Historic Railways of the Isle of Man
Holiday Highlights
- Journey on the narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway
- Ride the Manx Electric Railway to historic Derby Castle Station
- Take a trip on the Snaefell Mountain Railway
- Visit the timeless resort of Port Erin
- Enjoy the views across the "Seven Kingdoms" from Snaefell summit station on clear days
- Explore historic Laxey, home of the world’s largest working waterwheel
What's Included
- Four nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at your chosen hotel
- Free rail travel and entry to all Manx National Heritage attractions with a Go Explore Heritage Card
- Visits to Castletown, Port Erin, Ramsey and Peel
- Return flights to Douglas
- Coach travel and transfers throughout
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet your tour manager at Ronaldsway airport, and transfer to Douglas and your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some free time to get to know your surroundings. The delightful island capital is part traditional seaside resort, part working port and part thriving financial centre. Stroll along the promenades that fringe the bay and sandy beach, or perhaps take a leisurely horse-drawn tram when they're operating. You'll find cafés and pubs to relax in, the fascinating (and free) Manx Museum that chronicles the island's history, and the Victorian curiosity of the Great Union Camera Obscura, to discover during your stay. There'll be traditional entertainment and touring shows to enjoy at the beautifully restored Gaiety Theatre (which also has a resident ghost to watch out for). This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 2
Your first heritage journey takes you south from Douglas's authentic Victorian station on the island's famous Steam Railway. The line was once part of an extensive network that connected most of the island, but is now a 15-and-a-half-mile narrow-gauge run, via the former island capital, Castletown, to beautiful Port Erin. Alight at the former to discover impregnable Castle Rushen, one-time home to the Kings and Lords of Mann. Here, the energetic can climb to the battlements for the spectacular view of the island’s south, and there’s a fascinating guided tour to enjoy. You’ll also visit the Old House of Keys, the restored 19th-century parliament building, with its debating chamber and interactive displays. Re-board the train to continue to seaside Port Erin, a resort boasting glorious beaches, views out to the offshore Calf of Man and a Railway Museum that's must-see for enthusiasts. You'll have some free time to explore your wonderful surroundings, before returning to Douglas by train at your leisure – your included Go Explore Heritage card offers you the freedom to travel as you wish. After a fascinating and absorbing day, enjoy a second evening in Douglas and your hotel.
Rutland Hotel
Ascot Hotel
Chesterhouse Hotel
Mannin Hotel
Empress Hotel
Ellan Vannin Hotel
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. Please note that this holiday is not recommended for customers with limited mobility, as there are steps to get on and off the trains. The Mannin Hotel is the most accessible hotel that we feature. It has a ramp to reception, lifts and - on a request basis - accessible rooms.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Train journeys
In the unlikely event of a steam locomotive breaking down and/or being unavailable on the Isle of Man Steam Railway, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with a diesel locomotive.
Go Explore Heritage Card
Your card offers five days unlimited travel on the Manx Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, the Snaefell Mountain Railway and the Douglas Horse Trams (when operating - typically between 30th April and 30th October, with some rest days), plus admission to Manx National Heritage's sites and museums.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.