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Itinerary
Isle of Man & the Laxey Wheel
From a morning pick up in your local area we catch the ferry from Heysham to Douglas, then onwards to our hotel.
Isle of Man & the Laxey Whee
Our half-day excursion first takes us 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.
We then travel to 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 that was used to build its castle and its views that stretch out all the way to Ireland’s Mountains of Mourne.
Half Day
Isle of Man & the Laxey Wheel
On our optional excursion, we start the day with a visit to delightful Port Erin, a peaceful town with pretty gardens and a sandy beach that was first favoured by Victorian holidaymakers. Next we travel to the island’s southernmost tip to enjoy a brief photo stop at The Sound. Here we have the opportunity to catch a snap of the local wildlife, from sunbathing seals on the rocks to basking sharks and dolphins in the blue waters below. For our final destination of the day, we journey to Castletown, the original capital of the Isle of Man. Explore the highlights of this historic town which offers many must-see features, from the busy, yacht-filled harbour, the beach and the imposing Castle Rushen which has been called ‘one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world’.
Full Day
Isle of Man & the Laxey Wheel
We catch the morning ferry back to Heysham and continue our journey home.
Isle of Man & the Laxey Wheel
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!
Full Day
Ramsey Harbour & Peel Castle Views
Explore Ramsey’s harbourfront, broad sands and genteel seafront, set against the heather-clad slopes of North Barrule. Watch fishing boats and pleasure craft come and go, and pause for photos and reflection along the promenade.
Continue to Peel, a west-coast town of narrow lanes and fishermen’s cottages. From the breakwater, gaze toward Peel Castle on St Patrick’s Isle; its red sandstone ruins evoke Norse rule and early monastic life, with far views to the Mountains of Mourne on clear days.
Port Erin, The Sound & Castletown with Castle Rushen
Discover Port Erin, a Victorian seaside resort curled around a crescent of sand beneath Bradda Head. Stroll Port Erin’s sandy bay before a scenic stop to pause at The Sound, where the Calf of Man lies just offshore and you can spot basking seals and dolphins in the racing tides.
Continue to Castletown, the island’s former capital, home to the superb Castle Rushen. Step inside to explore Castle Rushen, among the best-preserved medieval strongholds in Britain. This optional experience costs £16pp and is bookable on tour.
Manx Electric Railway, Laxey Wheel & Snaefell Mountain Railway
Ride the Manx Electric Railway along the rugged east coast from Douglas to Laxey on beautifully maintained Victorian and Edwardian cars. Disembark to visit the Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world, turning above a leafy valley once powered by lead and zinc mining.
Climb the platforms for wide views, then join the Snaefell Mountain Railway, the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. The steady ascent to 2,036ft reveals sea-to-summit panoramas; on clear days, the horizon can take in the island’s fabled “seven kingdoms.”
