Isle of Man - Steam of the Isle of Man

Tour gives you the opportunity to experience the Isle of Man’s three heritage railways. The Manx Electric Railway which runs from Douglas to Ramsey; the Snaefell Mountain Railway which climbs to the mountains summit; and the Isle of Man Steam Railway which dates back to 1874. We take a step into the Island’s past with trips to the House of Keys and a return journey on the Douglas Bay Horse Tram.

 

4 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at Rutland or Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas.

 

Attractions,

• 3 Day Pass (Go Explorer) - Isle of Man Steam Railway

• Admission to House of Keys

• Entrance to Port Erin Railway Museum

• Snaefell Moutain Railway

• Douglas Bay Horse Tram - Return Journey

 

Also includes Sea Crossing with Steam Packet Company.

 

 

Isle of Man Steam Railway

The Isle of Man Steam Railway is the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain that still uses its original locomotives and carriages.

 

The three foot narrow gauge railway was opened in 1873 and runs through the Island’s charming countryside between the Island’s capital and a range of destinations in the south. Originally the southern route, which is around 15 and a half miles long, was part of a much larger steam railway network which used to serve Peel in the west, Ramsey in the north and the small mining village of Foxdale. Many of the Island’s heritage attractions in the south of the Island are located near to railway stations making it a convenient way to travel. Simply sit back and revel in the spectacular Manx scenery and countryside as it gradually passes by you. A one way journey along the beautiful Manx countryside running the full length from Douglas to Port Erin takes an hour to complete. In July and August, the peak months of the holiday season, there are seven return trains a day through the countryside, one of which is an evening service.

 

Port Erin Railway Museum

The Port Erin Railway Museum is located quite literally at the end of the line – on the platform of the most southerly stop on the Isle of Man Steam Railway.

The museum charts the history of the steam powered railway from its inception in 1873 to the present day including the now defunct lines which used to serve Peel, Ramsey and Foxdale. Inside you’ll find steam engines and carriages including the royal carriages which carried The Queen and Queen Mother in 1963 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1972. The museum is home to a fine collection of locomotives, the Royal Train, rolling stock, memorabilia, posters and interpretive displays. The museum is also home to the Isle of Man’s only railway simulator. Unveiled in summer 2016, the Drive the Diesel simulator experience costs £5 for a 15 minute session or £10 for the enthusiast level training.

The museum also has a souvenir shop making this a perfect place for train enthusiasts and visitors alike.

 

Snaefell Moutain Railway

Manx Electric Railway Online – a resource dedicated to the history and current operation of the award winning Manx Electric Railway, running for 130 years since 1893 along the eastern coast of the Isle of Man, with the majority of Victorian & Edwardian era infrastructure and rolling stock still in use.

 

Douglas Bay Horse Tram

The horse trams are an iconic part of the of the Isle of Man. Started in 1876 by Thomas Lightfoot to take advantage of the booming tourist trade, the 3ft gauge tramway is currently operated by Isle of Man Transport as part of their Heritage Railway offering. Many of the original fleet of cars are still in use today, and it is still a popular tourist attraction and tramway of important historic value. It is the oldest surviving Horse Tramway in Britain, and the only one to have operated continuously since its opening (with the exception of World War II and recent Promenade refurbishment works). In South Australia, a similar system also exists. There are also other smaller horse drawn systems operating around the world.

 

Steam Packet Company - Sea Crossing

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Sea Terminal, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF

Douglas is the Isle of Man’s capital and only ferry port. It acts as the access point to the Island’s endless scenic cycle paths and walking routes as well as the famous, adrenalin-filled TT and Festival of Motorcycling events held on the world famous Mountain Course.

 

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Passenger Terminal, South Quay, Heysham, Lancashire, LA3 2XE

Heysham port acts as a gateway to many destinations in England and Scotland as it is just a short drive to the M6 Motorway. Experience the bright lights of Blackpool or the bustling city of Manchester. If you are looking for an active break, climb England’s highest mountain in the breath-taking Lake District.

Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas

The Chesterhouse Hotel features 67 en-suite rooms many with Sea View and a full range of modern facilities and accessories. Guest rooms at the 3 Star Chesterhouse Hotel offer great value in an ideal location.

 

Guests enjoy complimentary Wi Fi, with the Tower View Carvery Restaurant offering both a fully inclusive buffet breakfast and into the evenings a hearty Manx Roast alongside a resident’s bar and evening entertainment.

 

The hotel is situated close to the Loch Promenade in central Douglas and is close to the Isle of Man ferry terminal, local bars, restaurants and the areas main retail district.

 

 

Rutland Hotel, Douglas

The Rutland is located on the seafront of Douglas and has 64 rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Offering a full range of modern facilities and accessories, rooms at the 3 Star Rutland offer both great value and a quiet location.

 

Guest enjoy complimentary Wi Fi and the Queens Carvery Restaurant offers both a buffet breakfast, and into the evenings a hearty Manx roast with a separate residents bar and entertainment.

 

The hotel is situated close to the quiet Queens Promenade of Douglas, a pleasant walk to the many local bars, restaurants and retail area.

 

 

Steam Packet Ferry Crossing