Isle of Man is a perfect destination for all railway and public transport enthusiasts. Trains in the Isle of Man are unique in Europe. One of the island’s tourist attractions are three historic railways. The trains are well preserved. There are plans to rebuild the Ramsey pier railway.
Trains in the Isle of Man:
Isle of Man Steam Railway – a steam train from Douglas to Port Erin in the south of the island. The route is 24.6 kilometers long and leads through picturesque countryside and coastal views surrounding the railway. . The another stretch of the l from Douglas to Peel is used for freight transport only The line has been in operation since 1873. The line connects historic towns and villages.Don’t miss the Port Erin Railway Museum you can learn more about the history of the Islands heritage railways.
Manx Electric Railway – a heritage tram running along the coast from Douglas to Ramsey via Laxey, a distance of 18 miles. The journey lasts approximately 75 minutes. The tram line was opened in 1893, Tram Car 1 has been in service since 1893.
Snaefell Mountain Railway – a heritage railway from Laxey to the summit of Snaefell (620 m above sea level), which is also the highest point on the Isle of Man. The 8-kilometer-long line was opened in 1895. The one-way journey takes 30 minutes.
Groudle Glen Railway – a narrow gauge railway running occasionally during the summer months and on some holidays on a route of less than 1 km. It is located in Groudle Glen between Douglas and Orchan, accessible by buses 27 and 27A or the Manx Electric Tram. Lhen Coan Station is a terminus. It is maintained thanks to a group of enthusiasts. It has existed since 1896. The trains are hauled by a steam locomotive “Sea Lion” and three passenger coaches. 610 mm gauge.
Laxey Mine Railway – a heritage railway once serving the Laxey lead and zinc mine. Launched in 1877, it operated until 1929, when the mine was closed. It was reopened on a short section (400 meters) in 2004, since then it has been carrying tourists. It runs occasionally during the summer season and on selected holidays. On the route is the only railway tunnel on the Isle of Man.
Douglas Bay Horse Tramway – One of the biggest attractions in Douglas is the horse tram that runs in the city center along the seafront promenade. The tram was inaugurated in 1876. one of the last surviving horse trams in the world. The tram still uses its original Victorian and Edwardian Trams.
The Orchid Line – a miniature railway launched in 1992 as a tourist attraction in the Curraghs Wildlife Park.
Crogga Valley Railway – a miniature railway (184 mm) near Port Soderick station on the route of Isle of Man Steam Railway. It’s a privately owned railway about 412 m in length. Open to the public for charity events during the year.
An interesting fact is that most of the photos for the well-known children’s fairy tale about the locomotive “Thomas” were shot on the Isle of Man. “Thomas the Tank Engine”. Weekends with “Thomas and Friends” are organized every year.
There are two tourist cards:
Go Explore Card – it allows unlimited travel on all scheduled bus and rail services. The card includes The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, Groudle Glen Railway and Great Laxey Mine Railway for 1, 3, 5 or 7 consecutive days.
Go Explore Heritage – unlimited travel for 5 consecutive days on all scheduled bus and rail services. The card includes The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, Groudle Glen Railway, Great Laxey Mine Railway as well as admission to Manx National Heritage attractions.
iombusandrail.im – timetable, fares, additional information.
Related articles:
Train travel in Great Britain
Train travel in Scotland
The best heritage railways in England
Railways in Europe by country
