The Isle of Man

All Aboard

You’ll board the early afternoon ferry to the Isle of Man from Heysham. The train from Lancaster arrives straight at the ferry terminal, making boarding the ferry hassle-free. When you arrive in Douglas (the crossing takes three and a half hours), you’ll transfer to your seafront hotel where you’ll spend the night before heading off on the Isle of Man Steam Railway the next day.

Includes Dinner

A Fun Packed Day

Take in the sights and sounds that Douglas has to offer with a horse-drawn tram ride along the promenade before boarding the Isle of Man Steam Railway. Linking Douglas with Port Erin, the railway runs over a 15-mile route and is the island’s oldest rail system having been in service since the 1870s. The carriages have been lovingly restored to bring them back to their former glory.

Port Erin is located in a bay on the south-west side of the island. When you arrive, you’ll be driven to the headland overlooking the stunning Calf of Man where you’ll get to enjoy some free time to soak up the uninterrupted vistas and hopefully catch a glimpse of the sea life and nesting birds.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel to the island’s former capital, Castletown. Included in your Heritage Explorer Pass is entry to Castle Rushen, the Nautical Museum and Old House of Keys. If you can find the time, all three are worth a visit. Then it’s time to relax as you return to Douglas by coach.

Includes Breakfast

Step Back in Time

You’ll head to Peel today, stopping off at Tynwald Hill on route. The historic meeting place of the Manx parliamentary assembly, oldest records dated back to 1422 – no wonder then that the Tynwald claims to be over 1000 years old.

If you like kippers, you’re in for a treat. Peel’s thriving fishing industry and smokehouses have made it famous for kippers. You’ll have some free time to explore Peel by yourself and there’s plenty to see and do. The House of Manannan delves into the island’s Celtic, Viking and Maritime heritage and is well worth a visit.

Of course, the island is renowned for the famous motorcycle race, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) Races. As you make your way to Ramsey to pick up the Manx Electric Railway back to Douglas, you’ll drive along a section of the famous TT racing circuit.

Recognised as the longest narrow-gauge vintage railway in the British Isles, the Manx railway has the oldest working tramcars in the world. Kick back and relax as the Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock, meanders through the exquisite countryside.

Includes Breakfast and Dinner

The Only Electric Railway in the British Isles

Heading to the fishing village of Laxey, you’ll get the chance to board the Manx Electric Railway once again. When you arrive at Laxey, you’ll join the Snaefell Mountain Railway (the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles) for a scenic journey to the peak of Snaefell.

At 2034 feet above sea level, Snaefell is the highest mountain on the Isle of Man. Once you get to the top you won’t be disappointed. On a clear day you can see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

When we return to Laxey, you’ll have time to explore on your own. Be sure to pay a visit to Laxey Wheel. Designed and constructed to pump water from the lead mines some 200 fathoms below, the 72 feet in diameter wheel is not to be missed.

Time to Explore

Today is a free day for you to explore the island on your own. Don’t forget you can use your Explorer Pass for travel on local transport and your Heritage Pass for entrance to Manx National Heritage sites.

Includes Breakfast and Dinner

A Fond Farewell

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll leave Douglas on the morning ferry, arriving back in Heysham just after midday.

Includes Breakfast