Great Rail Journeys
The Isle of Man
6 daysfrom $867
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Group Tour
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
Enjoy a relaxing break on beautiful Isle of Man holidays. Ride impressive heritage railways and visit Douglas, Ramsey and the famous Laxey Wheel.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Douglas
Setting out on the ferry to charming Douglas
Your holiday begins when we meet the Tour Manager in the Lancashire port of Heysham. Together, we board the early afternoon ferry to the Isle of Man. As we sail across the Irish Sea, we can enjoy expansive views and keep an eye out for seabirds and possibly dolphins. We catch our first glimpse of the Isle of Man's gentle rolling landscapes as we approach Douglas. Stepping off the ferry in the early evening, with bags taken straight to the hotel, we pass an impressive parade of Victorian buildings on a short stroll along the waterfront to the Claremont Hotel, where we stay for the next five nights. After checking in, there's time to settle in before our first dinner together.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Douglas
Scenic Snaefell Mountain Railway & Laxey
We board the Manx Electric Railway for a nostalgic journey with scenic coastal views to the fishing village of Laxey. There we board the Snaefell Mountain Railway – the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles – ascending through rolling hills and steep gradients to the summit. On a clear day it is possible to see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. After descending, there's time to explore Laxey independently, including the Laxey Wheel ('Lady Isabella'), the world's largest working water wheel. The Manx Electric Railway transports us back to Douglas, where we enjoy a short nostalgic trip on a horse-drawn tram before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: Douglas
Driving along the famous TT circuit to Peel
After breakfast, our first stop is Tynwald Hill in the village of St John's. Our coach joins the Isle of Man's famous TT racing circuit, and we enjoy commentary from a former TT rider as we drive along part of the renowned route. We then arrive at the traditional fishing port of Peel, known for its 11th-century castle. With entrance included, you can take a self-guided tour of its chapel, dungeons and towers. You could also visit the House of Manannan museum. Later, we re-board the Manx Electric Railway for a journey back to Douglas through glorious countryside, across gorse-topped hills and along the island's rugged east coast.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: Douglas
Isle of Man Steam Railway & Castletown
We board the vintage carriages of the Isle of Man Steam Railway. Our train chugs through idyllic countryside, passing seaside towns and fishing ports before arriving at Port Erin on the southwest coast. We continue on a scenic drive across the headland to see the Calf of Man from a wonderful viewing spot at The Sound Café. Arriving in Castletown at lunchtime, there's time to explore the island's ancient capital independently. Entry is included at The Old House of Keys where the Manx parliament used to meet. You could also visit the medieval Castle Rushen. We return to our hotel with time to relax before dinner. *Steam-hauled where possible; heritage diesel locomotives may run instead due to timetable changes or weather conditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Douglas
A day to explore the Isle of Man at leisure
You are free to discover the Isle of Man at your own pace today. Options include relaxing on one of the many stunning beaches, wandering to St Thomas' Church in Douglas, or taking a boat trip from Douglas to the Isle of Calf for wildlife including seabirds and seals. If visiting in July, the annual Viking Long Boat Championships at Peel harbour and the island's folk festival are highlights. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6
Homeward bound
After breakfast, we make our way to Douglas' Sea Terminal for the ferry back to Heysham. Docking in the Lancastrian port, your holiday to the Isle of Man concludes and you can begin your journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 5 nights' 4-star accommodation at The Claremont Hotel, Douglas
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- Complimentary 5 Day Explorer Pass providing entry to many sites and free rail & coach travel within the region
- Heritage Explorer Pass giving free entrance to Manx National Heritage sites (Laxey Wheel, Peel Castle, House of Manannan, Castle Rushen, Old House of Keys, Nautical Museum and others)
- All guided tours and excursions
- Entry to Peel Castle
- Entry to The Old House of Keys, Castletown
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
