Plan an exciting day out centred at this historic corner of the Isle of Wight.

River Trips
Cruise along an ancient waterway in this exciting and unique paddle steamer. Explore the arboretum in Newport a favourite for walkers, cyclists and fishermen. See the place where prisoner transport ships were provisioned at the East Medina Mill site or where flying boats and hovercraft were trialled in Cowes, only this time by paddle steamer.
Join us for the prestigious Skandia Cowes Week festivities, see the amazing firework display or just come for a poddle on a paddler! Bring your own picnic, or buy food and drink at any of the fine public houses en route.
Beat the traffic and the nightmare of Coppins Bridge by parking in Island Harbour for free and joining us for a trip into Newport by water-but beware, don't miss the tide as Newport Quay dries out completely at low tide-luckily we publish tide tables on this website! (bottom of this page)

A young family enjoying the comforts of Monarch

Monarch Paddle Steamer
This unique paddle steamer was completed in June 2003 at Chatham, after nearly twenty years in the making by Brian Waters, and in the later years with the help of Tony Willson. The "Monarch" is forty-two feet long and weighs in at nine tons. The engine is powered by an oil fired boiler to create the steam that moves her along. She has a passenger licence for carrying twelve paying passengers.

We are delighted to be able to offer a service to those wishing to visit the 'Classic Boat Museum' based in Newport and also in East Cowes. Only by coming with us to the East Cowes exhibition from Newport will you have the chance to walk across the Columbine Apron, in front of the famous 'Union Jack Hanger' where various artifacts are housed. Contact the museum directly for further information on their exhibits (www.classicboatmuseum.org)

The Monarch approaching The Grove Ferry Inn Quay

Season Running Dates
The season runs from April 1st, with trips running every weekend, bank and school holiday, depending on weather and conditions. We have a talking timetable which you can call (telephone number will be published in March 2008) and check to see that no private charters will affect your plans for the day.

Bank holiday and school holiday periods, the boat will run 7 days a week at 12pm to 7pm.

Cowes Week takes place during the first week of August, please be aware that it is to be expected that many charters will be taking place and prospective guests should call the talking timetable number (published in April 08) to check availability.

The season ends in late October.

Private charters are available during daylight hours, visit charter tours.

Leisure Steam reserve the right to change running dates as to suit.

Passengers may join us at the following locations:

Island Harbour (either from the river pontoon or from inside the harbour itself - check signs upon arrival)

Trinity Landing on Cowes Parade (the modern pier)

Newport Quay 2.5 hours either side of high water only (you can check the tides below)

Pricing
£10.00 - Adults
£6.00 - Children (Under 12)

Tides

Click on the links below to work out tide times for visiting Newport Quay as at low water the harbour dries out completely-during these periods we cannot operate south of Island Harbour and so only go north towards Cowes. We can go into newport approx 2.5 hours either side of high water. All other locations are accessible at all states of the tide.

April Tides 2008
May Tides 2008
June Tides 2008
July Tides 2008
August Tides 2008

Home | Daily River Trips | Private Charter