1940s Experience

About

Transport yourself back to the 1940s for a celebration of heritage and steam.

Immerse yourself in Britain's heyday for a memorable and nostalgic day out for all the family. An extraordinary time with even more extraordinary people. Be inspired by the music, dress and food of the era that changed the world.
Spend your day wandering 1940s street scenes, sing along and dance to the music of the era. Dressing up in clothes of the time is positively encouraged (don't worry if you don't want to, all are welcome) but if you arrive and fancy popping on something vintage, there are plenty of pop-up shops selling 1940s clothes. You can even get your hair done in pin-curls at the onsite hairdresser.

Fill up on tasty food and refreshments available around the site before admiring the array of military vehicles including an authentic Spitfire. If you're lucky enough you may even see one fly past during your visit.

Steam trains are running throughout the day from 10.15am until 5pm. Book online to reserve your exclusive compartment on the train for you and your family - you'll even save money too by booking online. Why not travel to the event by train, making use of our connection with Island Line at Smallbrook Junction, or the Island's bus network at Wootton.

Step back to a bygone era when steam power was the order of the day. Thrill to the sight and sound of powerful majestic steam engines and breathe in the evocative smells of a real steam railway. Soak-up the rhythm of quiet rural stations while enjoying the friendliness of traditionally uniformed staff.

Settle back in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and discover an idyllic view of the Island's unspoilt countryside ... or hop off at one of our stations and just watch the trains go by. Keep an eye out for a red squirrel or deer darting away from the train as you pass through ancient woodland.

Our Locomotives and Carriages have all been painstakingly restored to pristine condition and are the hallmark of our delightful railway. Our oldest locomotive was built in 1876 and carriages date back to 1864.

Explore our Train Story Discovery Centre, our fabulous indoor museum which brings the story of the Island's railway's to life. Discover our amazing collection that spans from the opening of the line from Ryde to Shanklin in 1864 to the Underground trains that ran on the line until January 2021.