toured the mill itself and tried other methods of milling grains including a prehistoric stone grinder!























We enjoyed lunch in the cute little cafe next to the mill: complete with home-made soups, breads and cakes. The girls enjoyed the children's play area while waiting for their food. Mum and Dad enjoyed relaxing by the wood stove.





After lunch we "had a go" on the paddle boat (or "peddle boat" as they call it here).

The girls got to stroke a real carrier pigeon.

Calbourne was well worth the visit. From its hilly green landscapes, ancient church which dates back to AD 826, and even a pretty row of houses known as Winkle Street - it is renowned as one of the most unspoilt villages in the UK and we definitely loved it.

Last, but not least, was a quick stop (we only had one hour before it closed) at Carisbrooke Castle. Thank goodness for that English Heritage pass because we probably wouldn't have forked out the 12 GBP each for such a short visit!

This royal castle is remarkably complete, with battlements to march across, a keep to climb and a museum to explore. It was famous as a royal prison to Charles I (exiled king during the English civil war) The most famous residents today, however, are the Carisbrooke Donkeys who happily at work on the sixteenth-century tread wheel in the well house.

At one point in time, Princess Beatrice, the youngest of Queen Victoria's 9 children lived at Carisbrooke castle as well.

Family Favourites:

Matt - Calbourne water mill and countryside

Lana - Osborne House and Swiss Cottage

Amy & Emily - hands-on activities at Calbourne Mill