A few words about Wightrider

It would be impossible to not mention at the outset our pre-Covid autumn event, the ‘Classic, Buses and Beer Weekend’. The museum has been extremely grateful to all the many volunteers, CAMRA, vehicle owners and supporters who contributed to the huge success of the event and gave enjoyment to so many people. But times and circumstances move on.

Following the Covid pandemic, our WIGHTRIDER programme has been based conservatively this year on resources available and we hope there is something for everyone to enjoy, families and transport enthusiasts alike. Please enjoy your rides ! The reason and history behind the branding name is fully detailed in the programme.

Enjoy your visit

Travel on all numbered bus services shown in this Programme is entirely FREE OF CHARGE and offered on a first come, first served basis. You do not have to be in possession of an event Programme to travel on any of these services, but all proceeds from the sale of programmes go towards both maintaining the buses in our museum and the fabric of the building itself.

We would reiterate that all of the vehicles are provided for your enjoyment on our Heritage services at the expense of the museum or individual owner. Please respect the care taken by everyone in looking after these vehicles. Read more details on how to enjoy the weekend in the programme.

History of the museum

The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum was established in 1996 when a group of enthusiasts, most of whom owned or part-owned a vintage bus or coach, needed collectively to provide for secure undercover accommodation for their vehicles.

Initially occupying two IoW Council buildings on Newport Quay, the collection outgrew the Newport home and in 2014 relocated to the former Southern Vectis depot, located on Park Road in Ryde

The Museum is run by an enthusiastic group of unpaid volunteers and new members are always welcome: please enquire at the “Just the Ticket” shop for further details. Read more about the history of the museum in the programme.