Day 1
From a morning pick up in your local area we catch the ferry from Heysham to Douglas, then onwards to our hotel.
Day 2 – House of Manannan Museum & Peel (full day)
Today we head to Peel to visit the House of Manannan, a museum that explores the Island’s vibrant Celtic and Viking past. See various exhibitions and life-sized reconstructions of Viking ships, such as Odin’s Raven, a recreation of a Viking longboat in two-thirds scale, as well as a life-sized reconstruction of a Celtic house. Afterwards, we spend time at leisure in Peel, a charming fishing port with a history spanning hundreds of years. Located on the west coast, Peel is renowned for its narrow lanes crammed with fishermen’s cottages, the striking red sandstone that was used to build its castle and its views that stretch out all the way to Ireland’s Mountains of Mourne.
On our way back to the hotel, we stop for a photo opportunity at Tynwald Hill, a distinctive four-tiered hill that dates back to the 13th century and is a significant site to the Manx population.
Day 3 – Isle of Man Steam Railway & Castle Rushen (full day)
Our day begins in Douglas where we board the train for a delightful ride upon the Isle of Man Steam Railway, the longest narrow-gauge steam line in Britain. Our route takes us on a scenic tour of the island’s most picturesque features, complete with wide stretches of green fields and coastal views that look far across the sea, all from the comfort of the original vintage carriages. We disembark at the seaside village of Port Erin for some free time to explore.
Next, we travel south to Castle Rushen in the Isle of Man’s historic capital, Castletown. Called ‘one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world,’ Rushen is the dominant centrepiece of the town, with its high towers and strong walls still providing an impressive sight today. The castle was originally built as the stronghold for a Norse king and through the centuries has been adapted for different purposes including a royal home, a mint and even a prison before settling as one of the island’s must-see tourist destinations. Afterwards, we spend some free time in Castletown to explore its charming harbour and limestone buildings.
Day 4 – Optional Excursion to Cregneash, The Sound & Port St. Mary (£18pp) (half day)
On our optional excursion, we start the day with a visit to Cregneash, one of the last settlements on the island that embraces the native Manx culture. Here we explore the crofting way of life in a carefully maintained village full of white, thatched cottages and period workshops, with painstaking displays of traditional practices and residents continue to use the old local dialect. You might even catch sight of the distinctive four-horned Manx sheep, a species unique to the island, in the grassy plains of the area.
Next, we make our way south to the Sound, at the island’s southernmost tip. Here we alight for a photo opportunity of the Calf of Man, a tiny Island, off the southwest coast, before travelling to Port St Mary where we spend some free time at leisure.
Day 5 – Manx Electric Tram & Laxey Wheel (half day)
Today we discover the award-winning Manx Electric Railway with a charming trip along the east coast on the vintage line from Douglas to Ramsey. Prepare yourself for fantastic views at a steady speed and enjoy the excellent service from the railway’s friendly staff on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Afterwards, we have time for lunch in Ramsey, the island’s second largest town in the north, with its beautiful harbour, still in daily use, and the busy shopping street in the main town.
Our last stop takes us to one of the Isle of Man’s most recognisable landmarks, the impressive water-powered Laxey Wheel. Towering above the countryside in its iconic red and white regalia, Laxey Wheel is also known as Lady Isabella, named after the wife of the island’s governor at the time of its construction.
Day 6
We catch the morning ferry back to Heysham and continue our journey home.
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