UPDATED TOUR
With its long Celtic heritage, gorgeous scenery, old towns and vintage attractions, the Isle of Man has plenty for everyone who loves history and natural beauty. This comprehensive tour focuses on the island’s rich traditions, with journeys on its famous Steam Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway, and visits to Cregneash Folk Park, Ballacosnahan Farm and the moving Knockaloe Visitor Centre.
A Wheely Great (Rail)way to See the Isle of Man 2026
Manx Loaghtan
Cregneash Folk Park
Cregneash Folk Park
Isle of Man Steam Railway
Knockaloe © The Knockaloe Charitable Trus
Laxey Wheel
Manx Electric Railway
Snaefell Mountain Railway
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We take the ferry from Heysham and travel onwards to our hotel.
Day 2 Cregneash & Isle of Man Steam Railway
Today we explore the Isle of Man’s south coast, remembering to greet the fairies who promise good luck as we cross the famous Fairy Bridge! We have the option to visit Castletown, the island’s ancient capital before exploring Cregneash Folk Park. Costumed guides show us around the cottages of this restored 19th-century crofting village. Next, we visit The Sound nature reserve, home to seabird and seal colonies and an excellent café with views to the Calf of Man. After continuing to Port Erin where we visit the railway museum, we take a one-way trip aboard the Isle of Man Steam Railway to Douglas. The rest of the day is at leisure in Douglas, where we can experience attractions like the Manx Museum and the town’s iconic horse-drawn tramway, which trundles along the promenade.
Day 3 Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway & Laxey
After a leisurely breakfast we take a journey on the Manx Electric Railway, a classic electric tramway that traces the island’s east coast to Laxey. Here, we board the Snaefell Mountain Railway for the scenic 5-mile climb to the summit of Snaefell Mountain. This Victorian railway began operating in 1895 and is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. We have time for a spot of lunch (not included) at the summit before taking the train down and driving back to Laxey. There is time here to visit The Great Laxey Wheel, the world’s largest working waterwheel, before returning to our hotel. Please note: we have not included admission to the Laxey Wheel as reaching it requires a steep 5–10- minute walk from the coach parks.
Day 4 Knockaloe Visitor Centre & Ballacosnahan Farm
We begin our day with a visit to Knockaloe Visitor Centre, the incredible WWI internment camp, home to 30,000 internees from Turkey, Germany, Italy and Austria. We then make a short journey to Ballacosnahan Farm. The farm is home to the rare Manx Loaghtan, which are said to be the sheep the Vikings left behind. Here we will see these unique sheep whilst having a talk on the history and survival. We enjoy a few salami samples before having time to visit the wool & charcuterie shops. We finish our time here with a BBQ, to allow you to experience more of the Manx Loaghtan products!
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we head home on the morning ferry.
Day 1 Arrival
We take the ferry from Heysham and travel onwards to our hotel.
Day 2 Cregneash & Isle of Man Steam Railway
Today we explore the Isle of Man’s south coast, remembering to greet the fairies who promise good luck as we cross the famous Fairy Bridge! We have the option to visit Castletown, the island’s ancient capital before exploring Cregneash Folk Park. Costumed guides show us around the cottages of this restored 19th-century crofting village. Next, we visit The Sound nature reserve, home to seabird and seal colonies and an excellent café with views to the Calf of Man. After continuing to Port Erin where we visit the railway museum, we take a one-way trip aboard the Isle of Man Steam Railway to Douglas. The rest of the day is at leisure in Douglas, where we can experience attractions like the Manx Museum and the town’s iconic horse-drawn tramway, which trundles along the promenade.
Day 3 Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway & Laxey
After a leisurely breakfast we take a journey on the Manx Electric Railway, a classic electric tramway that traces the island’s east coast to Laxey. Here, we board the Snaefell Mountain Railway for the scenic 5-mile climb to the summit of Snaefell Mountain. This Victorian railway began operating in 1895 and is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. We have time for a spot of lunch (not included) at the summit before taking the train down and driving back to Laxey. There is time here to visit The Great Laxey Wheel, the world’s largest working waterwheel, before returning to our hotel. Please note: we have not included admission to the Laxey Wheel as reaching it requires a steep 5–10- minute walk from the coach parks.
