Nostalgic Little Trains of the Isle of Man

Port Erin

Isle of Man Steam Railway

7 Days from £499 7 Days from £579 Apr - Oct

Mystical, captivating and beautiful, the Isle of Man is a unique place with a fascinating and diverse history. Located midway between Ireland and the British mainland in the Irish Sea, the island is self-governing, with its own surviving language and distinctive flag. It is peppered with enchanting stone churches, castles and forts, tangled trees and twisty trails, adding to the magical atmosphere of this sea-bound land. The Isle of Man also boasts several impressive heritage railways, offering nostalgic journeys through dramatic Manx scenery. Step back in time as we experience the best of the Isle of Man’s sights and atractions during this relaxing week, uncovering the secrets of this extraordinary island and exploring its rich heritage.

COACH ITINERARY

Day 1

From a morning pick up in your local area we catch the ferry from Heysham to Douglas, then onwards to our hotel.

Day 2 Day at leisure in Douglas Day 3 Manx Electric Railway, Laxey Wheel & Snaefell Mountain Railway

We take a trip on the historic Manx Electric Railway, which still uses its original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock. From Douglas, we journey along the scenic east coast with views of the beautiful Manx countryside on one side and far reaching views out to the stunning coastline on the other. We disembark in Laxey to visit the Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world and known colloquially as the Lady Isabella. Here we can admire this feat of Victorian engineering as we watch the mighty wheel turn, and can even climb to the top for panoramic views across Glen Mooar Valley. From here we join the Snaefell Mountain Railway, the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. Dating from 1895, electric powered trains take passengers over 2,000ft up to the summit of Snaefell, the highest point of the Isle of Man. Here we enjoy spectacular views, and if it’s a clear day, can even catch a glimpse of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales!

Day 4 Ramsey & Peel

On our half day excursion we head first to the peaceful port town of Ramsey, the island’s second largest town, sheltered against the magnificent backdrop of the North Barrule hills. Home to masses of sand and shingle beach, the town also boasts one of the biggest harbours on the island.

Next stop is Peel, a charming fishing port with a history spanning hundreds of years. Located on the west coast, Peel is renowned for its narrow lanes crammed with fishermen’s cottages, the striking red sandstone used to build its castle and the views of the Mountains of Mourne.

Day 5 Day at leisure in Douglas Day 6 Castletown, Port Erin, Cregneash & Isle of Man Steam Railway

From Castletown, the original capital of the island, we journey to Port Erin, a peaceful town with pretty gardens and a sandy beach that was first favoured by Victorian holidaymakers. We then journey back in time to the fascinating living museum of Cregneash Folk Village, where residents continue to use horsepower and speak the old local dialect. These locals play an important part in keeping the past alive, as village life continues as it has for hundreds of years. We end the day with a scenic trip from Port St Mary, a beautiful small harbour, back to Douglas on the well-preserved, narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway. As the island’s oldest Victorian rail system, this journey offers a mesmerising glimpse into the golden age of steam in restored vintage carriages, travelling through glorious countryside, sparkling shorelines, past quaint towns and charming fishing ports.

Day 7

We catch the morning ferry back to Heysham and continue our journey home.

Peel Castle YOUR BREAK INCLUDES

y 6 nights at the Hydro Hotel, Douglas with dinner & breakfast y Entertainment some evenings y Excursions to Laxey Wheel, Ramsey, Peel,

Castletown, Port Erin & Cregneash Folk Village y Heritage train journeys on the Manx Electric

Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway & Isle of

Man Steam Railway ADDITIONAL DETAILS BY COACH

y Return coach travel and ferry crossings ADDITIONAL DETAILS BY AIR

y Return flights to the Isle of Man y Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person) y Airport transfers on the Isle of Man

YOUR HOTEL

Hydro Hotel, Douglas JG2 The Hydro Hotel is an elegant period hotel located right on the seafront in the island’s capital of Douglas. The hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms, a bar and restaurant. From its promenade vantage point, there are views across the bay of Douglas, which is also home to St Mary’s Isle, a partially submerged reef.

Hotel accessibility information

Lift to all floors. 8 steps to entrance. 7 steps from lift to bedrooms. No ground floor rooms.

Single supplement £210

HIDDEN GEMS

OF THE EMERALD ISLE

In contrast to County Wicklow’s wild, rugged scenery and untamed natural beauty, Powerscourt Gardens is a sublime, man-made gem, unassumingly nestled in the foothills of Sugarloaf Mountain. Designed from 1731 onwards, the 47 acres of formal gardens combine tranquil ornamental lakes, stunning terraces, secret hollows, striking statues and more.