Timeless Isle of Man Adventurer

DAY 1

We arrive at Douglas on the Isle of Man where we transfer by private coach to the Ramsey Park Hotel in its prime location next to the beautiful lake Mooragh in Ramsey. Once we are checked-in we enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

Today, after a leisurely breakfast, we transfer from Ramsey by private coach to the historic open air folk museum of Cregneash. This living museum has traditional thatched cottages showcasing life and farming on the island from the 19th and early 20th centuries, we may be lucky enough to see the fabled Manx cat and Loughtan sheep up close. We continue to Castletown via the beautiful nearby calf sound for a photograph stop and, on arrival, we visit the wonderfully historic attractions, Castle Rushen, one of Europe’s most finely preserved medieval fortresses and 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. Afterwards we enjoy some free time in Castletown before transferring to Port Erin where we enjoy a whiff of steam on the magnificent Isle of Man Railway, we enjoy a journey back to Douglas on this beautifully restored railway. On arrival our private coach will transfer us back to the Ramsey Park for our evening meal.

DAY 3

Today we will enjoy an exploration of the island's history & heritage. After breakfast we board our private coach and transfer to the pretty seaside town of Peel. Here we visit the imposing Peel castle which was originally constructed by Norwegians and stands on St Patrick's Isle which is connected to the town by a causeway. After exploring this fascinating fortress, we make the short journey to the House of Mannanan museum where the island’s mythological sea god, Manannan, welcomes us to his fascinating Kingdom. The museum will guide us through the island’s rich Celtic, Viking, and maritime past. After some free time for lunch, we will reconvene with our private coach and make the short journey to the Knockaloe visitor centre. We will listen to the story of the camp from one of the wonderful volunteers and have time to explore the Visitor Centre which tells the story of what happened in the village 100 years ago with its collection of letters and artefacts and its scale model of the camp. The Centre is located at the entrance to the site of Knockaloe Camp, the world’s largest WW1 Internment Camp which once had its own railway line. Making our way back to Ramsey we will stop at Tynwald Hill and St John's church, this is the traditional, ancient meeting place of the Manx parliamentary assembly, dating back at least to the late first millennium AD. The four-tiered hill is used in the modern Tynwald Day ceremony and is a fascinating way to end our historical day on the island, subject to the church being open we may also explore inside this beautiful building which stands on ancient land that was of great importance to the local Celts even before buildings stood here. We will return to Ramsey in time for our evening meal together.

DAY 4

After breakfast today we have time at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities along with the sights and sounds of Ramsey. Why not visit the beautifully restored pier. Maybe pay a visit to the Fynoderee distillery, a family-run distillery and bar situated conveniently close to the Ramsey Manx electric railway station. Your Go Explore and Heritage cards will be valid if you choose to venture further afield to enjoy the island under your own steam! We reconvene this evening for our meal together.

DAY 5

After breakfast today we transfer by private coach to the Grove Museum. Built by a wealthy merchant, this house became a family home to the Gibb sisters who lived here into the 1970’s. The house provides a fascinating insight into life from the Victorian era into the 20th century. Continuing to Laxey we visit Lady Isabella - the Great Wheel of Laxey, an iconic feature of the island, it is the largest surviving original working waterwheel in the world. After exploring the wheel and mines we transfer the short distance to Laxey station to board 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 break at the summit, we return to Laxey station and board the Manx Electric Railway to return to Ramsey, on arrival there is time at leisure prior to our evening meal together at the Ramsey Park.

DAY 6

This morning we join our vintage bus which will take us on a scenic & nostalgic drive from Ramsey to Douglas, taking us back to a golden age of transport. On arrival into Douglas, we take a horse drawn tram ride along the beautiful Victorian promenade. Afterwards we make a visit to the Manx Museum bursting with treasures unique to the Isle of Man and illustrating the Island’s 10,000-year history from Viking hoards of silver and gold to an exhibition on the world-famous TT races. The rest of today is free for you to Explore Douglas and return by Manx Electric Railway tram to Ramsey. We reconvene for our evening meal together.

DAY 7

After a leisurely breakfast, today is free to enjoy any parts of the island you still wish to visit or why not re-visit your favorite part of the tour again using your Go Explore and Heritage cards. Travel to Douglas and finish your last-minute souvenir shopping or take a final horse drawn tram ride along the beautiful Douglas promenade. We also recommend a visit to the Milntown estate, a beautiful house and gardens to explore, why not partake in one of the café's tasty afternoon teas! The estate is easily accessed by local transport. We meet this evening for our final meal together.

DAY 8

Our island exploration draws to a close as we transfer by private coach to board the morning ferry to Heysham and head homewards.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner