The Manx Explorer

Today we take a trip on the Isle of Man Steam Railway, which is the longest narrow-gauge steam line in the British Isles that still uses its original locomotives and carriages. The train trundles gently through the beautiful Manx countryside to Port Erin where we rejoin our coach and transfer to the ancient capital of Castletown, visiting Castle Rushen, an impressive fortress which was once home to the Kings and Lords of Mann. We also visit the Old House of Keys, which was once the centre of 19th century political life on the island. Later we will travel to the picturesque village of Cregneash, one of the last strongholds of traditional customs, crafts and skills which characterised the Manx crofter’s way of life.

We head for the Manx Electric Railway and travel at a sedate pace in original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock. At Laxey we change on to the Snaefell Mountain Railway which winds its way up above 2,000 feet to the top of Snaefell. Returning on the train to Laxey, we continue to the iconic Laxey Wheel. You’ll have the opportunity to watch the wheel turning, walk through the valley to find the Great Laxey Mines and learn about the lives of the miners who extracted lead and zinc ores from deep inside the mine. Later, we visit the Grove Museum of Victorian Life with its series of period rooms, containing mostly original furnishings and fittings, a costume room and displays of the possessions of three generations. We have the choice of returning to our hotel by coach or on the Manx Electric Railway, an opportunity to enjoy the full 17-mile length of the railway.

Our first visit today is Peel Castle, which was originally a place of worship before becoming the fort of Magnus Barefoot – an 11th century Viking King of Mann. After some free time in Peel, we will visit The House of Manannan, which takes visitors on an interactive and exciting journey through the Isle of Man’s colourful history. We will stop briefly at Tynwald Hill, which plays host to an open air meeting of the Island’s parliament, Tynwald, once a year. Our final rail-based excursion is a short but delightful trip on the Douglas Bay Horse Tram, using 12 original tramcars refurbished including a double decker tram.

After breakfast we take a morning ferry back to Heysham. On arrival the group will disperse or make onward connections.