“We have quite a charming beach to ourselves.” Wrote Queen Victoria of the beach at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. The Italianate style house, originally built to provide the Queen and Prince Albert with a private home, is surrounded by grounds and parkland that were developed by the Prince himself.  Covering 354 acres it displays his liking for poplars and the Italian style of lining drives and walks with evergreens. Today Osborne House, with its stunning gardens and views across the Solent, is in the care of English Heritage.

Needing a vehicle to take people and supplies to the Queen’s beach they recently took delivery of a new Polaris Ranger Diesel Crew 1000 from local dealer C & O Tractors. Fitted with a full cab, the Polaris is used to ferry disabled and elderly people, as well as staff, food and drink supplies between the house and the new Pavilion Beach Ice-Cream Parlour and wedding venue.

“The Polaris was just what English Heritage were looking for,” says Lee Priddle of Wight ATV, “the power and economy of a diesel 4 x 4 and the ability to carry six people in comfort as well as stock for the cafe and weddings.” The Polaris Crew is also used to tow a trailer with additional supplies and replaces a Polaris Ranger EV electric 4 x 4 that has been used for security patrol by the beach ranger.