01582 349 480

The Isle of Man

The Isle of Man, off the northwest coast of England, has an area of 221 square miles and is roughly equidistant between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. A unique self-governing kingdom, the island has its own parliament, laws, traditions and cultures. With a rich and colourful history, it is thought that humans have lived on the island since before 6500BC.

The Island’s rugged, extensive and intense 95-mile coastline has spectacular views of the Irish Sea, picturesque bays and rocky cliffs.

A Magnificent Island Tour

Using Douglas, the capital and largest town of the Isle of Man as our base, our railway island tour takes in this rugged island’s breath-takingly beautiful coastline.

Our historic rail tour includes three iconic railways:

  • Isle of Man Steam Railway – step onboard and step back in time as you travel in vintage carriages through the rich countryside on route to the scenic coast of Port Erin
  • Manx Electric Railway – one of the oldest working tramcars in the world
  • Snaefell Mountain Railway – journey to the summit in the wooden-bodied rail cars that date back to 1865

Day 1: Heysham and Douglas

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

Day 2: Isle of Man Steam Railway

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

Day 3: Peel

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

Day 4: The Snaefell Mountain Railway

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.

Day 5: Isle of Man

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

Day 6: Heysham and Home

A Fond Farewell

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

Includes Breakfast

What’s included

Included in your experience:

  • Standard Class Rail
  • Heritage Rail Excursions
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 3* hotel accommodation
  • 5 nights’ hotel accommodation
  • Professional UK Tour Manager throughout the trip
  • Explorer Pass for free local transport and Heritage Pass for entrance to Manx National Heritage Sites
  • 5 breakfasts and dinners

What’s not included in your experience:

  • Cancellation and travel insurance
  • Travel before and after the tour

Can’t see what you are looking for? Don’t worry, in all probability we can still do it.
Call us on 01582 349480.

You might also be interested in these

About Suitcase Travel

A family run boutique travel agency, we specialise in creating memorable travel experiences. Offering unique adventures, tailored to your specific requirements, we focus solely on you, helping you to understand the experience that your holiday will give you and equipping you with those all-important tips that will help to make your holiday that extra bit special. Oh, and the best part? Our service is free – it literally costs you no more than if you were to book direct. Come and talk to us and we’ll help you to create memories that really will last a lifetime.

Want to be inspired? Be the first to know about our latest offers

Sign up for our newsletter to receive special offers and new itineraries first.

 

Plan Your Trip