Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Isle of Wight Steam Railway - Havenstreet Station, Main Road, Havenstreet, Ryde, UK
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a heritage steam railway located in the United Kingdom. The railway runs between Wootton, Havenstreet, Ashey and Smallbrook Junction, offering visitors a traditional steam train journey through the Isle of Wight countryside. Most visitors begin their journey at Havenstreet, the main station, which is a restored 1940s station.

The railway features multiple historic stations. Wootton recreates an Edwardian country station. Havenstreet includes the Train Story Discovery Centre, museum, locomotive and carriage workshops, gift shop and refreshment rooms. Ashey is a rural request stop ideal for countryside walks and picnics. Smallbrook Junction connects with Island Line electric trains and can only be accessed by train. Visitors can ride traditional steam trains and experience restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages. The railway has a collection of steam locomotives including Calbourne, Freshwater and Newport, which spent much of their working life on the Island’s railways. The entire 10-mile round trip railway has accredited museum status. Attractions include the Museum with railway artefacts and historical displays, Train Story exhibition, and a children’s play area.

Ticket prices vary depending on class, booking method and ticket type. Standard 3rd class adult tickets range from £26.00 to £29.50, while 1st class adult tickets range from £39.00 to £43.50. Child tickets generally range from £9.00 to £16.50 depending on ticket type. Membership prices range from £15.00 to £38.00 for individuals and up to £73.00 for family membership. Group adult tickets range from £16.00 to £18.00. Exclusive experiences range from £79.00 for the 1st Class Hamper Experience to £249.00 for the Footplate Experience.

Overall, Isle of Wight Steam Railway offers a heritage steam train experience combining historic locomotives, restored stations, museum exhibits and countryside views. 

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Stations

  • Wootton: Hop aboard at Wootton where you will find a recreation of an Edwardian country station complete with waiting room, ticket office and toilets. When the sun is shining make the most of your day and enjoy lunch in the picnic area, take a short walk up the road to a country pub, or along the former route of the railway line towards Whippingham station.
  • Havenstreet: Our main station, Havenstreet is a restored 1940s station where all the fun and magic happens. Facilities here include Train Story Discovery Centre, museum, locomotive and carriage and wagon workshops, a well-stocked gift shop and our refreshment rooms.
  • Ashey: Trains call here only by request – let the guard know if you wish to alight, or give the driver a clear hand signal (like hailing a bus) if you wish to board. Ashey is beautiful rural location makes it the perfect spot for country walks or a relaxing picnic. The station is peaceful throughout most of the year, but comes to life for our evening Real Ale Train where it becomes an enjoyable spot to enjoy a beer and watch the trains go by.
  • Smallbrook Junction: Step off at Smallbrook Junction, where the Steam Railway meets electric trains. It is here that Island Line trains link to the Steam Railway. There is no access to this station other than by train. The station itself was built by the former Network SouthEast in the early 1990s and the building, designed to replicate a traditional Southern Railway station, was completed in 2012. There is a ticket office, waiting room and eco toilet.

Ride The Steam Train

  • Discover the stations: Most visitors start their journey from our main station at Havenstreet which is located in the middle of the line. You’ll travel first to Wootton and then go to Smallbrook Junction before returning to Havenstreet.
  • Our steam engines: Our railway has an envied collection of steam locomotives. Three of the fleet, Calbourne, Freshwater and Newport spent much of their working life on the Island’s railways.
  • The footplate team: Pushing the train forward is our footplate team, fuelling the fire, feeling the heat, hearing the rhythmic sound of the cylinders and the unmistakable aroma of steam locomotives push our steam trains forward.
  • The journey: Step back to a bygone era when steam power was the order of the day. Thrill to the sight and sound of powerful majestic steam engines and breathe in the evocative smells of a real steam railway. Soak-up the rhythm of quiet rural stations.
  • Carriages inside and out: Experience the golden age of travel as you settle back in our beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages with their gleaming brass handles and vintage droplight windows.
  • View on the track: Discover an idyllic view of the Island’s unspoilt countryside; keep an eye out for a red squirrel, horses, tunnels, signals and stations as you pass through stunning ancient woodland.
  • The sights and smells of the railway: Experience the single track token exchange, hear the whistle of the train, smell the steam, feel the energy and power of our amazing working railway. Discover our heritage and unique environment. Truly a day like no other.

Other Features 

  • The Museum: In the autumn of 2018 the entire 10 mile round trip of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway was granted accredited museum status by Arts Council England, meaning the entire Railway is a working museum. Within the railway shop itself there is a small artefacts gallery for visitors to enjoy. See up-close a whole host of items from the Railway’s history including nameplates and maker’s plates from some of the earliest locomotives to run on the Island. 
  • Train Story: Experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of over 150 years of railway history. Inside, you will find displays of our Victorian and Edwardian carriages alongside a collection of our rare rolling stock, all preserved undercover and protected from the elements, allowing us more time to spend on restoring other historic vehicles. They aren’t shut behind glass though – in fact, if they are unlocked, then step aboard for a closer inspection.
  • Children’s Play Area: Little ones love to run around and let off steam! In our safe children’s play area they can do just that. Whilst enjoying lunch or a cuppa in the refreshment room or outside seating area you can watch your children as they explore the steam train climbing frame or play on the swings.

