15 September 2022 marked the 70th anniversary of the closure of the branch line to Ventnor West. This was the last railway built on the Island, completed in 1900, and featured relatively elaborate stations, a lengthy curved tunnel, and a spectacular scenic section through the Undercliff with stunning sea views. Built with the ambition of transporting visitors to the fashionable resort of Ventnor, passenger numbers never lived up expectation. The newly nationalised British Railways didn’t waste any time in closing this loss-making line on 15 September 1952 – the first line on the Island to close.
Visit the Isle of Wight Steam Railway this weekend for their Ventnor West-themed Autumn gala. See Terrier W11 ‘Newport’ in action as this much-loved island line is recreated.
Full details here.
If you are lucky enough to attend, please send us your favourite photographs to add to our gallery – email them to terrier150@btinternet.com. Thank you!
Terrier 150 