Havenstreet

Roy Davenport

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Havenstreet is a small village near Ryde and the home of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. This excellent line is the only remaining section of the Cowes to Ryde system and in recent years has been expanded to connect with the Island Line at Smallbrook Junction. The platform and station buildings incorporating the signal box were constructed by the Southern Railway in 1926, the station becoming the passing place for all trains between Ryde and Newport. Trains still pass here on high season days when a two-train service is being operated. A water tower, brought from Newport Station in 1971, is located alongside the Up platform; all trains in the Smallbrook direction take water here before they depart. Located inside the Gas Retort House, originally built in 1886 to supply gas to the village of Havenstreet, is a well-stocked souvenir shop with a wide variety of items, including an impressive selection of railway-related mementos as well as a comprehensive range of island-related railway publications. Entered from inside the shop is a museum of Island Railway History containing many and varied artefacts from the past, including a collection of locomotive name- and number plates. On the opposite side of the line, the signalbox is located inside the station building and the signalman can be seen at work through the front windows. For those seeking refreshment, Granny Winter's Pantry, recently extended and refurbished, has an extensive menu and an excellent children's play area located to the rear. A short woodland walk is accessed from the play area.

The White Hart is a lovely village pub with much character, still retaining a separate public bar. It has a large beer-garden with petanque terrain and covered area. There is an extensive, reasonably priced menu including game and home-grown vegetables. It is conveniently placed for Havenstreet Railway. The origin of the pub name is displayed on a board on the pub wall.

England - South England - Isle of Wight - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Gift Shop, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Mostly Flat, Museum, National Trust, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland