Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015 April 2014 | Page 59

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

Folly Inn

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Legend has it that the name of the Folly originated from a French
smuggling barge that ran aground in the 1700’s selling illegal alcohol!
Whether this is true or not, the Folly Inn has a unique, rustic appearance
and remains one of the must-visit places for many thirsty yachtsmen who
are prepared to venture up the River Medina.

Osborne House

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Beautiful Wight Images

No trip to the Island would be complete without a visit to this royal
seaside palace where Queen Victoria lived with her beloved Prince Albert
and their nine children. Osborne House provides an intimate glimpse into
Queen Victoria’s family life and one can only marvel at the magnificence
of the Royal apartments, such as the sumptuous drawing and dining
rooms and the richly decorated Indian-inspired Durbar Room.
There are stunning views from the terraces across the Solent, said to
remind Prince Albert of the bay of Naples. Don’t miss the miniature Swiss
Cottage as you stroll through Osborne’s extensive grounds, built to teach
the royal children the art of household management!
You can even explore Queen Victoria’s private beach, which is now open
to the public. “We have quite a charming beach to ourselves,” Victoria
wrote in 1845; it was here that the Queen regularly bathed and where her
children learned to swim.
To get to Osborne House from Cowes, you can either take the Chain
Ferry over to East Cowes and walk up the hill to Osborne House, a good
15 minute walk, or take the Southern Vectis No. 4 or No. 5 buses from
East Cowes town centre, both of which stop outside Osborne House. Read
more about Osborne House on pages 60-61.
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