Keep Rollin' Rollin' Rollin' (Isle of Wight Steam Railway)

Member Name: adambrown400

Product:	Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Date:	28/08/09 (55 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautifully kept

Disadvantages: nothing

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is probably the best kept attraction on the Island and would suit anyone of any age and is a big hit with families who come to the Island on holiday.

After Dr Beeching's report closed a huge number of stations across the length and breadth of the country, the Island's railways was all but decimated. All that was left was a rickety old underground train that goes up and down Ryde Pier and goes back and forth to Sandown. In the old days there were stations in Cowes, Newport and Ventnor.

Luckily enough there are a vast number of railways enthusiasts who want to keep the last remaining stations open and a group of such enthusiasts bought a stretch of track on the Island and opened this heritage railway. The track is now run mainly by volunteers and includes some very old rolling stock steam trains that run between Havenstreet, Wootton and Smallbrook Junction.

The railway is incredibly well kept, probably better now than it ever was in the past. It is just like stepping back in time when going on the trains at Havenstreet and it really is a first class attraction. The great thing about the attraction is that throughout the year they put on shows in the surrounding grounds which are always popular.

The largest of these shows is the Steam Show which showcases old steam engines and steam powered machines as well as an arena of entertainment the most recent of which was medieval jousting. They also host a Victorian weekend, a wine festival and a beer festival.

Recently they ghosted a 1940's weekend which was excellent. Everyone was issued with a ration book, people were in costume and a large array of working war vehicles were on display. They also transformed Wootton Station into 'Nouvion' the fictional town where Allo Allo was set and a small stage play featuring the saucy characters was staged.

Havenstreet station also has an excellent café and whenever we go we always order sausage, chips and beans which at £4.50 always does the job. There is also a shop that sells a vast array of railway themes memorabilia as well as a museum that details the old Island line train system.

The company has ambitions to extend the line in future years and I would welcome any such extension as an Islander. The thought of going to work by steam train sounds great fun - better than by the flippin' bus!

A day out at Havenstreet for the family will cost £9 for an adult. This ticket is valid all day back and forth along the line, if you want to travel first class (basically a slightly nicer carriage) then it will cost you £13. A child's ticket (age 5-15) will set you back £4.50 and then £8.50 for first class. Children under 4 are free. A family ticket (two adults and two children) will cost you £38.50. On special days then the cost will be slightly different. Visit http://www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk/ for further details.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is probably my favourite Island attraction and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting.

Summary: A great day out