Day 4 Knockaloe Visitor Centre & Ballacosnahan Farm
We begin our day with a visit to Knockaloe Visitor Centre, the incredible WWI internment camp, home to 30,000 internees from Turkey, Germany, Italy and Austria. We then make a short journey to Ballacosnahan Farm. The farm is home to the rare Manx Loaghtan, which are said to be the sheep the Vikings left behind. Here we will see these unique sheep whilst having a talk on the history and survival. We enjoy a few salami samples before having time to visit the wool & charcuterie shops. We finish our time here with a BBQ, to allow you to experience more of the Manx Loaghtan products!
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we head home on the morning ferry.
Chesterhouse Hotel
Douglas
Located within easy walking distance of central Douglas and overlooking Douglas Bay, the 3-star Chesterhouse Hotel offers great hospitality, service and food. All the 67 warmly decorated and comfortable bedrooms are lift-accessible and the traditional restaurant and bar both overlook the seafront. Please be aware that there are 6 unavoidable steps to access the building and due to the original architectural features the hotel advises that they are not suitable for any guests requiring wheelchair, mobility assistance or street level access.
The Empress Hotel
Douglas, Isle of Man
The 4-star Empress Hotel is situated in an impressive beachfront location overlooking Douglas Bay and within easy walking distance of Douglas town centre. The grand Victorian hotel with modern facilities and stylish interiors offers a warm and friendly welcome for all guests. All 104 traditional bedrooms are generously sized and are well appointed with lovely soft furnishings. Groups can relax in the contemporary and light, open-plan Piano Bar, Lounge and Conservatory which offers plenty of seating and a pianist 4 days a week in the main season. Groups dine in the spacious street level Promenade restaurant.
The Rutland Hotel
Douglas, Isle of Man
This traditional, group-friendly hotel overlooks the main seafront at Douglas and is renowned for offering first-class service and food. All 64 bedrooms are well-maintained and the restaurant has the added benefit of commanding beautiful sea views. There is also a separate bar where guests can relax over drinks.
• Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Coach parking is off-site & free of charge
The Empress Hotel
Douglas, Isle of Man
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £570pp
Single Supplement £64
Inclusions
• Return ferry crossing Heysham-Douglas
• Entry to Cregneash Folk Park
• One-way journey on Isle of Man Steam Railway (Port Erin-Douglas)
• One-way journey on Manx Electric Railway (Douglas-Laxey)
• Return journey on Snaefell Mountain Railway (Laxey-Summit)
• Entrance to Knockaloe Visitor Centre
• Visit to Ballacosnahan Farm including BBQ
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
The Rutland Hotel
Douglas, Isle of Man
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £638pp
Single Supplement £81
Inclusions
• Return ferry crossing Heysham-Douglas
• Entry to Cregneash Folk Park
• One-way journey on Isle of Man Steam Railway (Port Erin-Douglas)
• One-way journey on Manx Electric Railway (Douglas-Laxey)
• Return journey on Snaefell Mountain Railway (Laxey-Summit)
• Entrance to Knockaloe Visitor Centre
• Visit to Ballacosnahan Farm including BBQ
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Chesterhouse Hotel
Douglas, Isle of Man
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £660pp
Single Supplement £81
Based on Sunday arrivals
Inclusions
• Return ferry crossing Heysham-Douglas
• Entry to Cregneash Folk Park
• One-way journey on Isle of Man Steam Railway (Port Erin-Douglas)
• One-way journey on Manx Electric Railway (Douglas-Laxey)
• Return journey on Snaefell Mountain Railway (Laxey-Summit)
• Entrance to Knockaloe Visitor Centre
• Visit to Ballacosnahan Farm including BBQ
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
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