School Visits

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway loves welcoming school parties! We are a registered educational charity, so we'll make you and your school party feel very welcome!

The Steam Railway is an ideal venue for school age groups up to 14 years. We know how important it is for school party organisers to receive good quality service and good value-for-money within their visits, and we pride ourselves on offering you a package to interest and engage your students, as we take them on a nostalgic experience of yesteryear!

As a living, breathing, working museum, the Steam Railway is a popular and fascinating destination for all age groups. Beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages, often hauled by 19th century locomotives, take the visitor on a leisurely 10 mile journey through the Island's unspoilt countryside.

There's always something to interest everyone in the group ... For example, most compartments on the train display vintage advertisements representing products and prices from days gone by - Days when you could buy a plot of land for £35, and three-course lunch at the Charing Cross Hotel cost three shillings and sixpence!

We welcome all enquiries and we will do all we can to ensure your school' visit is enjoyable and trouble-free.

• A presentation of approximately 20 minutes duration, especially aimed at children, provides an informative look at the Railway, with time for questions afterwards
• An activity worksheet will be sent to you with your booking confirmation
• Train compartments seat up to 10 children and a teacher
• You are welcome to use covered accommodation for your pre-packed lunch if required
• Generous group discounts available for pre-booked parties - Tickets from £6 per pupil, with teachers/supervising adults FREE
• Advanced booking secures reserved seating and compartments on the train of your choice
• Ample coach parking at Havenstreet Station on tarmac, with space to turn and manoeuvre
• Lunch, drinks and snacks available in our Refreshment Rooms
• Railway shop, museum and toilets
• Free access to see heritage stock being restored in our Carriage & wagon workshop
• Children's Play Area, picnic area, activities field and Woodland Walk

The full steam train journey takes about 50 minutes. Average duration of your visit is normally approximatelt two and a half hours.

To book, please contact Liz King on 01983 882204 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2011 Evacuees Week - 20th to 24th June

Organised in conjunction with Carisbrooke Castle Museum, this ling history week is an opportunity for Isle of Wight School Children to experience what life may have been like as an Evacuee during the 2nd World War. All participating children take part in three sessions:

• Session One - A return trip to Smallbrook to experience 1940s train travel.
• Session Two - The children are given the chance to study and play the games and toys of the period.
• Session Three - Based in a School room environment with lessons, plus the opportunity to view a 1940s Kitchen & Sitting room and the chance to learn about rationing and wartime cookery. Whilst in the schoolroom environment there is often an air-raid and the children have to be evacuated to a makeshift air-raid Shelter!

To find out more, please contact Liz King on 01983 882204 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it