2025 - Isle of Man - Manx Explorer

The enchanting Isle of Man is made up of a unique cocktail of ingredients, which blend to produce an unforgettable holiday. Its scenery combines with a beautiful coastline and dramatic headlands with a mountainous interior that is never too far away. Come and explore the 'Jewel of the Irish Sea' with its own parliament, traditions and culture. Travel along its roads and footpaths to discover enchanting glens, miles of golden sand, medieval castles, Victorian railways and beautiful parks and gardens.Highlights
- 4 nights in Douglas with dinner & breakfast- 2 overnight hotels with breakfast & one dinner- Tea / coffee after dinner- Porterage at main hotel only- Excursions as stated- Entertainment in the hotel on some nights (Rutland Hotel - July only)

Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head to the North West of England stopping for lunch and refreshments to your overnight hotel in the Preston area. DBBDay 2 - Travel through the lovely Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland, en route to Heysham for your early afternoon ferry crossing to the Isle of Man and your resort hotel for your 4-night stay in Douglas. DBBDays 3 - 5 At leisure in Douglas with two included excursions.Douglas is the largest and most important commercial centre on the island. The capital is home to a charming Victorian promenade as well as the excellent Manx museum, bursting with artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man (free entry). \n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nManx Explorer\nExperience the beauty and surprising variety of the Manx landscape as you visit some of the main towns and villages including Laxey with its famous wheel (entrance not included). There will be an optional Mountain Railway trip to the summit of Snaefell before continuing to Royal Ramsey and back to Douglas via the Mountain Road, part of the Isle of Man's famous TT course.Castletown, Cregneash & Views of the Calf of Man\nVisit Castletown, Cregneash and Calf of Man on the most southern point on the Island. Castletown sits on the site of an ancient volcano and the town was the capital of the island for hundreds of years. The Sound Visitor Centre in Port St Mary is one of the most picturesque points in the south of the Island. The large cafe, which has been built into the headland, offers 180 degree panoramic views of the surrounding area and is perfect for those looking for a light snack or just a cup of tea. Adjoining the café is the visitor centre which contains a wealth of information about the history of the area including the Calf of Man which is an Island directly opposite. Cregneash Folk Park is a peaceful restored 19th century crofting village where traditionally costumed guides show vistors around their delightful cottages (entrance not included - approx £10 pp in 2024).Day 6 - After a day at leisure on the island you board the evening ferry to arrive in Heysham late tonight. Head straight to your hotel in the Lancaster / Preston area for the last overnight. Room & breakfast (NB Due to a late arrival at the hotel there is no evening meal included)Day 7 - After breakfast, continue homeward arriving early evening\n\n Credit: Visit Isle of Man .
\nThe Empress Hotel (June and September)\nSituated directly on the seafront, close to the centre of Douglas, this popular hotel offers a bar, restaurant and lounge with sea view. Dinner is taken in a private dining room. Guestrooms are compact and feature tea / coffee making facilities. There are no ground floor rooms but there is a small lift to all floors. \n\nThere are 18 steps at the front of the hotel (wheelchair access via the ground floor restaurant) as well as internal steps in and around the hotel which may make it difficult for people with mobility issues. Rooms will walk-in showers are on request only and subject to a supplement.Rutland Hotel (July)\nThe elegant 3* Rutland Hotel enjoys panoramic sea views over Douglas Bay, approximately 20 minutes' walk from the centre of Douglas. The 4-storey Victorian building, on the scenic Queen's Promenade, has several steps at the front with no separate ramp access. \nIt has a small lift to all floors but there are also some internal steps. There is a restaurant and comfortable bar / lounge area. \n\nRooms are modern and feature TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Seaview rooms are subject to additional charge and availability. Entertainment on some evenings in this hotel.Please note: This hotel is not suitable for people with mobility problems due to the steps to the front entrance (no ramp access) as well as internal steps.