About The Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum
The Museum has a display of around 20 historic vehicles, transport artefacts, displays, photographs, a café and shop.
The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum was established in 1997 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, these founder members leased one of the buildings, a former grain store, and established the original Museum which was open to the public during summer months. The Museum’s collection of vehicles and associated artefacts grew into an impressive display of the Island’s transport heritage.
The Museum collection expanded over the years and outgrew its original Newport Quay home. The need to establish a permanent and secure base was satisfied in 2014 with the purchase of the former Southern Vectis depot, located on Park Road in Ryde.
The move to the Ryde Depot
The building itself is of particular interest, being one of only two former bus garages now surviving on the Island. Built in 1937-8 on Southern Railway land, it is typical of a bus garage of the Tilling era to the design of their architect H.J. Starkey.
Many such buildings were constructed but few now survive, following ownership changes in the bus industry.
Whilst not strictly “Art Deco,” Ryde Depot is absolutely original in every respect, being designed as a bus garage and used as such until 2011.
Considerable work was required to adapt the former depot to the role of a Museum for opening to the public at the start of the 2015 season. After further major work, both internally and to the façade adjoining Park Road, the premises were officially opened in October 2016 by the Mayor of Ryde, Councillor Henry Adams.
The Park Road site houses and displays many of the Museum’s collection of buses and coaches which once ran on the Island. Static and operational vehicle exhibits range from an 1880s stagecoach named “Civility” and a 1934 Dennis Ace through numerous buses and coaches to the youngest acquisition, a 2002 Dennis Dart.
Displays include examples of vehicles under restoration, many items of memorabilia, and a vast collection of photographs reflecting the heyday of the Island as a holiday destination.
The Museum is run by an enthusiastic group of unpaid volunteers and new members are always welcome: please enquire at the “Bus Fare” shop for further details.
Admission is FREE for the Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum
We would suggest that you purchase one or more of our Guide Books.
Further information on visiting the Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum
The museum will be open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm) throughout the season – please see the calendar below.
Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum Ltd. The Bus Depot, Park Road, RYDE, Isle of Wight, PO33 2BE – view on Google Maps
Group Visit and Coach Parties
Coach parties will be welcome throughout the 2026 season, subject to prior booking – please visit here to make a pre-booking.
We welcome groups and coach tours to visit during usual opening times.
As entry is free we cannot offer special rates but if advanced warning is given we can provide guided tours if required. It is always preferable to have advance notice when groups of more than 20 intend to visit. This is to ensure we have sufficient staff available to look after you and help you make the most of your visit.
In special circumstances we can offer exclusive access when we are normally closed and we charge a minimum of £50.00 for this service.
Pre-booking is essential for Group Visits/Coach Parties
Coach parties will be welcome during this period, but strictly pre-booked only. Please complete and submit the coach parties form here in the first instance.
Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum Calendar of opening times and events
Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum Vehicle Collection Guide 2023
Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum Vehicle Collection Guide 2023
We would suggest that you purchase one or more of our Guide Books.
Our Souvenir Guide is priced at £7.50, incl. UK 2nd class postage (please allow 7-10 days for delivery).
Additional information for your visit: