Isle of Man & The Laxey Wheel

A storied history and incredible sights await us on the beautiful Isle of Man, where we enjoy a break packed full of scenic train journeys, sweeping natural landscapes and a friendly atmosphere. On this five-day getaway, we experience some of the island's best features, with excursions to the pretty seaside towns of Ramsey and Peel, as well as the magnificent Laxey Wheel, a grand feat of Victorian engineering, which is still in operation today. We also travel on the vintage Manx Electric Railway and the mountain-climbing Snaefell Mountain Railway, which takes us to the summit of the island's highest peak to enjoy the spectacular views.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel & ferry crossings- 4 nights at a selected hotel in Douglas, Isle of Man (JG2 or JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to Laxey Wheel, Ramsey & Peel- Heritage train journeys on the Manx Electric Railway & the Snaefell Mountain RailwayOptional excursion to Port Erin & Castletown (£15pp)

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsManx Electric Railway, Laxey Wheel & Snaefell Mountain RailwayWe 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!Ramsey & PeelOur 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 to Ireland's Mountains of Mourne.Optional ExcursionPort Erin & Castletown (£15pp)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, 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'.

Isle of Man
Located between England and Ireland in the Irish Sea and with a strong Viking heritage, the Isle of Man is a unique land of scenic beauty and cultural traditions.\n\nFrom the stronghold of Castle Rushen to breathtaking position of the ruined Peel Castle, the island is full of ancient buildings and sites that speak to its Celtic roots which evolved as it became a Viking territory right up to modern day where it currently exists as a self-governing British Crown Dependency. The Isle of Man has its own currency and native language which was the subject of a massive effort to preserve in the early 20th century and led to a limited resurgence in Manx Gaelic speakers.\n\nFor those who love a more traditional way of travelling, the island is home to a wide collection of heritage railways such as the Snaefell Mountain Railway and Isle of Man Steam Railway as well as the charming Manx Electric Railway and Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, the oldest horse-drawn passenger tramway in service in the world.


Railways
Railways of the Isle of ManManx Electric RailwayDishing up plenty of vintage charm, the Isle of Man's Manx Electric Railway is the perfect way to take in the contrasting views of countryside and coast. Since opening in the 1890s, the railway continues to use famous Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock, which include two of the oldest regularly operated tram cars in the entire world! Enjoy a slice of history and soak up the scenery during our journey from Douglas to Laxey.Snaefell Mountain RailwayReady to experience some seriously breath-taking views? Then our excursion on the Snaefell Mountain Railway is for you! Venturing over 2000 feet up to the summit of Snaefell (the highest point of the Isle of Man) this is a rare chance to enjoy a trip on the one and only electric mountain railway in the British Isles.Hotel
Hydro Hotel, DouglasJG2 ratingThe Hydro Hotel is an elegant period hotel located right on the seafront in the island's capital of Douglas. The hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms, a bar and restaurant. From its promenade vantage point, there are views across the bay of Douglas, which is also home to St Mary's Isle, a partially submerged reef.Best Western Palace Hotel, DouglasJG3 ratingSituated on the beautiful Victorian Promenade overlooking Douglas Bay and only metres away from the beach, the Palace Hotel is within walking distance of the town. Facilities include a restaurant and 4 bars and a heated indoor swimming pool with views of Douglas Bay, plus a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and gymnasium. Rooms are contemporary with a desk, telephone, TV and internet access, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, iron & ironing board and tea & coffee making facilities.Hotel RatingJG2 ratingHotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are clean and well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and may have tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited but efficient.JG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.