Introduction

The Isle of Man’s working Victorian railway systems are perennially popular with visitors, from enthusiasts who are drawn to their unique history to those who simply appreciate them as a way to see the Island’s countryside at its best. They also have a place in the hearts of many locals, for whom a ride on the train or tram – promising a day on the beach, perhaps – was the finest of all childhood treats. The Steam and Electric Railways connect to several key visitor destinations and are simply a great – and green! – way to discover the Manx countryside.

Full Steam Ahead

The Isle of Man Steam Railway, Britain’s longest narrow gauge railway, runs southwards from Douglas to Port Erin through fifteen miles of gently undulating countryside. In Spring, you will pass through bluebell woods and fields of newborn lambs, and in summer, enjoy warm breezes and glimpses of a sparkling sea as the swaying train of carriages canters along. The steam engines date from the late 1800s and are maintained in local workshops; their gleaming livery is a gift to photographers and children will love being able to see a real live steam engine up close – complete with billows of sooty smoke and a piercing whistle!

Sheer Electricity

The Manx Electric Railway is the perfect complement to the Steam Railway in that it takes passengers northwards, from Douglas to Ramsey. The scenery along the way is arguably more beautiful than that encountered on the Steam Railway, with the railway line closely hugging the dramatic coastline in several places, and running alongside the lush glens of Groudle, Ballaglass, Cornaa, and the Dhoon. The earliest parts of the 17-mile line date from the 1890s, and a number of the tramcars from this time are still in operation – the oldest known in the world still to run on their original line. There are closed and open carriages (affectionately known as ‘toast racks’), often linked together in warmer weather so that passengers can choose their exposure to fresh air! The railways’ halfway house is Laxey village, where passengers can transfer easily to the Snaefell Mountain Railway.

Snaefell Mountain Railway

The Snaefell Mountain Railway climbs from Laxey village to the summit of Snaefell, the Island’s only mountain at a height of 2, 036 feet. Started in 1895, the line famously took only seven months to complete and is the only one of its kind in the British Isles. You can board in Laxey or at the line’s halway point on the ‘Mountain Road’ and enjoy a half hour at the summit, taking in the spectacular views over the Island (on a clear day!) or perhaps warming your hands around a mug of hot chocolate in the summit café, before returning to the village. Alternatively, you can just enjoy a one-way journey and make Snaefell your starting point for one of numerous exhilarating hillwalks.

Horse trams

The horse-drawn open trams which run along the length of Douglas Promenade are a poignant reminder of the Island’s tourism heyday and yet still very much a popular attraction in their own right. Operating throughout Spring and Summer, they are a leisurely way to take in the sights and, if you’re staying on the Promenade, you can alight virtually at your hotel door.

Miniature Railways

In the 1890s, at the same time as the Manx Electric Railway was begun, a miniature railway was built to run through Groudle Glen (just a couple of miles north of Douglas) and out around its picturesque coastline. In 1986, the narrow gauge railway was restored by a dedicated group of volunteers, who still run it today. There are a number of trains in operation: steam trains Sea Lion and Annie, diesel engines Walrus and Dolphin and battery locomotive Polar Bear. The railway is especially popular with families and at Christmas time it transforms into the ‘Santa Train’ on special days.

Last but not least, the Great Laxey Mine Railway is a small but perfectly formed line from Laxey’s Valley Gardens. In the 1800s, the Gardens were the washing floors for the lead and zinc ore which came down from the mines further up the valley. A tramway, with wagons drawn by ponies, was used to transport the ore. In 1877, the ponies were replaced by 19 inch gauge steam engines dubbed ‘Ant’ and ‘Bee.’ The mines finally closed in 1929 but the railway line has been lovingly restored, and you can now take the quarter-mile time trip from the topmost corner of the gardens to the original adit entrance courtesy of replica Ant and Bee engines.