Isle of Man Driving Experience
Holiday Highlights
- Go Explore Card for unlimited travel on scheduled bus, Manx Electric Railway, Isle of Man Steam Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway services as well as Douglas Horse Trams
- Driving Experience on the Manx Electric Railway
- Footplate rides on the Isle of Man Steam Railway and Groudle Glen Railway
- Private charter train on the Isle of Man Steam Railway
- Hands on visits to Crogga Valley Railway and the Orchid Line
- Workshop, shed and stable tours
- Groudle Glen and Laxey Mine Railways
- 8 days from £1,810pp
Tour Dates:
Monday 11 September to Monday 18 September 2023
The Isle of Man is a hidden gem for steam travel and vintage transport. This tour will indulge your passion for old-fashioned transportation as you go behind the scenes of working railways and trams whilst touring this pretty island in style.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Welcome
Meet at our hotel in Douglas. Transport to the island is not included but we can book a flight or ferry and rail tickets at additional cost. We have a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening.
Day 2 – Isle of Man Steam Railway
We have a private train on the Isle of Man Steam Railway today. Footplate rides will be available. We include a visit to the railway museum at Port Erin and some free time in Castletown. Lunch is included. We have a tour of the workshop and signal box before returning to our hotel.
Day 3 – Trams
A visit to the Horse Tram stables for a private guided tour before a return trip on the newly relaid route. We then travel to Ramsey by electric tram where there is time for lunch before a visit to Jurby Transport Museum.
Day 4 – The Orchid Line
Travel by vintage bus to Peel for a visit to the Transport Museum before continuing North to Curraghs Wildlife Park where the Orchid Line, a miniature steam railway following a half-mile circuit around the park, allows us to drive a train ourselves. This evening we join a “Pie and Mash” dining train on the Isle of Man Steam Railway.
Day 5 – At Leisure
A free day to explore the island independently. Your Go Explore ticket will be valid on the extensive bus network linking the island’s attractions such as the Manx Museum where you can learn about Viking treasure finds, natural wonders of the world, the famous TT Races and wartime internment. The ticket is also valid on all other state owned transportation.
Day 6 – Manx Electric Railway
We embark on a full day’s driving experience on board our chartered tram on the Manx Electric Railway. There will be opportunities for everyone to drive a tram (see restrictions). At lunchtime we take a tram to the summit of Snaefell where lunch is included. Later we have time in Laxey to visit the Mines Railway and famous Laxey Wheel before continuing with our driving experience.
Day 7 – Crogga Valley & Groudle Glen Railways
Today we visit the Crogga Valley Railway, a privately owned miniature 7¼ inch gauge railway, rarely open to the public. Transfer to Groudle for a ride on the Groudle Glen Railway, accessed by a delightful walk through the Glen. Lunch is included at Sea Lion Rocks, and we have a workshop and shed tour as well as opportunities for footplate rides. Alternatively, simply enjoy the cliff top views over the site of the Victorian zoo. A farewell dinner is included at our hotel tonight.
Day 8 – Goodbye
After breakfast we say our goodbyes and travel home. Travel from Douglas is independent.
Footplate rides and Manx Electric Driving Experience are open to those aged 21 -75 years old with good or corrected eyesight and without any impairment or disability which could hinder the ability to operate the controls safely. Appropriate footwear and clothing must be worn.
Selected Hotels
Halvard Hotel, Douglas
Please note - hotel can be subject to change
Price Includes
- Accommodation in good quality hotel on a bed and breakfast basis
- Go Explore Card
- 3 dinners and 3 lunches
- All excursions as stated
- Services of a tour leader throughout the tour
Price per person
Escorted holiday: | £1,810 |
Single room supplement: | £315 |
Deposit for this holiday: | £100 |