How much does it cost?

From £725 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $979 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is train travel included?

Yes: the Island Line, using modified former London Underground trains, and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, plus rail travel from your home station to Portsmouth.

Is this an escorted tour?

Yes, a Railtrail Tour Manager accompanies the group.

Daish's Hotel in Shanklin, all four nights.

How do you reach the island?

By train to Portsmouth, then coach and ferry across to the Isle of Wight.

Two departures in 2026: July and September, priced from £725 per person.

What is not included?

The July departure supplement (£40); National Railcard holders receive a £10 discount.

Railtrail Tours · Escorted tour

Iconic Isle of Wight 2026

Escorted Isle of Wight tour on the Island Line and steam railway

Railtrail Tours' famous Isle of Wight is a 5-day, 4-night escorted tour based at Daish's Hotel in Shanklin for all four nights. After travelling by rail to Portsmouth, the group crosses by coach and ferry to the island. Day 2 visits The Needles, with a chair lift ride for views of the chalk rocks and lighthouse, a glassblowing demonstration, and confectionery making, before free time in the harbour town of Yarmouth. Day 3 rides the Island Line, using modified former London Underground trains, to connect with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a nostalgic journey to Wootton and a tour of the Train Story Discovery Centre. Day 4 is a full day at leisure in Ryde, reached again by the Island Line, with time for the Bus & Coach Museum or the seawall footpath. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, with bed, breakfast, dinner, and all admissions included. This trip suits travellers who enjoy heritage and modern rail lines alongside a relaxed, single-base seaside break.

What to know before you look closer

The £725 from-price is for joining and leaving the tour at Daish's Hotel; rail travel from your home station costs more, from £859 in Standard Class or £905 in First Class.
The July departure carries a £40 supplement above the September price.
Railtrail Tours currently lists only two departures for this tour, in July and September 2026.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Shanklin
Arrive Shanklin
Journey from your home station to Portsmouth, then coach and ferry to the Isle of Wight and on to the Daish's Hotel in Shanklin, our hotel for the next four nights. Free time to explore before the first evening meal together.
Day 2overnight: Shanklin
The Needles and Yarmouth
Journey across the island to The Needles, with a chair lift for views of the Rocks and Lighthouse, a glassblowing demonstration, and confectionery making. Continue to the harbour town of Yarmouth for free time, before returning to Shanklin for the evening meal.
Day 3railovernight: Shanklin
Island Line and Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Board the Island Line (modified London Underground trains) from Shanklin Station to Smallbrook Junction, then transfer to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a nostalgic journey to Wootton and back, plus a tour of the Train Story Discovery Centre.
Day 4overnight: Shanklin
Ryde
Rejoin the Island Line to Ryde for a full day at leisure exploring shops, cafes, the Bus & Coach Museum, or the seawall footpath, before returning to Shanklin via the Island Line for the final evening meal.
Day 5
Return home
After breakfast, farewell to the Isle of Wight, ferry back to Portsmouth, and travel home from the station.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2A chair lift ride at The Needles gives views of the chalk rocks and lighthouse, followed by a glassblowing demonstration and confectionery making.
Day 3The Island Line, using modified former London Underground trains, runs to Smallbrook Junction to connect with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a nostalgic journey to Wootton.
Day 4A full day at leisure in Ryde, reached by the Island Line, includes the Bus & Coach Museum and the seawall footpath.

Included

4 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions & admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £725 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $979 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is train travel included?: Yes: the Island Line, using modified former London Underground trains, and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, plus rail travel from your home station to Portsmouth.
Is this an escorted tour?: Yes, a Railtrail Tour Manager accompanies the group.
Where do you stay?: Daish's Hotel in Shanklin, all four nights.
How do you reach the island?: By train to Portsmouth, then coach and ferry across to the Isle of Wight.
When does it depart?: Two departures in 2026: July and September, priced from £725 per person.
What is not included?: The July departure supplement (£40); National Railcard holders receive a £10 discount.