Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man

Located within easy reach of the British Isles, neatly positioned just 31 miles from England and 31 miles from Ireland, you'll find the beautiful Island paradise that is the Isle of Man.
It's far enough to give you that relaxed holiday feeling but close enough to give you the reassurance that you're never too far from home, and with a temperate climate all year round - what are you waiting for? There's a true Manx welcome waiting for you……with proof that the best things really do come in small packages.Tuesday: We depart Hugglescote this morning and head for Heysham to catch our afternoon ferry for the 3 ½ hour journey to Douglas.

Wednesday: We depart the hotel this morning to visit Peel, said to be the best example of a typical Manx town. Here, we have included admission to House of Manannan, where the Island’s mythological sea god, Manannan, welcomes you to his fascinating Kingdom and guides you through the Island’s rich Celtic, Viking and maritime past. In the afternoon, we take time at leisure in Douglas.

Thursday: This morning we visit Castletown, the ancient capital of the island with a beautifully preserved castle. Later we visit Cregneash Village Folk Museum, a living illustration of a farming and crofting community in the 19th and early 20th century and finishing the day with a visit to the pretty bay and village of Port Erin, before hopping aboard the island’s heritage steam railway for the journey back to Douglas.

Friday: Today we begin the day by joining the Manx Electric Railway. Built between 1893 and 1899, it connects the Island’s capital, Douglas with Laxey in the east. At Laxey, we join the Snaefell Mountain Railway for a spectacular climb to the islands highest point at 2036 feet before visiting ‘Lady Isabella’ the world’s largest working waterwheel. The Great Laxey Wheel is the largest working waterwheel in the world. A brilliant example of Victorian engineering, she was built in 1854 to pump water from the Laxey mines. We continue to Ramsey by coach, the main town in the north of the island, where we include admission to the fine-looking Milntown Gardens.

Saturday: We say farewell to the hotel and head for the ferry port for our journey back to Heysham, we arrive back at Hugglescote early evening.The Rutland Hotel
The hotel is located on the seafront of Douglas, situated close to the quiet Queens Promenade of Douglas, with beautiful panoramic views across Douglas Bay and only a short walk to the town centre.
All 64 bedrooms are en suite with tea/coffee making facilities, television, hair dryer and telephone. There are 9 steps to the front of the hotel with no alternative access and there are some stairs between rooms.

Hotels
• The Rutland Hotel, Isle of Mann (Douglas) - View Information