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The Isle of Man

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20242025
6 days From £599 £549 per person
4.6 stars(355 reviews)
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Journey through the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Man aboard magnificent heritage railways and explore the rich Celtic culture.

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Save £50pp on selected British Isles 2024 holidays, when you book by 2nd April 2024.

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Mobility Rating 2

2024 Tour code: 24MXS

About the tour

Delve into Celtic legacy as you explore The Isle of Man by travelling on vintage railways, discovering ancient towns, and embracing the relaxed culture. Staying in picturesque Douglas, each day brings something new with stunning landscapes and fascinating history as you tour The Old House of Keys, visit historic Peel, and journey on the amazing Snaefell Mountain Railway.

Unforgettable Experiences

Snaefell Mountain Railway
Snaefell Mountain Railway
Journey on the historic Snaefell Mountain Railway along the Isle of Man coastline.
Calf of Man
Calf of Man
Admire the beauty of the Calf of Man and its peaceful surroundings from a fantastic viewpoint.
Horse-drawn Tram in Douglas
Horse-drawn Tram in Douglas
Enjoy the charm of a horse-drawn tram ride along Douglas's delightful promenade.
Isle of Man's Famous Trains
Isle of Man's Famous Trains
Experience the Isle of Man's famous trains with journeys on the Manx Electric Railway and Isle of Man Steam Railway.
The Old House of Keys
The Old House of Keys
See the original furnishings, portraits, and documents on display at The Old House of Keys, with a guided tour.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - The ferry to charming Douglas

Today is the start of your Isle of Man holiday as you meet your Tour Manager and the rest of your group in Heysham. Boarding your early afternoon ferry, you sail across the Irish Sea toward the rugged coastline of Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man.

As you step onto land, stroll past the stunning sights as you enjoy the short walk along the waterfront to your hotel. You spend the next five nights here, the perfect base to explore your new surroundings.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The Isle of Man Steam Railway, picturesque Port Erin, and charming Castletown

Today begins with a journey along Douglas' promenade, travelling on a historic horse-drawn tram. Then, you board the Isle of Man Steam Railway, with its majestic steam locomotives and vintage carriages. The steam-powered train takes you through the stunning scenery of the countryside, seaside towns, and traditional fishing ports until you reach Port Erin, situated in a beautiful bay on the southwest coast.

After some time to explore, your adventure continues with a coach tour of the headland where you witness the spectacular views of the Calf of Man, a small island located at the southern tip of the Isle of Man.

Arriving in Castletown at lunchtime, enjoy a guided tour of The Old House of Keys - the former meeting place of the Manx parliament. Built in the 19th century, the house has been restored to its former glory and features original furnishings, portraits, and documents on display. After the tour, there's time at leisure to further explore the island's ancient capital.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Ancient Tynwald Hill, historic Peel and the Manx Electric Railway

After breakfast this morning, your first stop is Tynwald Hill in the village of St John's. Here, your coach driver shares some insight into the village's history before continuing to the traditional fishing port of Peel.

The town is known for its 11th-century castle and with time at leisure to explore, you could visit the medieval fortress. You could also experience the House of Manannan - a museum dedicated to the island's rich history and culture with interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and stunning artefacts.

Later, you head to Ramsey, a charming coastal town. There's some time to explore its picturesque harbour, quaint streets, and stunning coastline before you board the Manx Electric Railway back to Douglas. Sit back and relax as you travel through glorious countryside, across gorse-topped hills and along the island's rugged east coast.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - The scenic Snaefell Mountain Railway and peaceful Laxey

Today you experience the Manx Electric Railway again for a scenic journey to the fishing village of Laxey. Here you board the Snaefell Mountain Railway - the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles.

The railway takes you through beautiful landscapes and steep gradients as you ascend to the summit. On a clear day, the views at the top include England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. After descending, there's time at leisure to explore the village of Laxey. You could visit The Laxey Wheel, or the 'Lady Isabella' as she's known locally.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Idyllic Douglas at leisure

Today you can discover the Isle of Man at your own pace. There are countless ways to enjoy the beautiful town of Douglas , but if you're looking for a relaxing and breathtaking experience, look no further than its 25 stunning beaches. Each of these beaches has its own unique charm, ranging from secluded coves to lively stretches of sand bustling with activity.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Heysham and home

After breakfast this morning, it's time for the ferry back to Heysham. After another sailing across the Irish Sea, your holiday comes to an end as you say goodbye to fellow travellers.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please be aware that the order of the excursions may be different than appears here.

Departure times

We depart from Heysham to the Isle of Man at approximately 2:15pm on the first day of your holiday. On the return trip, our ferry docks in Heysham at around 12:15pm.

However, we will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Ascot Hotel, Douglas

Ascot Hotel, Douglas

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Trains

Isle of Man Steam Railway
Manx Electric Railway
Snaefell Mountain Railway

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Rail travel to and from Heysham
Extend your UK & Ireland holiday

Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 355 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (252)
  2. 4 stars
    (86)
  3. 3 stars
    (14)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (2)

Jon

4 stars

Submitted 30 Oct 2023

An interesting and well organised trip. It was quite often possible to ‘do my own thing’ rather than follow the planned itinerary in every detail. The hotel was comfortable and the food varied between good and excellent. It was very helpful to have pre-paid tickets for all public transport and many museums etc. The Isle of Man is scenically varied and the trams and railways are delightful.

Collected by Trustpilot

Joan Pantony

5 stars

Submitted 27 Oct 2023

Beautiful island. Several transport opportunities.

Collected by Trustpilot

Richard Glover

5 stars

Submitted 24 Oct 2023

Our Rail Discoveries tour of the Isle of Man was superb. We will definitely use Rail Discoveries again.

Collected by Trustpilot

T Webster

5 stars

Submitted 23 Oct 2023

Cant wait to go back.

Collected by Trustpilot

Mrs Claridge

5 stars

Submitted 22 Oct 2023

Lovely place to visit, especially in the autumn. Good value for money. Courier and coach driver were excellent.

Collected by Trustpilot

A Steele

5 stars

Submitted 22 Oct 2023

Clean and tidy country with lots of history. Very nice place to stay.

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