It’s full steam ahead when you visit the Isle of Man
Step aboard one of the Isle of Man’s historic railways for a timeless encounter which is sure to make a lasting impression.
Spanning almost 40 miles in total, the railways provide a unique way to explore the island’s beautiful and rugged landscape.
See seven kingdoms from the top of Snaefell
There is no need to get out of breath to reach the summit of the Island, as the Snaefell Mountain Railway is on hand to do all the hard work. Climbing to the highest point on the Isle of Man, travellers can, on a clear day, view the seven kingdoms: England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Mann, the Sea and Heaven. Sunday lunches and sunset dinners are available throughout the season and make a unique dining experience, not to be missed. The Snaefell Mountain Railway is open from Saturday 16th April until Sunday 2nd October 2011.
Authentic Victoria travel
For authentic Victorian travel head to the south of the Island to experience the Steam Railway. Upon boarding, allow yourself to be transported back to another era, with the original locomotives and carriages dating back to 1874, still intact. Passengers are treated to spectacular countryside and coastal views and a choice of destinations to tempt them to disembark. Upon arrival at the final stop in Port Erin, the Railway Museum provides an insight into the history of the island’s steam transportation from 1870 up until the present day. The Isle of Man Steam Railway is open from Saturday 12th March until Sunday 6th November 2011.
Is it a tram or is it a train?
The Manx Electric Railway’s distinctive tram style carriages can cause some confusion but the rails running below should be enough to clear up any debate – it’s a railway! Racing against other traffic is part of the experience, as the tracks run parallel to the Island’s roads, before breaking away for scenes of serenity along the East Coast. Halfway through the journey is the village of Laxey, home to the largest water wheel providing a picturesque stopping point for travellers enroute to the North. The Manx Electric Railway is open from Saturday 19th March until Sunday 6th November 2011.
The Great Laxey Mine Railway
Mining for lead and zinc began in Laxey around 1780 and by the mid 1870’s the Great Laxey Mine had been built up to become one of the most profitable metal mines in Britain. Originally pulled by ponies, the tramway wagons were replaced by steam locomotives in 1877 to transport ore from the mines to the washing floors. The restored Great Laxey Mine Railway was officially opened in 2004, taking passengers from the washing floors up the valley towards the Laxey Wheel. The Great Laxey Mine Railway is open from Easter to the end of September.
Surviving Horse Trams
The Isle of Man Horse Trams, running along Douglas promenade, are the world’s oldest surviving horse trams dating from 1876. In the summer months these are a common site on the promenade, running from Monday 9th May until Sunday 18th September 2011. Two miles north of Douglas is the fully restored Groudle Glen Railway, which runs from the beautiful glen to the Sea Lion Rocks Tea Rooms. This perfect family day out opens from Sunday 8th May until Sunday 25th September 2011. Special Easter Bunny trains running on 24th and 25th April are ideal for the kids, with a free egg hunt and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
Special events are held on Snaefell, Manx Electric and Steam Railways throughout the year; check iombusandrail.info to see what is available.
Isle of Man Tourism’s official website is visitisleofman.com and contains the most up to date information for planning a visit to the Island.
