Nostalgic Little Trains of the Isle of Man

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Journey to Douglas on The Isle of Man
  From a morning pickup in your local area we catch the ferry from Heysham to Douglas, then onwards to our hotel.
• Day 2 - Day at leisure in Douglas
  Our first full day is spent settling into the charming Hydro Hotel and getting to know its welcoming surroundings. Take the morning to familiarise yourself with the hotel’s comfortable facilities before heading out to explore Douglas at your own pace. Stroll along the elegant promenade, watch the heritage horse-drawn trams pass by, or simply enjoy the sweeping sea views from the bay. With shops, cafés and the beach all close by, it’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and ease gently into the relaxed rhythm of island life.
• Day 3 - Manx Electric Railway, Laxey Wheel and Snaefell Mountain Railway
  We take a trip on the historic Manx Electric Railway, which still uses its original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock. From Douglas, our train journeys along the scenic east coast with views of the beautiful Manx countryside on one side and far-reaching vistas beyond the stunning cliffs on the other. We disembark in Laxey to visit the Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world and known colloquially as the Lady Isabella. Admire this feat of Victorian engineering as we watch the mighty wheel turn and can even climb to the top for panoramic scenes from across the Glen Mooar Valley.From here, we join the Snaefell Mountain Railway, the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. Dating from 1895, electric-powered trains take passengers over 2,000ft up to the summit of Snaefell, the Isle of Man's highest point. Here we enjoy superb scenery, and if it's a clear day, can even catch a glimpse of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales
• Day 4 - Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, Ramsey and Peel
  This morning we step back in time and enjoy a ride on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway along Douglas Promenade. The horse trams have been in existence since 1876 on the Isle of Man and have carried plenty of royal visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. We continue to the peaceful port town of Ramsey, the island's second-largest town, sheltered against the magnificent backdrop of the North Barrule hills. Home to masses of sand and shingle beach, the town also boasts one of the biggest harbours on the island. Next stop is Peel, a charming fishing port with a history spanning hundreds of years. Located on the west coast, Peel is renowned for its narrow lanes crammed with fishermen's cottages, the striking red sandstone used to build its castle and the views of the Mountains of Mourne.
• Day 5 - Day at leisure in Douglas
  Today offers another wonderfully relaxed day at leisure to enjoy the Hydro Hotel and the delights of Douglas. Perhaps take a gentle stroll along the promenade, browse the shops in the town centre, or simply soak up the sea views from a quiet spot on the bay. You may choose to revisit your favourite places or uncover corners you didn’t reach earlier in the week. With plenty of cafés, coastal walks and the timeless charm of the horse-drawn tramway nearby, this is a perfect chance to unwind and enjoy the island's easy-going atmosphere at your own pace.
• Day 6 - Castletown, Port Erin, Cregneash and Isle of Man Steam Railway
  After some free time in Castletown, the original capital of the island, we journey to Port Erin, a peaceful town with pretty gardens and a sandy beach that was first favoured by Victorian holidaymakers. Next is a brief photo stop at The Sound at the island's southern tip, a hotspot for local wildlife, from sunbathing seals on the rocks to basking sharks and dolphins in the blue waters below. Continuing with more Isle of Man highlights, we discover the fascinating living museum of Cregneash Folk Village, one of the last settlements on the island that embraces the native Manx culture. Here we explore the crofting way of life in a carefully maintained village full of white, thatched cottages and period workshops, with painstaking displays of traditional practices and residents continue to use the old local dialect. We end the day with a scenic trip from Port St Mary, a beautiful small harbour, back to Douglas on the well-preserved, narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway. As the island's oldest Victorian rail system, this journey offers a mesmerising glimpse into the golden age of steam in restored vintage carriages, travelling through glorious countryside, sparkling shorelines, past quaint towns and charming fishing ports.
• Day 7 - Return journey home
  Having enjoyed this six-night discovery of the Isle of Man, we bid farewell to the island’s charm and check out of the hotel. We make our way to the port to board the morning ferry back to Heysham, offering a final chance to admire the coastal views as we cross the Irish Sea. Once ashore, we continue our journey home, reflecting on the stories, scenery and memorable experiences that have made this island adventure so special.