150th Anniversary Gala and Festive Ales Weekend
Join Isle of Wight Steam Railway in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Ryde and Newport Railway line, with historic trains to the present day!
What's On
Join IW Steam Railway over 29-30 November for their 150th Anniversary Gala and Festive Ales Weekend!
With a joint ticket you can ride on current generation 484 electric units, behind steam locomotives Adams 02 “Calbourne” and Terrier “Freshwater”, enjoy brake van rides behind diesels D2554 Nuclear Fred and, for the first time, new arrival 03 179, resplendent in Network SouthEast livery.
At Havenstreet a Real Ale bar will be hosting the inaugural ‘Festive Ales Weekend’ featuring a range of Christmas brews.
In partnership with Island Line there will be a joint all day travel ticket valid for travel on Island Line and the Steam Railway, allowing unlimited travel for the day between Ryde Pier Head, Smallbrook, Shanklin and Wootton stations as well as the Isle of Wight Steam Railway trains.
For more information and to book your tickets, see the IW Steam Railway website.
Getting There
From Southampton: Travel with a car and up to 7 passengers on our vehicle ferry service to East Cowes. Once you arrive on the Island, it's just a short drive to Havenstreet Station, where parking is free of charge.
By car: Havenstreet Station, Main Rd, Havenstreet, PO33 4DS
By train: Hop on the Island Line railway from Ryde, Brading, Lake, Sandown or Shanklin, and change at Smallbrook Junction to join the steam railway.
By bus: Southern Vectis buses regularly serve Wootton Station (also on the steam railway line). Plan your journey here.
Other events you may like
I Love Wight Pop Up Christmas Shop & Christmas Market
The hugely popular I Love Wight Pop Up Christmas Shop returns to The Garlic Farm for 2025, with a whole host of unique decorations and gift ideas!
Cowes Christmas Celebration Day
Get ready to step into the magic of Christmas in Cowes, with free entertainment and festive fun!
Festive Fun at Osborne
Head to Osborne this December for a festive day out the whole family will love!
Northwood House Christmas Fair
After another hugely successful Christmas Fair in 2024, the dates for the 2025 event have now been confirmed for Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November!
An Evening with Neil Ruddock
Don't miss the chance to see football legend Neil 'Razor' Ruddock in an exclusive live interview and audience Q&A!
Cowes Late Night Christmas Shopping
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and busy shopping centres and sail across to Cowes for a special evening of Late Night Christmas Shopping, with boutiques and independent shops offering toys, books, homeware, art, antiques, fashion, wine, jewellery and more!
Christmas at Tapnell Farm
Head to Tapnell Farm Park this Christmas, and discover a barn full of hands-on activities, festive fun, and a special visit to meet Santa and Mrs Claus!
Christmas Drive-in Cinema at Robin Hill
Drive into Christmas and support Wessex IOW with a weekend of festive films!
Santa Specials at IW Steam Railway
An enchanting Christmas experience awaits you and your little ones at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway on select dates this December, as Havenstreet Station becomes home to exceptional festive entertainment and traditional fairground rides!
Boxing Day Specials at IW Steam Railway
A fabulous post-Christmas treat for the whole family! After the indulgence of the festive season, enjoy a relaxing train journey through the stunning Isle of Wight countryside.