ISLE OF MAN HERITAGE RAILWAYS
The Isle of Man is a unique haven for rail enthusiasts, with its Victorian steam locomotives, electric and horse tramway. Once you step aboard one of the heritage railways you will find yourself rolling back to the golden ages of the train. With the Isle of Man Steam Railway and the Manx Electric Railway connecting the capital Douglas with the south and north, respectively. Plus with the Snaefell Mountain Railway taking you to the Island’s summit and the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway offering a more leisurely pace along the seafront, it is possible to travel from one end of the Island to the other using vintage transport. Most prefer to spread out the journeys and take in many of the Island’s attractions, including beauty spots, castles, museums and stunning coastal scenery.
Douglas has terminals for the MER, the Steam Railway and the horse trams, from which tickets for all heritage transport can be purchased. You can also obtain timetables, tickets and information for all transport methods at the Welcome Centre inside the Sea Terminal in Douglas and from the website www.rail.im.
ISLE OF MAN STEAM RAILWAY
The Steam Railway is as popular today as it was back in Victorian times. It opened in 1874 and connects the capital Douglas to the beach village of Port Erin in the south, with plenty of stops along the way.
The historic railway station in Douglas is an impressive structure that includes the Tickethall restaurant, famous for its breakfasts served on a fireman’s shovel!
Port Erin station has a museum boasting a fine collection including the Queen’s carriage from a royal visit in 1972.
A popular spot for passengers to break their journey is Castletown, which boasts Castle Rushen, an historic harbour, walks alongside the Silverburn River and plenty of cafes.
In more recent times, a Dining Car, originally built in 1905, was meticulously restored, and is often used for special train journeys, alongside sumptuous saloon carriages that hark back to the glory days of Pullman-style travel.
THE MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY
Constructed from 1893 to 1899, the Manx Electric Railway guarantees spectacular views of the Manx coastline as it travels from Douglas promenade to Ramsey in the north.
The route takes passengers via Groudle Glen – with its pebble beach and its own volunteer-run railway that operates on certain dates in the summer – before heading to Laxey, home of the world famous Great Laxey Wheel – the Lady Isabella. Laxey has many more attractions, from its beautiful beach to another volunteer-run railway, the Great Laxey Mines Railway, which runs on certain dates.
Ramsey itself has plenty to offer, including another beach, plenty to do in Mooragh Park and views of Queen’s Pier, which is undergoing restoration.
THE SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
The Snaefell Mountain Railway, completed in 1895, is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles and operates from Laxey station up to the summit of the only Manx mountain, Snaefell, 2,036 feet above sea level.
The steep gradient brought out the best of Victorian engineering and a trip gives spectacular views back down the valley, over the Laxey Wheel and leading to the seaside.
The Mountain Railway also crosses the world-famous TT race course. When races are on, a carriage stops on one side and passengers cross by footbridge to another tram on the other.
At the summit, on a clear day, you can see the Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland, as well as the coastlines of Great Britain. The Summit Hotel offers refreshments and meals.
Several times a year, special Dark Skies events are arranged, where stargazers can travel to the summit and take full advantage of the clear views available.
THE DOUGLAS BAY HORSE TRAMWAY
Constructed in 1876 the horse tramway on Douglas promenade is the oldest surviving such tramway in the British Isles.
Such is its importance, that the tramway has been incorporated into a major reconstruction of the promenade. While that work has meant limited services at times, the promenade redevelopment is due for completion later this year, which will see the trams operating a full service once more. Check the website www.rail.im for updates.