[1] It is named for the neighbouring Osborne House estate on the shore, which owns the land facing the bay.

[3] In 1845 Osborne House was bought by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and became a popular retreat for them and the Royal Family to holiday.

[2] After her death in 1901, the bathing machine was removed and the estate, including the bay, was gifted to the nation in 1902 by her successor, Edward VII.

The beach was used for troop training before the D-Day landings; during these exercises, severe damage was done to the pavilion and piers on the bay.

[4] The beach was first open to the public in summer 2012, and its owners, English Heritage, have a marine licence allowing there to be a marked swimming area for visitors.