Facilities

Food & Drinks: Our Station Restaurant at Havenstreet station serves a wide selection hot and cold meals, generally from 11am onwards. Our Barn Café serves lighter meals and snacks. Our Ice cream kiosk is open most days and serves soft ice cream and hot and cold drinks.

What to see

Exclusive Experiences

  • 1st Class Hamper Experience: The perfect gift, to treat yourself or a friend, loved one or a family member to an Exclusive Experience at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Whether you’re planning a romantic treat, birthday or anniversary celebration with all the family, let us help make your day that extra bit special! Experience the romance of heritage rail dining with a one hour round trip from Havenstreet though the stunning English countryside. Travelling in a beautifully restored first class carriage, your party can sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious, boxed picnic with your own bottle of prosecco.
  • Footplate Experience: Make any occasion truly special by adding a footplate experience for one lucky person. A ride on one of our steam locomotives is a feast for the senses. Experience the rhythmic sound of the cylinders, the heat from the firebox, and unmistakable aroma of a steam locomotive at work. Accompanied by our experienced driver and fireman, you’ll take a round trip of the line with the best view on the railway. Experience allows further travel in 1st class for the lucky person and one other guest. 
  • Ryde Pier Railcar Experience: Hire our unique railcar for a fascinating journey along the line. You will have the exclusive use of this beautiful vehicle for you and your group. Originally dating from 1927, the railcar spent its working life shuttling between Ryde Esplanade and the Pier Head. Now extensively rebuilt, it is ideal for a small group and with its large windows, you will enjoy a panoramic driver’s eye view up and down the line.
  • Victorian train Experience: Get into the party mood on board our pair of Victorian 4-wheeled carriages. Beautifully restored, you will travel in style with your family and friends on a journey through the Isle of Wight countryside. With their two large inter-connecting saloons, these quaint Victorian veterans create a convivial atmosphere that is ideal for a medium-sized group. We will welcome you on board with soft drinks and light refreshments, and your group will enjoy exclusive use of either one or both carriages as you make a complete round trip along the line. Duration approx. 1 hour.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

3rd class tickets (ONLINE / GATE)

  • Adult (Inc up to 3 Children FREE): £26.00 / £29.50
  • Child (5–17 years): £10.00 / £11.00
  • Infant (0–4 years): FREE / FREE
  • IWSR Member or Carer: FREE / FREE
  • Dog or bicycle: FREE / FREE

1st class tickets (ONLINE / GATE)

  • Adult (Inc up to 3 children FREE): £39.00 / £43.50
  • Child (5–17 years): £15.00 / £16.50
  • Infant (0–4 years): FREE / FREE
  • IWSR Member: £10.00 / £10.00
  • Carer: FREE* / FREE
  • Dog or bicycle: FREE / FREE

Membership (Non-Direct Debit / Direct Debit)

  • Adult: £38.00 / £35.00
  • Senior Citizen (60+ years): £35.00 / £32.00
  • Child (5–17 years): £18.00 / £15.00
  • Family (2 adults, up to 4 children): £73.00 / £70.00

Group prices

  • Adult: £18.00
  • Adult Group Saver (travel on the last train): £16.00
  • Child (5 – 17 years): £9.00

Other travel tickets

  • PRIV – Adult: £6.50
  • PRIV – Child: £3.25
  • HRA Privilege card holders: FREE

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES

  • 1st Class hamper experience: Adult £79.00 
  • Footplate experience: Adult £249.00

Pricing URL: https://iwsteamrailway.co.uk/tickets/fares-tickets/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Visit the website for timing information. 

Address: Isle of Wight Steam Railway - Havenstreet Station, Main Road, Havenstreet, Ryde, UK

Post Code: PO33 4DS

Council: Isle of Wight

County: Isle of Wight

  • By Car: Please head to our main station at Havenstreet where there is a large FREE car park with spaces for cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and coaches. We also have two charging points for electric vehicles. Enter PO33 4DS into your Satnav or head for Havenstreet (3 miles from Ryde and 3 miles from Newport) and look for road signs to Havenstreet or brown signs showing the Steam Railway.
  • By Bus: Havenstreet station is not served by a public bus service. Wootton station is served by the No 9 bus which runs regularly between Newport and Ryde (via Staplers). – typically every 20 minutes Mon-Sat and every 30 minutes on Sundays. There is a bus stop right outside Wootton station.
  • By Train: Board frequent Island Line services from Ryde, Brading, Sandown, Lake or Shanklin, taking you directly to Smallbrook Junction station. Here its a simple cross-platform connection to the Steam Railway. This is usually the most convenient way to reach the Steam Railway if you’re travelling from Ryde, Sandown or Shanklin.

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