Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum

About the museum

The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum was founded in 1997 by a group of enthusiasts, most of whom owned or part-owned a vintage bus or coach and needed secure indoor space for their vehicles. They first used two council buildings on Newport Quay and leased a former grain store, which opened to the public during the summer months. The collection grew into a display of the island’s transport heritage and eventually outgrew the Newport home.

In 2014 the museum bought the former Southern Vectis bus depot in Park Road, Ryde, and after extensive work it opened to visitors at the start of the 2015 season. The Mayor of Ryde officially opened the premises in October 2016. The depot, built in 1937 and 1938 on Southern Railway land to the design of the architect H. J. Starkey, is one of only two former bus garages that survive on the island. It is typical of the Tilling era, is original in every respect and was used as a bus garage until 2011.

The museum shows around 20 vehicles, from an 1880s stagecoach called Civility and a 1934 Dennis Ace to a 2002 Dennis Dart, together with memorabilia, photographs of the island as a holiday destination and vehicles under restoration. Exhibits are rotated when possible. The museum is run by unpaid volunteers.

Highlights

• Around 20 historic buses and coaches from the Isle of Wight
• 1880s stagecoach Civility and a 1934 Dennis Ace
• Original 1937–38 Tilling-era bus garage, one of two that survive on the island
• Vehicles under restoration and a large collection of photographs
• Seafront shuttle buses on event days, including the Rydabus and Wightrider weekends

Permanent exhibition

• Historic bus and coach collection – Around 20 vehicles from an 1880s stagecoach to a 2002 Dennis Dart, with photographs, memorabilia and vehicles under restoration.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum Ltd

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free and donations are welcome. Exclusive access outside opening hours can be arranged for a minimum charge of £50.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users. The outside areas are concrete with gentle slopes to the entrance, shop and refreshment area, and the main display areas are concrete, mostly level, with gentle slopes and ramps. A toilet for disabled visitors with baby changing is in the museum building. Visitors in wheelchairs can ask staff for help. Dogs on a lead are welcome but not on the vehicles.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

There is a children’s play area and a toilet with baby changing.

Getting there & parking

Use PO33 2BE for the satnav. After crossing the bridge at Ryde St John’s Road station, the museum entrance is on the right in Park Road, just before the railway bridge.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Bus Fare Café sells hot and cold drinks and snacks, which can be enjoyed aboard the Shanklin Steamer bus. The shop sells books, bus timetables, calendars and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit