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The sight of a steam train puffing its way around the countryside is the stuff of romantic memories and brings wonder to adults and kids alike. What's not to like about being able to ride one of these amazing antique trains and to relive the glorious days of steam travel?
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And that is exactly what you can do at the IW Steam Railway where they run some of the last surviving steam trains on over four and a half miles of track between Havenstreet, Wootton and Ashey.
The Island once had over 55 miles of steam-hauled railway lines, connecting all of the major towns and villages, but they were closed from 1952 onwards until the end of 1966. In 1967 the Ryde to Shanklin section reopened as an electric line using former London Underground stock.
Luckily a group of railway enthusiasts formed the IW Steam Railway in 1971 and it now has a large collection of engines and carriages, at least two different engines in operation every month, visiting engines and a beautifully- kept track through pretty countryside.
The award winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway will engage, inspire and excite you ... The sight of powerful majestic steam engines, the charm of quiet rural stations, and the friendliness of traditionally uniformed staff, will leave you with some enduring memories of a special day out.
Added to this there are special weekends throughout the summer where you can relive the 1940s, join the railway folk, induldge in some cider and cheese tasting, enjoy a special ‘steam day’, see the different motor shows or sip Real Ales.
Make sure to see Haven Falconry who have birds of prey - watch them fly and pose with them for photos. And visit the Railway Shop, the Woodland Walk and the children’s play area.
Check-out their website which has information about the engines, the rota of engines in operation each month and lots about the events throughout the year. You can easily spend a whole day at this great attraction, and there’s even a restaurant if you don’t bring a picnic.
Availability
- please see calendar to the left for opening days as varied throughout the year
- Santa specials in December (tbc)
Opening times
- on operating days the first train leaves Havenstreet Station at 10.05am and the last round trip is at 3.57pm. Train Story* opens at 10.30am and last admissions are at 4.30pm. - Average visitor time is between 3.5 and 4 hours.
* Train Story will re-open on 17 May 2021
Last admission
- please refer to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's website for the last departure.
Parking
- large free car park at Havenstreet Station
- free car park at Wootton Station if joining there
Accessibility
- the main station area at Havenstreet is on the flat with easy access to the platform
- wheelchair access available to the shop, refreshment room, children's indoor and outdoor play areas
- Train Story Discovery Centre is accessed on the flat from the Station Yard
- disabled toilet facilities
- assistance dogs are welcome
- for visitors unable to leave their wheelchair there are 2 modified carriages which provide compartment space for wheelchairs, although for operational reasons it may not always be possible to include them on the train. At such times every effort will be made to accommodate the wheelchair in the guard van
Children
- children aged 4 and under are free of charge
- baby changing facilities available
- indoor and outdoor play area
Dogs
- Dogs are welcome at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and are charged £3 on arrival
Refreshment Rooms
- located at Havenstreet, fully licensed and offering home cooked specials, light bites, cakes, drinks and ice creams
Gift shop
- great range of railway products to remember your visit by
Covid-safety
- For details of Isle of Wight Steam Railway Covid safety please see here
We hope you enjoy your visit and don't forget to tweet a pic
( @RedFunnel @IWSteamRailway)
Getting to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is easy from Southampton.
By car - catch the hourly car ferry to East Cowes and then head south on Dover Road. Follow the A3021, Park Road, Briddlesford Road, and then turn left into Combley Road. The journey will take about 13 minutes.
On foot - catch the Red Jet to West Cowes. From here, Southern Vectis operate frequent buses (service 1) to Newport where you can change at the bus station for service 9, alighting at Wootton station. From here you catch a train to Havenstreet station. Taxis are also available outside the West Cowes Red Jet terminal. For car hire, we recommend Enterprise - they will pick you-up from the Red Jet if you tell them your arrival time.
Address: Isle of Wight Steam Railway, The Railway Station, Havenstreet, Isle of Wight, PO33 4DS
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The First Train |
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Island Heritage Train Day | (book direct only) |
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Young Engineers Day |
(book direct only) |
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Island Heritage Train Day |
(book direct only) |
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Festival of Transport |
(book direct only) |
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50th Anniversary Gala |
(book direct only) |
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Railway Folk |
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Terrier Weekend |
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Real Ale Festival | |
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The 1940’s Experience | |
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Member Day & Real Ale Train | |
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Island Highland Gathering | |
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Island Heritage Train Day | |
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Summer Concert |
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Island Heritage Train Day | |
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Island Steam Show |
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Morris Minor Rally | |
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Cider & Cheese Festival | |
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Island Heritage Train Day | |
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1960’s Weekend | |
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Teddy Bear Day | |
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Island Heritage Train Day | |
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Wizard Week | |
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Fright Nights! |
