Full Steam Ahead on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway – A Great Day Out!

Full Steam Ahead on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway – A Great Day Out!

Today, we’re not just exploring the island, but traveling back in time. Our destination, the award-winning Isle of White Steam Railway, a place where the golden age of steam isn’t just remembered, is vibrantly [Music] alive. We’ll also wander through Araton Barnes with interesting craft shops, vintage seaside attractions, and a pretty village church. Join us as the rhythmic chug of a vintage steam engine whisks us away on a nostalgic journey through the aisle of whites stunning countryside. The heart of the aisle of white steam railway beats strongest here at Haven Street station. Make sure you check the website for the timet and service schedule as it can vary each day. There is a large car park for visitors and we explained how to get to the island in the first video of this series. The bus surprisingly does not pass this station. Wooden station on route is served by the number nine bus which runs regularly between Newport and [Music] Ride. As you arrive, the modern world seems to gently fade. Before you stands a beautifully restored 1940s station, looking much as it might have decades ago. There’s a unique atmosphere, the faint evocative smell of cold smoke hanging in the air, the gentle hiss of steam from the nearby engine shed, and the sight of friendly station staff bustling about in traditional uniforms. It’s immediately clear that we’ve stepped into a different era. So, I paid a little extra, well about £8 extra to get my own firstass compartment, which uh I mean it’s a bit extravagant, but it means at least I can um open up the windows and not interfere with anybody else on the train and have me own little carriage. Well, not carriage compartment. Being the main hub of this heritage line, Haven Street has a wealth of attractions and exhibits to tell the story of the railway on the aisle of white. We’ll explore most of this later after our journey. But whilst we wait for the train to arrive, let’s take a peek in the dedicated museum space that showcases smaller, fascinating artifacts from the island’s railway past. Evocative name plates from longgone locomotives. Makers plates, signaling equipment, and other historical gems. [Music] [Music] The railway boasts a stunning collection of immaculately restored Victorian and Eduwardian carriages, and the firstass experience promises a little extra touch of luxury reminiscent of the era. A little jolt and with a hiss of steam, the journey begins. As the train steams onwards, it’s incredible to think that this charming 5.5 mile line is just a fragment of a much larger network that once crisscrossed the aisle of white. In its heyday, the island boasted over 55 miles of railway lines. Starting in 1862 with the cows and Newport Railway, various competing companies like the Isisle of White Railway and the Isle of White Central Railway rapidly expanded the network, connecting towns and villages across the island by the turn of the 20th century. The line we’re partially traveling on today, the route from Ry towards Newport and the aisle of white railways main line from Ride down to Shanklin and Ventner opened in 1864 were vital archeries, particularly from the burgeoning tourist trade that became the lifeblood of these railways. But times changed. In 1923, all the islands lines were absorbed into a much larger southern railway and then nationalized into British railways in 1948. Postwar economics and the rise of road transport took their toll. Lossmaking branches began to close in the 1950s. Lines to scenic spots like Benbridge, Freshwater, and Ventner West fell silent along with the cross island route between Newport and Sandown. The infamous beaching report of the 1960s proposed closing everything that remained. Despite passionate local campaigns, the line connecting ride to the island’s capital, Newport, and on to cows was axed in February 1966, followed swiftly by the picturesque coastal section from Shanklin to Ventner in April. By New Year’s Eve 1966, the era of regular steam trains puffing across the aisle of white under British rail came to a poignant end. The once extensive network was reduced to just the line between Ride Pierhead and Shanklin, which is still operational to this day, but more on that later. Our first stop is Wooden, the current western end of the Heritage Line. This station originally opened in 1875 and offers a peaceful spot to watch the engine run around the train. While the original station building closed in 1953 and was relocated elsewhere, today Wooden has excellent facilities, including refreshments and access to walks nearby. The locomotive has just coupled up so we can go back down the line, stopping again at Haven Street before continuing on towards Smallbrook Junction at the other end of the line. [Laughter] As the steam era faded from the island, A group of passionate enthusiasts recognized the unique value of the island’s railway heritage. Due to its isolation, the aisle of white had retained locomotives and carriages, charming relics many handed down from mainline railways years before. Determined to save a piece of this history, the White Locomotive Society, WLS was formed in late 1965, spearheaded by Ron Strut and Ian Whittam. Their initial dream to preserve at least one of the classic O2 class tank engines and a few vintage carriages. Their dedication paid off in November 1966 with crucial help from wildlife artist and fellow enthusiast David Shepard. They secured the purchase of the Adams O2 class locomotive W24 Calborn for £900 locomotive that is now the flagship of the heritage fleet seen here in the engine shed. Alongside Cowbornne, they managed to save precious examples of early passenger carriages, including some of the Southeastern and Chattam Railway and London Brighton and South Coast Railway. Some of these carriages date back to as far as 1864, the very year the ride to Shanklin line first opened, and are now painstakingly restored for us to travel on today. The White Locomotive Society overcame initial issues fundraising and negotiating to acquire a 1.625 mile section of the former ride to Newport line wooden to Haven Street for their historic aisle of white railway hardware. Facing urgent removal from Newport, volunteers relocated the collection to the new site in January 1971 and they successfully began operations between Wooden and Haven Street just a few weeks later on January the 24th, 1971. the very stretch of line we have just ridden on bringing us back to Haven Street. We are only halfway through our train ride. We’ll be back on board shortly. One of the most captivating aspects of Haven Street is the chance to glimpse into the workshops. Here you can witness the ongoing miracle of preservation. Skilled craftseople, often volunteers, meticulously restore and maintain the locomotives, carriages, and infrastructure using traditional methods. Seeing this depiction firsthand truly underscores the immense effort involved in keeping this heritage alive. Beyond the railway exhibits, Haven Street caters for a full day out. There are well stocked gift shops for souvenirs and model railway enthusiasts, a lovely cafe, and even the Haven Falconry Bird of Prey Center offering impressive flying displays on occasions. The jewel of the exhibits has to be the traintory Discovery Center, an award-winning interactive museum that vividly brings 150 years of island railway history to life. We have to walk past the sidings to reach it. Before we head inside, let’s take a look at this old carriage converted into a beach hut. It reminds me of the old Eling comedy, The Tit Thunderbolt, a favorite of mine. This carriage came to the island in 1930, but was withdrawn from service in 1936. A family purchased it and positioned it at Thornness Bay as a holiday chalet. Was donated to the railway in 2013 and has been fitted out with donated items to give it a 1940s look. Quite charming. [Music] As you enter the train story discovery center, information boards chart the history of the railway, which I’ve been explaining to you on the first part of our journey. The highlight is getting up close to the beautiful preserved Victorian and Eduwardian carriages and rare examples of rolling stock, all safely housed undercover. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] You may remember that I mentioned that there was a sole survivor of of the island’s once extensive public rail network running from ride peer head where it connects to foot passenger feries from the mainland down the east coast through towns like Sandown and to its terminus at Shanklin. The novel thing about this electric line is that it uses old rolling stock from the London Underground 007 ahead of us is 85 years old built in 1940 in use on the island from 1990 until 2021. But why old railway underground trains? Back in 1967 when British Rail electrified the ride to Shanklin line, they faced a problem. To combat persistent flooding issues, the track bed beside the old tunnel between Ride Esplanade and Ride St. John’s Road was raised. This practical engineering decision had a significant consequence. It drastically reduced the height of the clearance within the tunnel. Suddenly, standard British rail trains were simply too tall to fit. A unique solution was found, purchasing redundant rolling stock from London Underground, which were built to a much smaller loading gauge and could easily navigate the restricted tunnel height. The first wave of trains arrived in 1967 and served the island until 1992. They were replaced by perhaps the most iconic island trains, the class 483s, of which 007 is one. For years, these venable trains were the oldest passenger trains in regular timetabled service anywhere in the UK. They finally bowed out in January 2021. Today, the tradition continues, all bet with slightly larger stock. The current class 484 trains are heavily rebuilt former London Underground D78 stock which previously ran on the subsurface district line introduced after a major line upgrade in 2021. Seen here just passing through ride on its way to the ride peer head. The end of the [Music] line. Time for the next leg of our steam adventure. Boarding the train once more at Haven Street. The locomotive is just taking on some water. We head east towards Smallbrook Junction, the current end point of the Heritage Line in this direction. [Music] The landscape continues to charm as we puff along. Heat. Heat. We passed the unmanned halt of Ashley near the former Ashley station. Its historic 1875 station building, sold off after the line closed, has recently been repurchased by the steam railway with exciting plans for restoration in the future. Soon we arrive at Smallbrook Junction, a station quite unlike any other. You can only reach it by train. There’s no road access. It was purpose-built relatively recently in 1991, specifically to create an interchange between the Heritage Steam Railway and the Electric Island Line. The setup is simple. Two platforms allow for an easy cross-platform connection between the two distinct railway worlds. This vital link makes the steam railway easily accessible for visitors arriving by the main line from ride peer head and the mainland feries, whilst also offering a unique opportunity for passengers on either line to seamlessly combine two vastly different railway experiences. [Music] [Music] is cool. As our steam train begins its return journey towards Haven Street, let’s take another look at the beautiful environment it travels through. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. With a gentle application of the brake, our train glides back into Haven Street Station. completing the round trip. Whilst our nostalgic train ride might be over, we are far from finished with this video. If you’ve enjoyed it so far, do give us a like and consider subscribing at this point. With slightly inclement weather, come with us just a few miles away to Araton and the bustling craft center of Ariton Barnes, the largest on the island and a place I always like to explore on a trip to the aisle of white. It opens at 10:00 a.m. every day. And before we look at its historical attractions, Ariton Barnes offers a delightful shopping experience focused on locally made art, crafts, and unique souvenirs. The convenience of ample free parking, allows visitors to browse at their leisure, and bus number eight stops right outside from Newport once an hour. The historic fabric of the site, the ancient church, and the picturesque pond that we’ll see later provide an evocative backdrop for a bustling community of modern artisans, crafts people, and independent shops. One of the original artisans is Sculpt Glass, which is great to come and watch as they make the blown art glass pieces, heating up the glass, shaping it, and adding in flexcks of other colored glass. It was fascinating to watch. start to clear again. It’s nice just as you get used to the blue glass because it all acts a bit differently. The blue glass is a bit sort of gloopier than the clear glass. So, just as you get used to, the results are these beautiful pieces that you can take home. The Araton Valley