Isle of Wight Steam Railway

“Isle of Wight Steam Railway an unforgettable adventure through time”

A visit to the multi award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway, a leader in UK Heritage Railways, will charm, engage, and captivate families and adults alike.

Their beautifully preserved railway creates the perfect backdrop for your special day out. Settle back in their immaculately restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages as their majestic steam engines take you on a 10-mile round trip though some of the Islands’ stunning countryside.

 

Exploring Havenstreet

The main station, Havenstreet is a restored 1940s station, where all the fun and magic happens. With such a variety of things to do here, it’s the perfect day out for the whole family.

Visit their award-winning, interactive museum, Train Story Discovery Centre or immerse yourself in the history watching our skilled craftsmen in the workshops.

Take in the beautiful surroundings, complete with woodland walks, child’s play area and park – home to daily flying displays at 11:40 and 13:40 from the Haven Falconry Bird of Prey Centre.

Relax and refuel in their refreshment rooms or get a drink on -the-go from their T-Junction or coffee container.

Why not search for all 14 of the Railway Folk Family around the station to solve the puzzle and claim a prize.

 

Events

They host a full range of yearly events with some of these mentioned below:

 

The Great Railway Easter Hunt 29th March – 12th April 2024

Make some amazing, amusing family memories together as you search for the giant eggs hidden around our entire attraction and solve the clues to claim your chocolate. It is so ‘Great’ there will be a hunt on every day throughout the Easter holidays from the 29th March to 12 April. If you’re visiting on Easter Sunday, help your little ones to make their own Easter bonnet before your visit ready for judging in a parade at 13:15.

 

Real Ale Festival 4th – 6th May 2024

Choose from a huge selection of real ales, there are even a few ciders for those with a sweeter tooth. You’ll have the opportunity to try local brews from Yates’, Goddards and Island Brewery alongside ales from Yorkshire, Somerset and more. The bar opens from 11am until 7pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 5pm on Monday.

 

Model Railway Exhibition 11th – 12th May 2024

Join a celebration of railway modelling at Havenstreet station. We’ll be welcoming a mixture of layouts and traders, on display in The Barn, Freshwater Room and Train Story Discovery Centre.

 

Festival of Transport 19th May 2024

If you love cars, lorries, bikes, trucks or any type of vehicle, then this is the event for you! Everything on display is someone’s pride and joy, from the vintage truck, an old-fashioned bicycle to a modern day beautifully polished car. There will be something to appeal to everyone’s tastes.

 

1960s Weekend 1st – 2nd June 2024

The railway has been transported back to 1967 to celebrate all things Sixties. The Beatles and Rolling Stones are in the charts, Carnaby Street is ‘swinging’, the pound has been devalued, and Sandie Shaw has just won the Eurovision Song Contest. Spend your day enjoying music of the Sixties with live entertainment around the station.

Gin & Steam – New for 2024! 15th – 16th June 2024

Step back in time into our unique 1940s setting and sample a range of craft spirits across the station, in the park, in the new Barn Café and even on board the historic steam trains themselves. Introduce yourself to fabulous craft gins, spirits and distillers, new gins, rums and vodkas and enjoy tasting samples as part of your ticket from an array of onsite craft distillers. In addition to guest distillers’ own bars, there will also be well stocked bars with different craft gins and spirits. Whilst gin is at the forefront of the event, there will be so much more on offer than just gin – with rum, vodka, tequila, cocktails, prosecco and even beers and ciders on the menu too!

 

Fish & Chip Evenings – New for 2024! July – August 2024

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway are introducing new ‘Fish & Chip Evenings’ on Tuesdays throughout July and August this summer. Enjoy a relaxed evening that includes a proper Fish and Chip supper and a ride through the Island’s countryside in the luxury of an Edwardian carriage pulled by an historic steam locomotive.

 

The 1940s Experience 6th – 7th July 2024

Immerse yourself in Britain’s heyday for a memorable and nostalgic day out for all the family. An extraordinary time with even more extraordinary people. Be inspired by the music, dress and food of the era that changed the world. Sing along and dance to the music of the era, fill up on tasty food and refreshments available around the site, and watch out for Sergeant Marmite (you either love him or you hate him!) putting new recruits through their paces.

 

Real Ale Train 13th July 2024

Join for a convivial and most agreeable evening as the train takes you to the ale! Board the train for a tour of the line with stops at Wootton, Havenstreet and Smallbrook Junction stations for a glass or two at each. At Havenstreet a range of beers will be on tap in the Events Barn. At Wootton beers will be served from the waiting room on the platform, and a bar on the train will be available when the train stops at Smallbrook Junction and Wootton. The Bar at Havenstreet will be open from 16.00.

 

Island Highland Gathering 21st July 2024

Watch in awe as the marching bands perform in the main arena. The event will feature some of the best marching pipe bands and highland dancers in the region, showcasing the traditional Scottish art form. With Highland dancing, classic cars and whisky tasting on offer, and a backdrop of steam trains running on the line, look forward to a full day of action. Be entertained by local bands, including Celtic rock band Wight Hot Pipes, who’ll be bringing their unique blend of modern and traditional Scottish music to the stage.

 

The Steam Railway Proms 27th July 2024

Welcoming back the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra for their fourth outdoor concert at Havenstreet station. This event has become a firm favourite in our calendar – enjoy fabulous music with steam trains as a backdrop. Join conductor Jonathan Butcher and the orchestra for a selection of light classics, with the odd train-related piece thrown in for good measure!

 

Island Steam Fair 23rd – 26th August 2024

Now in its 49th year, the Island Steam Fair is back for another action-packed year. It’s the bank holiday event on the Island with bundles of fun and explosive acts in the main arena. Enjoy a fabulous collection of vintage transport, traditional fairground, live entertainment, plus steam trains running on the line.

 

Morris Minor Rally 1st September 2024

Visit Havenstreet and see a whole host of Morris Travellers, Saloons, convertibles, vans, pick-ups and custom classics on display at the annual Morris Minor Rally.

 

Cider & Cheese Festival 7th – 8th September 2024

A regular fixture now in the Railway’s events calendar, the Cider & Cheese weekend is always a huge hit with visitors. There are over 30 ciders and a huge variety of cheeses to choose from.

 

Beer & Steam 12th – 13th October 2024

Choose from a huge selection of real ales, there are even a few ciders for those with a sweeter tooth. You’ll have the opportunity to try local brews from Yates’, Goddards and Island Brewery alongside ales from Yorkshire, Somerset and more.

 

Wizard Week 26th October – 1st November 2024

It’s wickedly, wonderful fun this half term as witches, wizards and other ghouls take over Havenstreet. It wouldn’t be Halloween without a little magic, and there will be a real life magician conjuring up a few tricks. Meet the friendly witches of Havenstreet, you may be able to be a spooky apprentice and help with some magic spells. Watch the skies as the birds of prey from Haven Falconry swoop and dive. Greg Chapman will also be in the station yard telling terrible tales and mesmerising you with amazing illusions.

 

Race the Train 2nd November 2024

A running event with a difference. Can you complete the 5km run between Wootton and Havenstreet faster than a steam train? Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a parkrun plodder, or an active family, this promises to be an event to remember.

 

All this season’s events can be found on their website.