Charming and unique, the Island’s heritage railway network attracts enthusiasts from across the world to Manx shores. Whether you choose to travel by steam, electric or horse power you’ll find all four railways preserved in time and operating with most of their original rolling stock.
The heritage railways will transport you to your chosen destination in style - the Isle of Man’s Steam Railway, the Manx Electric Railway, the Snaefell Mountain Railway and the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.
They are a fun way to visit the Island’s important ancient monuments and heritage sites whilst enjoying beautiful views of the Manx countryside and extensive coast.
With many of the heritage attractions located close to the railway stops, it is an easy and exciting way to get around the Island and experience its rich history and superb scenery.
Board the Steam Railway at Douglas and travel to Ballasalla to visit Rushen Abbey where you can find out more about this important religious site.
The train will take you on to the Island’s ancient capital, Castletown, where you’ll find a wealth of heritage attractions including the impressive Castle Rushen, and from here you can complete your journey by travelling to the end of the line and visit Port Erin. Here there is a Railway Museum and, if it’s a nice day, you can enjoy an ice-cream on the golden beach.
There’s the opportunity of being pulled by horse power along a section of Douglas promenade when you ride on the world’s oldest horse tramway, started in 1876 and now unique in the world.
You can also choose to journey north from Douglas on the Manx Electric Railway and visit Laxey where you will see the world’s largest working waterwheel. From here the electric railway continues along the coast to the seaside town of Ramsey.
When in Laxey you can transfer to the Snaefell Mountain Railway and venture up the Island’s only mountain, Snaefell. From the summit there are panoramic views across the Irish Sea and, on a clear day, you can see seven kingdoms - England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, and the kingdoms of Neptune and Heaven.
