Island Line advice

[Ivo]

Hey all,

This coming Saturday (i.e. the 19th) I'm all set to go to Portsmouth (not Manchester as Facebook suggests, for those of you who I have as friends on there; the cost is prohibitive at this late stage unless we fancy diverting via Worcester!) with my housemate Holly. If just the two of us go, we will be heading over to the Isle of Wight, where I have never set foot before. Once there, I intend to take her down to Shanklin on the Island Line on the 483s. Assuming that we do cross the water to Ryde, is there anything I should keep an eye out for on the IL? Anything in particular that would be worth getting the camera out for, for instance, besides the 483s themselves? Also, if anyone has any ideas for specific places to go (by specific I mean cafés in Ryde as opposed to just Ryde, etc), they would be greatly appreciated.

Thanking ye all in advance

 

[Oracle]

I like to take shots from the footbridge at Esplanade, which connects the esplanade with the hover teminal. Also, think about St Johns and the depot. From memory Shanklin station platform is nothing to waste your time on but the station building is nice BUT a heck of a walk from the town and beach I found.

If the IoW Steam Railway was running I would have a go on that.

In the past my wife and I have popped into the VW garage in Ryde and hired a car for a day. I then went around looking for signs of the old railway, including Cowes, Ventnor and Newport stations. The bus however, although scenic, can take an age to get to Ventnor.

 

[Tomnick]

The island as a whole is a fantastic place, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to returning myself sometime. As unlikely as it sounds, the Wetherspoons towards the top of the main street in Ryde is award-winning on the island and was certainly a nice venue for something to eat (standard Wetherspoons stuff) and a quiet pint or two (well above typical Wetherspoons standard!). The journey to Shanklin is cracking, if a little bouncy (especially through the single line junction at Smallbrook if you're not stopping there) and I'd advise just keeping your eyes open throughout!

 

[Oracle]

..and get a pass to cover unlimited trips on the Island Line and buses. If you can, do see if you can get to Ventnor as it is impressive.

In the future, if you want to stay on the island, try going to Lymington then on the short ferry trip to Yarmouth. Then get the bus to Alum Chine and go on the ski lift down to the beach. If the weather's good, walk along the beach and get the small boat to the Needles and back. Also pay a visit to Blackgang Chine.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

If you do go over to West Wight, there is a huge computer controlled model railway at Fort Victoria ( about ½ mile west of Yarmouth ) which is well worth a visit, but I don't think it's open in the winter?


Just Googled it: http://www.fortvictoriamodelrailway.co.uk/

It is open in winter months now, Thursday through to Monday if I've read the site properly. Suggest phoning them to check before you visit.

 

[Chris125]

Shanklin Old Village is pretty popular and there are plenty of places to eat. If the weather is nice, i'd suggest walking down to shanklin esplanade and walking along the revetment to Sandown. Have a look at google maps before you pop down and get an overview of where the stations are located and the high streets.

Chris

 

[MidnightFlyer]

If you do go over to West Wight, there is a huge computer controlled model railway at Fort Victoria ( about ½ mile west of Yarmouth ) which is well worth a visit, but I don't think it's open in the winter?


Just Googled it: http://www.fortvictoriamodelrailway.co.uk/

It is open in winter months now, Thursday through to Monday if I've read the site properly. Suggest phoning them to check before you visit.

Is that in the middle of that park-esque complex, the largest model railway in Europe? If so, seconded. Thanks for bringing that memory back, I wouls swim over there just to visit. Awesome!

 

[43167]

The Isle of Wight used to be a regular holiday destination of my families. The Crab Inn at the other side of Shanklin, used to be good. Would say about 10-15 mins walk from the station.

As an alternative, there was also a good pub in Brading, though cant remember its name.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Is that in the middle of that park-esque complex, the largest model railway in Europe? If so, seconded. Thanks for bringing that memory back, I would swim over there just to visit. Awesome!

The largest completely computer controlled model railway certainly in the UK if not Europe ( unless "Minatur Wonderland" in Germany is bigger? ). And by park-esque complex, if you mean the remains of a Victorian defensive fort, then yes - that is the one.

 

[caliwag]

Ventnor is well worth a visit...Beerintheevening will highlight pubs...Crab and Lobster for one. Tapas Bar on the front pretty good.

Ventnor West is still intact, though a private house. Interestingly the road infront, up the hill is, the old track bed (closed 1952) to St lawrence.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

The largest completely computer controlled model railway certainly in the UK if not Europe ( unless "Minatur Wonderland" in Germany is bigger? ). And by park-esque complex, if you mean the remains of a Victorian defensive fort, then yes - that is the one.

That's the one, I meant the Fort, I am going back 4-5 years, my memory is a bit hazy. thanks for that, i'll have to back one day. Does it follow a wall, sort of in a massive TTTT formation/layout? I can certainly remember it now, it's quite tall, on two/three levels, and you can press buzzers etc to make lights turn on or background scennery move?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Yes, there are buttons to illuminate lights, I believe.

And the wall you describe is the remains of Fort Victoria. ( There are other attractions than the model railway there, by the way! ). Google Fort Victoria Country Park.