Osborne House, Isle of Wight

Victoria and Albert's family home. Albert bought the estate and had the house designed in the style of an Italian villa. The place is full of family treasures, beautifully decorated. Plasterwork and cornicing, chandeliers, tiling, works of art depicting the family - they had nine children. Albert spent a lot of time with the children whilst Victoria dealt with affairs of state. Many quotes from her journals around the house and estate, relating to items in the rooms, or events that took place there.

The highlight for me was the Durbar Room, Indian craftsmen came to create and advise. At the time the wing was built Victoria was Empress of India. A place for lavish state dinners.

We toured the house for more than two hours. The Royal apartments, below stairs, and Victoria's bedroom, where she died in January 1901. The Queen lay in state in the Dining Room here, until her funeral held at Windsor. She is buried at Frogmore, beside her beloved Albert.

A long walk around the Estate, visiting the Swiss Cottage and gardens. Created by Prince Albert as a learning space for the children. Down to the beach, to see the Queen's bathing machine, we spotted several Little Egret's on the shoreline. The day ended in the well stocked Walled Garden. Tomatoes growing outside - in the UK!

The whole estate is cared for by English Heritage. Well worth a visit, a real Grand Day Out.

So many paintings and drawings of the family, the house and estate by Victoria and Albert. They were both talented artists.