Isle of Wight
Great days out by train
A trip to the Isle of Wight takes you further than across the Solent, and the list of things to do is endless. For Cowes simply take a train to Southampton Central then the free City Link shuttle bus to Town Quay. From Portsmouth & Southsea take the 10-minute Hovertravel service from Southsea to Ryde or from Lymington Pier take a Wighlink ferry service to Yarmouth. For more information about our ferry links to the Isle of Wight see here.
Island LineIsland Line on the Isle of Wight is our eight and a half miles railway that serves the island towns of Ryde, Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin and connects with Hoover Travel services from Portsmouth.
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Isle of Wight Steam Railway Isle of Wight Steam Railway operates on part of what was once 54 miles of railway on the Isle of Wight, most of which was closed between 1952 and 1966. However, its unique atmosphere has been perfectly preserved by this largely volunteer-run railway, which began operating trains in 1971. Take the Island Line train to Smallbrook Junction and enjoy five and a half miles of unspoilt countryside to Wooton station, passing through the small village of Haven Street where the line has a station, headquarters and depot.
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Carisbrooke CastleCarisbrooke Castle has enjoyed over 800 years of history and is best known for its most famous prisoner, Charles I, who lived here before his execution. Climb the battlements and see the famous donkeys at work in the 16th century well house. There is also a museum to explore and discover the new Edwardian inspired Princess Beatrice Garden. From Yarmouth, take the Southern Vectis 7 bus, which runs hourly to this National Trust icon.
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The Dinosaur Isle MuseumThe Dinosaur Isle Museum displays many fossils and life-size reconstructions of the Islands’ dinosaurs in Britain’s first purpose built dinosaur museum and visitor attraction. The Island is also the most important site for dinosaur remains in Europe: open seven days a week, it makes for a fascinating day out. The Sandown seafront also offers a fossil walk – just a 20 minute walk from Sandown train station.
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Osborne HouseOsborne House was Queen Victoria’s much-loved summer home, and the place where she died in 1901. It was conceived by Prince Albert in grand Italian Renaissance style as a bolt-hole fit for a queen. This is. Visitors peeking at the personal memorabilia are offered a fascinating insight into the domestic arrangements of a royal family. Take the No 4 bus from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde or Southampton to East Cowes to Osborne House.
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