Isle of Wight Railway

Overview
A standard gauge railway using original locomotives and coaching stock over a five mile line on the Isle of Wight. The comments below are largely drawn from observations during an unannounced visit made in September 2000, starting at Havenstreet - the best place for car-bound visitors. A useful rail link can also be made using Island Line trains, changing at Smallbrook Junction for the steam trains.

Car Parking
A large, tarmac car park at Havenstreet with a few spaces reserved for "disabled" visitors. These spaces are a bit narrow, however. There is a short walk over small gravel - a little difficult for small wheels - of around 50 yards from the car park to the ticket office, where hard surface is regained.

Getting Tickets
The ticket office controls access to the station site at Havenstreet and is easily navigated bar one small gate. All level access.

Platforms
The train arrives and departs from the one island platform at Havenstreet. Access to the platform involves crossing one track via a boardwalk and tnen a ramp to the platform proper. I cannot recall a shelter on the platform.

Getting there using the Island Line trains
There is a very useful cross-platform interchange at Smallbrook Junction, where the steam trains link with the electric Island Line trains on the Ryde Pier to Shanklin route. This option may well suit especially as travel on the Island Line is particularly good for the wheelchair-user.
The Train
Given the very vintage nature of the rolling stock on the Isle of Wight Railway, it is good that wheelchairs can be carried at all. Here, the Guards Van is used via a short ramp. Space in the Van is confined with more than one chair and no more than three can be carried. Restricted views - if any - for the wheelchair-user, mostly through the door windows and the end-windows. The latter give a rare view of the engine in one direction or the line in the other. Nevertheless, it is not good viewing for the wheelchair-user, but, this may be offset by the "belt-and-braces" experience of travel in an old four-wheel Guards Van.

Other information
The shop at Havenstreet is a bit congested and the adjoining small museum is difficult as there are steps.
The helpfulness of the Staff can not be overstated. Every effort is made to help and inform.



Disclaimer


The information is simply provided as a guide and any visitors to the Railway are encouraged to check with the Railway before making a visit or journey.



Last updated 23 September 2001