Isle of Wight Steam Railway

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a heritage line running through nine kilometres of countryside between Smallbrook Junction and Wootton station. It passes the small village of Havenstreet, where the line has its station, headquarters and depot. At Smallbrook Junction the steam railway meets the Island Line, allowing easy transfers. The railway is owned and run mainly by volunteers, offering services on most days from June to September and on selected days in spring and autumn. Each August Bank Holiday weekend it hosts the Island Steam Show, a three-day event with steam locomotives, traction engines and fairground equipment. Since 1979 this show has drawn visitors to see restored rolling stock and special engines brought over by boat. Day Out with Thomas events and steam galas also bring in locomotives from the mainland. Visitors find a collection of steam locomotives and restored carriages built between 1864 and 1924, together with diesel shunters and more than forty-five freight vehicles. A four-road carriage shed at Havenstreet keeps the Victorian and Edwardian coaches under cover and on display. The line’s oldest locomotive dates from the 19th century, while the newest addition is a former Island Line train now exhibited in the Train Story museum.