About
We start our Groudle experience with a short walk to the Douglas Bay Horse Tram terminus opposite the Sea Terminal where we board and enjoy a trip along the Victorian promenade of Douglas. You will pass by the Gaiety Theatre, designed by the legendary theatre architect, Frank Matcham and first opened in 1900.
On arrival at Derby Castle, we transfer to the Manx Electric Railway which will take us to the Groudle Glen stop. Enjoy the views of the coast as the tram takes you around Onchan head and learn where the 'holiday camps' were located in days gone by.
At Groudle Glen we alight and take a walk through the upper part of Groudle Glen. The glen was laid out and opened in 1893 by Richard Maltby Broadbent and was advertised as 'The Fern Glen of the Isle of Man' - it has matured considerably since then! Don't forget to look out for the water wheel which was originally used to pump water to the Groudle Hotel opposite the tram stop.
As we walk through the glen, listen for the noises of the Groudle Glen Railway which is known as 'The line that goes uphill to the Sea'. We arrive at 'Lhen Coan Station' and board the steam train that will take us to the Sea Lion Rocks station where you can enjoy some free time to explore the area and see the remains of the Groudle Zoo on the cliffside or just relax and enjoy the refreshments on offer at the tea room and enjoy the beautiful views along the coast.
We retrace our tracks on the return journey and don't forget to have your camera ready to take photographs of your ship in Douglas Bay.
