Isle of Man Explorer

DAY 1

We arrive in Douglas on the Isle of Man where we transfer to the Empress Hotel in its prime location on the Victorian promenade overlooking Douglas Bay. Enjoy a stroll along the seafront before our evening meal.

DAY 2

Today we enjoy a whiff of steam on the magnificent Isle of Man Railway to Port Erin with time to view the excellent refurbished railway sheds, steam trains and carriages at the neighbouring Railway Museum. We return by steam train to Castletown and the island's ancient capital, Castle Rushen, one of Europe's most finely preserved medieval fortresses. We also visit the fascinating Old House of Keys, the former meeting place of the Isle of Man Parliament, where you may even have the chance to join a debate in the chamber.

Alternatively, enjoy a full day of steam alighting at whatever stations you wish to explore and for photography.

DAY 3

A great day of heritage starts with boarding the Manx Electric Railway to Laxey where we have a steaming on the mines railway and visit "Lady Isabella" - the Great Wheel of Laxey. We depart Laxey by tram to Ramsey where there is time to take lunch and stroll around the pier and harbour before returning by electric railway and horse drawn tram to Douglas.
Alternatively, use your travel pass to take a bus from Ramsey to Peel and explore the island’s main fishing port and Peel Cathedral.

DAY 4

Travelling by tram to Laxey we transfer to the electric Snaefell Mountain Railway for our journey to the top of the island's highest peak, Snaefell at 2,036ft; on a clear day it is said one can see the six kingdoms - Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Isle of Man and Heaven. After a lunchtime break we return to Laxey and continue by tram to Groudle, for a steam train journey on the narrow gauge Groudle Glen Railway to the cliff tops of Sea Lion Rocks. We conclude our exciting day by Manx Electric Railway tram to Douglas.

DAY 5

Railtrail's island exploration draws to a close as we board the morning ferry to Heysham and head homewards.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner