Isle Of Man Ultimate Explorer

Itinerary

Day 1

An early start today as you join your comfortable coach at your convenient local pick up point this morning, and head for the port of Heysham with coffee/lunch stops along the way. We take the ferry crossing to the lovely Isle of Man and your adventure begins! On arrival at your lakeside hotel there will be time to settle in and relax or perhaps take a stroll before dinner. Make sure you have time for a drink in the bar before enjoying your first evening meal.

Day 2

Enjoy a traditional Manx breakfast each day to set you up properly for your day ahead as we have an early start today! Firstly we head to Douglas for a short trip on one of the world’s last remaining horse tramways, the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway which opened in 1876. A number of interesting and architecturally significant buildings can be seen as we travel along the promenade. We will then transfer to Douglas Steam Train Station and embark on a trip to the south of the Island.  This is the longest narrow gauge line in Britain and celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2023. This journey cuts through the Manx Countryside. We then travel to the Sound Café at the Southernmost tip of the Island where the waves meet and the seals play, for a short break. Afterwards we travel to Castletown, the 'Ancient Capital of Mann', where small winding streets meet a Castle fit for a 12th Century King and stories of times gone by are laid bare. Free time here to explore before a scenic drive back to the hotel in the North and a well deserved dinner.

Day 3

Enjoy a leisurely morning of free time after breakfast before having cream tea at the hotel. Afterwards we travel to the West of the Island to learn about the fascinating history of how this small Island would play a massive role in the internment of Enemy Aliens during WW1 in one of the Islands internment camps – Knockaloe,  Which at one point housed 23000 Prisoners. We will then visit the seaside town of Peel which is a quaint small fishing village with the ruins of a Viking Castle and beautiful sandy beaches. Manx Ice cream is a must.

Day 4

Today we start by travelling on the Manx Electric Railway from Ramsey to Laxey. You will enjoy some of the most wonderful coastal and countryside views the Island has to offer on this route, before transferring at Laxey on to the Snaefell Mountain Railway, as we wind up the Island’s only Mountain. It is said that on a clear day you can see the Seven Kingdoms from Snaefell summit - England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man and the kingdoms of heaven and the sea.

Enjoy some time at the Island’s highest peak before returning to Laxey where you have free time to explore. Laxey Wheel, the world’s largest working water wheel, can be found just a short walk from the station or you might find a small corner in any of the old miner’s cafes to have a bite to eat. We then return by tram to Ramsey so you can once again enjoy the stunning scenery before returning to the hotel for a final dinner on the island.

Day 5

After a final hearty breakfast it is time to say farewell to the Isle of Man today. Board your comfortable coach for the crossing back to Heysham, and a relaxing onward journey home full of lovely memories.

The Isle of Man

Discover the Extraordinary Story of the Isle of Man - the only entire nation in the world to be recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Located in the heart of the Irish Sea, hop on a short flight or a hassle-free sail to arrive at an Island that is rich in extraordinary nature, with an ancient and compelling history and a uniquely vibrant culture.

In the far North lies a town of hidden delights, where secret coves wait and strange creatures roam. Cloaked by emerald hilltops, sapphire waters and scenic roads there is much to be discovered. Trace history through crumbling walls and lost exhibitions; let yourself free the past from its place, watch it play. Waves flock to the coastline, bringing tales of a world beyond the Irish horizon, uttering tales from a nest of Gaelic Tongues. 

Nestled in the beautiful South, are the tiniest fishing villages. Fairy-tale beaches and lost glens litter both coast and land, igniting charm and character. Railway tracks carve the landscape, beckoning industrial masterpieces as they race through at full steam. A medieval castle lies at its heart overlooking the ancient capital, awakening the crack of gunfire from past rulers.

Westwards lurks the fragile remains of a forgotten community. Bound by the remnants of its intruders in the form of stone and sea, the place is submerged in history. A shadow of the mighty castle rides high above, whispering untold secrets from times before.  Legends lay dormant ready to rise, awaiting the discovery of past kings of the North and the birth of a new kind. Caves align the mighty jaws of its coastline, awaiting discovery.

Far to the East a crimson wheel spins and a lone tower watches from the bay. Three legged flags fly high across the Irish Sea, bearing the Island with boldness and pride. Horses pound streets as the tram rises on the mountain top. The coastline wraps tightly around the land here, squeezing out hidden coves from every nook and cranny. The land is rich in history and spirit, where all points lead to the old ways.

What an adventure lies in store...

Douglas, IOM

Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man and well worth a visit. It’s home to the Manx Museum, featuring displays of Viking gold along with a range of oth fascinating sights. The restored Villa Marina–Gaiety Theatre complex features a grand Edwardian concert hall and there are shops, restaurants and bars aplenty. We have include a traditional horse-drawn tram risde along the promenade on Douglas Bay, a real highligh!

Peel

Travel to Peel in the West of the Island and visit the House of Manannan, the acclaimed interactive museum that explores the Island's Celtic, Viking and maritime past. With free time available, you can also visit Peel Castle situated on St Patricks Isle, originally a place of worship before becoming the fort of Magnus Barefoot. Alternatively, visit Manx Moore Kipper Factory located on the quayside, where the World famous Manx kippers are smoked using oak chips in a century old tradition. Entrances not included in your tour price.

Isle of Man Steam Railway to Port Erin

The Isle of Man Steam Railway is the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain that still uses its original locomotives and carriages. The three foot narrow gauge railway was opened in 1873 and runs through the Island’s charming countryside between the Island’s capital and a range of destinations in the south. Originally the southern route, which is around 15 and a half miles long, was part of a much larger steam railway network which used to serve Peel in the west, Ramsey in the north and the small mining village of Foxdale. Your one way journey along the beautiful Manx countryside running the full length from Douglas to Port Erin takes an hour to complete. Simply sit back and revel in the spectacular Manx scenery and countryside as it gradually passes by you.

Isle of Man Electric R'wy & Snaefell Mountain R'wy

The Manx Electric Railway was built between 1893 and 1899 and connects the Island’s capital, Douglas, with Laxey in the east and Ramsey in the north.

It’s acknowledged as the longest narrow gauge vintage electric railway system in the British Isles and still uses its original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock. In fact two of the trams in use are the oldest regularly operated tram cars in the world! The 17 mile railway will take you along some of the most scenic stretches of railway in the British Isles. On one side you’ll experience the beautiful Manx countryside, glens and picturesque villages and to the other you’ll have far reaching views out to sea.

The Snaefell Mountain Railway is a unique Victorian enterprise, which is around five miles long and has been in operation since 1895. It is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles.

You will start your journey on the Manx Electric Railway from Ramsey, travelling on to the pretty village of Laxey on the east coast - then board the Mountain Railway winding its way to the Island's only mountain, Snaefell’s summit, where breathtaking views await. Peaked at 2,036 feet above sea level, you may be able to see some, or all, of the Seven Kingdoms - England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the kingdoms of heaven and the sea.

Tour includes

• 4 nights hotel with English breakfast & evening meals
• Return ferry crossings to the Isle of Man
• Excursion to Douglas including Horse Drawn Tram Ride
• Isle of Man Steam Railway journey to Port Erin
• Visit to Knockaloe WWII Internment Camp
• Visit to Peel
• Ride on the Isle of Man Electric Railway & the Snaefell Mountain Railway
• Cream tea at the hotel
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate

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Accommodation

Ramsey Park Hotel Isle of Man

Ramsey Park Hotel is a contemporary hotel set in one of the most scenic parts of the Isle of Man. Situated beside Mooragh Lake, and with views over the sea towards Cumbria, Ramsey Park makes a stunning setting for your stay on the Island.  The Lake View Restaurant serves bistro-style lunches and dinners, with snacks available in the Piano Bar. The hotel has 60 en-suite bedrooms all of which have been individually designed to a high standard and come with 32″ TVs with UK Freeview channels, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi for your laptop and other mobile devices, a complimentary hospitality tray and toiletries.

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