Isle of Man Steam Railway Holiday
For yet another year, and due to popular demand, we are off to the Isle of Man for another summer sizzler. Never been? You should! This is a place of cultural and scenic diversity, proud of its history and independence from Europe and the “adjacent isle”. It has retained wonderful Victorian transport systems, its own parliament and currency and the delightful glens, mountains and coastal vistas compare with the best of England, Scotland and Wales all rolled into one! Step back in time with Inside Track.
Special note: This is always a very “special” holiday. Inside Track know all the “nooks and crannies” and will get you there, by steam train, Victorian tram, coach, bus and boat. Trust us – this is the year of the Man!
Outline Itinerary
Thursday
Because of variations in travel to the island, the first day simply involves arriving. Flyers will check in as and when they get there and meet our courier and the ferry travellers at the hotel early evening.
Friday
Our first full day is designed to introduce you to Manx history, heritage and way of life. We begin with a steam hauled run on the railway as far as Port St Mary amid delightful coastal and rural scenery. Our island tour continues over the hills to Peel for the excellent heritage museum – the House of Manannan. After lunch we stop off at the world’s oldest parliament at St John’s before continuing via Ramsey in the north and then the famous mountain section of the T.T. circuit back to Douglas – a day of diversity with great scenery throughout.
Saturday
Today is dedicated to the Manx Electric Railway. We enjoy a breath-taking full length run along the cliff tops between Douglas and Ramsey. Time is allowed for lunch in the island’s second largest town, and for a little look around. We retrace the route in the afternoon, including a refreshment break and a ride on the island’s newest and, some say, greatest steam railway, the “Great Laxey Mines Railway”.
Sunday
We’ve a literal highlight in store today. First we board a tram to Laxey and then ascend Snaefell Mountain aboard a private tram to the highest point on the island – from here you can, hopefully, see seven kingdoms. Back down in Laxey there is time for lunch and to visit “Lady Isabella” – The Laxey Wheel – awesome! Our day continues at one of the island’s loveliest places – Groudle Glen. A friendly reception at the steam railway will add to the spectacular journey around the headland. This is also the best opportunity to explore one of the island’s famous glens – Groudle is beautiful.
Monday
Our last full day is an absolute gem. We start with a steam train journey to Castletown, which is the ancient island capital, and a visit to Castle Rushen. On then to the tip of the island to view the Calf of Man and a step back in time at a folk village. Time to appreciate the tranquil charm of Port Erin precedes our finale, a full-length run on a steam train back to Douglas.
Tuesday
The ferry leaves in the morning, and transfers will be arranged for the flyers to coincide with individual departure times.
Our Hotel
The Welbeck Hotel, Douglas
This cosy, three-star hotel is situated in the island’s capital in a very quiet locale and is perfectly positioned for a stroll on the prom, morning or evening. It is a medium sized, family run establishment with comfortable rooms and an airy restaurant. The menu is extensive, the food excellent, and the staff welcoming. The Welbeck could well be the friendliest hotel that we use and is certainly one of our favourites!
Travel to and from the island
Our holiday is priced from arrival on the Isle of Man, giving you the choice of travel by air or sea. The most convenient sea crossing, timings wise, is the conventional ferry service from Heysham, though alternatively there is a sea-cat from Liverpool. We can provide competitively priced rail/ferry through-tickets from your local station for either. You will find that flights are available from many regional airports and, whilst we are unable to supply air tickets, your transfers between Ronaldsway Airport and the hotel will be included – check with us that the holiday is definitely up and running and then just let us know which flights you have booked.
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