UK Heritage Rail on Isle of Man
Steam trains and rail heritage are integral to The Isle of Man’s particular charm. Travel through the centuries on this affordable scenic and historical rail tour. Begin the journey around the island aboard a steam train, stopping at the delightful seaside resort of Port Erin, before arriving in Castletown, one of the oldest towns in the British Isles and home to the medieval Castle Rushen. Next, you’ll journey on the Douglas Manx Electric Railway to Laxey where a trip on the Great Laxey Mine Railway awaits. You’ll also head to the town of Peel where you can explore at your own pace – perhaps visiting the ruins of Peel Castle. Your final day of rail adventure sees you aboard the Snaefell Mountain Railway, for a journey to the summit for refreshments with a view – you can see England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland on a good day – before enjoying a trip to Groundle Glen for more incredible views.
Your Tour Includes
Standard-class return fast catamaran travel from Liverpool
4 nights in a 4-star hotel
7 meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 dinners including welcome dinner and drink
Several heritage rail journeys
Tour Manager
Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage
Day 1 Liverpool - Douglas
After making your own way to Liverpool you will depart early this evening for Douglas aboard the fast catamaran 'Manannan'. On arrival, transfer by coach to the 4-star Mannin Hotel, located close to the seafront.
Day 2 Port Erin & Castletown
Join your Tour Manager for the steam train journey to Port Erin, a delightful seaside town with a sandy beach set in an enclosed harbour. You can visit the Railway Museum here or walk along the promenade before taking the train to Castletown.
On arrival, the afternoon is free for you to do as you wish. Once the capital of the island, Castletown sits on the site of an ancient volcano and is one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Perhaps enjoy a walk around its quaint narrow streets or visit the medieval Castle Rushen.
Meals included: B,D
Day 3 Laxey, Ramsey & Peel
This morning you will take the Douglas Manx Electric Railway (MER) to Laxey. On arrival, you will board the Great Laxey Mine Railway, which once carried metal ores from the mine. A short walk from the terminus is the Lady Isabella waterwheel. Built in 1854 to pump water from the mine, it is now the largest working waterwheel in the world. From here, take a lovely route on the MER to Ramsey.
After this you will take the bus to Peel, where you can spend the afternoon at leisure. You may enjoy a walk around the ruins of Peel Castle or take a stroll up Peel Hill for splendid views before taking the bus back to Douglas.
Meals included: B
Day 4 Snaefell Mountain Railway & Groudle Glen
Today you will take the electric train to Laxey. On arrival, you will board the Snaefell Mountain Railway, reaching the summit in around 30 minutes. Here you can purchase refreshments from the café and on a clear day enjoy views of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Your next train journey will take you from Laxey to Groudle Glen, and after another short train journey to the clifftop Sea Lion Rocks tea room, you can admire the scenery over a drink and a slice of cake before your return journey to Douglas.
Meals included: B,D
Day 5 Douglas - Liverpool
After a morning at leisure, you'll head back to Liverpool by catamaran this afternoon.
Meals included: B
