Heading from Smallbrook to Havenstreet and Wootton, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway takes you on a delightful five-mile journey worthy of a Victorian storybook. The oldest locomotive dates back to 1876, the oldest carriages to 1864, and most have worked for decades on the Island. Lovingly restored and maintained, they are the pride and joy of the many volunteers and regulars who keep the service running in pristine condition.

“Our volunteers are from all walks of life,” explains Graham Gibbons, who is in charge of recruitment.

“We have a former printer, a fireman, a retired head teacher and many more. Ages range from 16 to more than 80 and we train people as they wish, although most will perform a variety of tasks.

“Roger, our signalman, has been with us for 32 years, then there’s Denis who prints our tickets, the two archivists, drivers, gardeners, track workers, guards, porters and more. We have some ladies too, and the ‘Friday Gang’, who are sent out once a week to cut back the bushes along the line.”

“We all love trains and nostalgia, but our priority is always health and safety,” he adds. “We do everything by the book. We have disabled access and you can put your bike on the train.”

If you drive, leave your car at Wootton or, better still, Havenstreet (the main station) and take time to enjoy a snack and a drink at Granny Winter’s Pantry or browse around the railway shop for nostalgic gifts and souvenirs. There you will also find a small museum where you can see carriages once used as chicken pens, as well as the carriage and wagon workshop opened by the Queen in 2004, a children’s playground and a woodland walk.

With no road access to Ashey (where the station is a request stop only) or Smallbrook Junction, you are truly taking a journey back in time through the lush countryside of the Island. You might even spot red squirrels or owls at dusk.

Special events are held throughout the year, including real ale or wine festivals, a steam show, Wizard Week and Santa Specials. You can book a birthday party or ride first class in Queen Victoria’s carriage or the saloon once reserved for her staff.

Return tickets allow all-day travel, subject to availability. Check the timetable for operating days in mid and low seasons. Call 01983 884343 or visit www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk.

“Running a small company like the Island Line is a challenge,” says general manager, Andy Naylor. “Unlike the mainland railways, we are responsible for our own track and signalling maintenance, as well as our trains, which are nearly 70 years old. We employ 39 staff, including three former guards from South West Trains’ Fratton Depot.”

Using former London Underground rolling stock, the electric line is busiest from May to September, especially on Saturdays, although events such as the carnivals or walking and music festivals also attract large numbers of visitors. Among the million passengers carried every year, 40 per cent are leisure travellers. The rest is split between commuters, students—who, with a free card, pay just 50p for a single journey—and resident senior citizens who travel free.

Running from Ryde to Shanklin, the Island Line is a great way to gaze at the scenery and explore some of the Island’s most popular attractions. Shanklin is known for the spectacular Chine and thatched Old Village; Ventnor has a botanic garden; Lake is known for its cliff-top views; Sandown has the IoW Zoo and Dinosaur Isle, while within walking distance of Brading station you can tour the Roman Villa and the waxworks museum. Alight at Ryde for Planet Ice or LA Bowl.

Tickets can be purchased from offices at Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin or from the on-board conductor. One-Day Ranger tickets offer unlimited travel on the line, and discounts are available on return journeys between Ryde and Shanklin after 6pm. Several attractions along the way will give you a 10 per cent discount on production of a valid Island Line ticket.

For Island Line times and fares call 08457 484950 or visit www.island-line.co.uk. Island Line connects to the Steam Railway at Smallbrook Junction. Island Liner tickets give you a day’s unlimited travel on both railways.