By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 18th April, 1857 gave a glowing account of the cheap rail and ferry fares which had previously attracted visitors to the Island. Sadly, that year bad weather kept tourists away. It will be some time before we have the figures for this year’s Easter visitors – but we can be pretty sure that if the Island is busy it won’t be down to cheap ferry and rail fares!
EASTER HOLIDAYS. – The balmy influence of the Easter holiday has not, this season, been enjoyed by the excursionists as on former seasons, owing to the biting winds which have more or less prevailed during the past week from the northward and westward, and consequently a very small portion of emigrants have visited our isle from the pent-up crowded cities and towns, notwithstanding the facilities and cheap fares which the magical rail and steamers have offered to the public. Good Friday, as regards the weather, was all that could be desired, and the result was, that a fair portion of passengers went the rounds of the steamers to enjoy a trip on the water; since which, the weather has been anything but auspicious. Easter Monday and Tuesday are invariably kept as holidays, and lads and lasses look for thee annual return of the season. The clubs walk in procession, and the afternoon is invariably spent at trap or village rusticating; this year the weather being uncongenial, created much disappointment to the fair sex.