in which it lies has been an agricultural center for centuries, boasting fertile, easily worked land, the barn showcases old agricultural machinery and other vintage gadgets around the perimeter of a courtyard used for the dairy man’s door pub and restaurant on nice days. The Penny Slot Arcade has an eclectic mix of vintage fruit machines and funfair or pier attractions, reminding you of the good old days of the seaside. I always enjoy popping a penny in and having a go. [Music] [Music] I’m majestic. Every time I think about it just gets increasing. Yes, there really is a shipwreck center and maritime museum at Ariton Barnes. It holds the aisle of white’s most extensive collection of maritime artifacts. It was originally founded in 1978 by professional diver Martin Woodward who personally discovered many of the items on display. The museum moved here from Benbridge in 2017. It is £7 to get in and I have visited in the past so decided not to head inside this time. Squirrels Den Collectibles hidden away at the top of the barns buys and sells an eclectic mix of mostly pre-loved collectible items. The range includes coins, books, jewelry, china, glass, sculptures, tools, bottles to name but a few. Also in this area is the famous aisle of white glass studio relocated to the barns in 2013. Has an excellent viewing area where you can watch the team at work and then browse for a purchase from the studio shop. Timothy Garris is recognized as one of Britain’s most innovative and prolific designers and makers of studio glass and ranks amongst the best in the world. There really are some beautiful pieces on display. A tranquil spot perfect for a moment’s pause. The carp pond adds to the site’s picturesque charm. Visitors can often purchase food from nearby shops to feed the eager fish and resident ducks, making it a popular activity, especially for the families. Let’s follow the path and find the hidden church. Standing proudly beside the village green and carp pond, St. George’s Church is a historical and architectural treasure considered one of the most important churches on the aisle of white. Its story begins in the Saxon era, possibly serving as an early minister church for the island. Following the Norman conquest, the church’s administration passed into their hands. It was one of six island churches granted by William Fitz Osborne, a companion of William the Conqueror. Around 1140 or 50, it was seeded to the newly founded Core Abbey on the aisle of White. The monks of Core managed the church and farmed its land for over four centuries, playing a key role in its development. They helped extend the church around 1160, likely adding the North Isle. Red squirrel. The church building we see today reflects centuries of architectural evolution built upon its Saxon Norman core. In the late 13th century, construction of the massive west tower began. And in the Victorian era, restoration work around 1885 saw the installation of choir stalls, the organ, and the removal of the nave ceiling to expose roof timbers. The building is constructed primarily of aisle of white stone rubble with asha cut stone detailing. And its overall architectural and historical significance is recognized by a grade one listing. It really is a charming church. We’ll now move on to another famous visitor attraction, the garlic farm. Again, this is just a few miles from the railway and Ariton Barnes. A unique destination promising an experience that delights the senses. You need a car for this one. No buses can reach the farm on the narrow lanes. The enchanting story of the garlic farm begins over half a century ago. Rooted in the simple act of planting a few cloves. In 1972, Granny Nora, the family matriarch, tucked some garlic into her kitchen garden, sewing the seeds for what would blossom into a remarkable family legacy. What started as a small patch has flourished through the passion and dedication of three generations of the Boswell family. I always like to come and browse at the shop and Aladdin’s cave overflowing with temptations. Stepping inside reveals an astonishing array of product born from the family’s passion and creativity. Naturally, garlic itself takes center stage with fresh varieties like pungent smoked garlic, mellow black garlic, the giant elephant garlic available for purchase. For greenfingered visitors inspired to cultivate their own, the shop offers an extensive selection of garlic for growing. I always have to come away with something. Well, maybe a bit more this time. In addition to the farm shop, visitors can explore the farmland with audio tours and see the seasonal garlic fields, which is February to July, so they were empty when I visited in September. There’s also lots of educational information about garlic. So, providing you’re a garlic lover, you’ll love the garlic farm. Before we head back to Fishborn to catch the ferry to Portsmouth, I have one last thing to share. Croker’s Farm Dairy sells a fresh farm cow’s milk or milkshakes in a quirky selfservice machine at the entrance to their farm in cows. That’s cow wes. You’ll probably tell me that you’ve seen this before, but it’s a first for me. You pull up, bring a liter container or as I did for a souvenir, buy a one L glass bottle which you fill with gently pasteurized and unprocessed in any other way milk or a flavored milkshake. I tried the salted caramel eggs and milk [Music] cheese bottle number 11. Well, there we go. A local milkshake maker. Unbelievable. Never seen anything like it. Taking this back to London. Right, it’s time to head to the ferry. I feel quite sad that the three days I spent in the aisle of white is all but over. Reading your lovely comments on the series, many of you have been surprised with how much there is to see and do. The variety of towns and villages, historical sites, and beautiful locations. It really does have something for everyone. Whether a day trip, a long weekend like mine, or a full-blown week’s holiday. If you missed any of the episodes, do go back to the playlist at the end and catch up. It’s been a busy few days, but there is still much more to share. Parts of the island we never made it to. Next time we’ll have to come back on the hovercraft. Well, that’s it. I’m on board the ferry and it’s time to leave the aisle of white. Thanks for watching. Hope you enjoyed the series and we’ll be back again. I’m sure there’s so much more to see. We’ve got more to delve into here on the island. But until the next time, thanks so much for watching. Do subscribe, check out our playlist. There’s lots of other things to see on the channel. Thanks very much. Take care. [Music]

All aboard for an unforgettable adventure on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway!
Imagine stepping back in time to the golden age of steam, where the rhythmic chug of the engine and the gentle sway of the carriages transport you to a bygone era. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway isn’t just a train ride; it’s a living, breathing museum that offers a unique and captivating experience for all ages.

The story of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is one of preservation and passion. After the majority of the Isle of Wight’s railway network fell victim to closures in the mid-20th century, a dedicated group of enthusiasts embarked on a remarkable mission to revive a section of the line. Their tireless efforts led to the reopening of the track between Wootton and Smallbrook Junction in 1971, and the railway has been delighting visitors ever since. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of steam travel and the rich railway heritage of the island.

Why should you add the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to your must-visit list? For starters, it offers a truly immersive historical experience. You’ll have the chance to ride in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages, pulled by magnificent steam locomotives that have been lovingly maintained. The sights, sounds, and even the smells of steam travel are all part of the magic.

Also in this video we visit Arreton Barns a collection of craft shops, studios, eateries, and attractions, including a museum and a historic church, located in the heart of the Isle of Wight.
We’ll also pick up some treats at the Garlic Farm before heading home.

Bus https://www.islandbuses.info
Sculptglass https://sculptglass.co.uk
Steam Train Rides https://iwsteamrailway.co.uk
Garlic Farm https://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk
Arreton Barns https://arretonbarns.co.uk

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00:00 Overview of IOW Steam Railway
00:43 Isle of Wight Steam Railway & History
24:20 Arreton Barns
32:46 The Garlic Farm
35:22 Cowes Milk
36:37 Return to Portsmouth

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