Welcome to Groudle Glen Railway Online!
Manx Cliff-Top Railway & Tea Rooms Owned & Operated Entirely by Volunteers
Of all the tourist attractions and things to do in the Isle of Man the Groudle Glen Railway, with its steam trains and cliff top tea rooms, is often regarded as one of the best Manx family days out. In addition to running the steam trains and cafe this volunteer run registered Manx charity puts on special family events including Easter Bunny, Teddy Bears picnic, and Santa Claus Trains
'The line that goes uphill to the sea'
The Groudle Glen Railway is a Manx Registered charity which is owned and operated entirely by volunteers from the 'Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters' Association'. It is a true narrow gauge railway, originally built in the 1890's.
It was in 1982, following the signing of an agreement with the then landowners, that restoration work to begin on the line that had completely disappeared since its closure in the 1960s.
Over the years that followed, a new railway was built which has included some of the original buildings. The first section of the line was re-opened for public passenger trains in 1986. Train services were extended to the original terminus at Sea Lion Rocks in 1992. Trains run from Lhen Coan to the rebuilt station building at Sea Lion Rocks, where light refreshments are available.
Looking at the railway today it is hard to imagine that in 1982 little remained of the original railway other than an overgrown formation and a few bits and pieces of ironwork that could be found in the mud.
A variety of trains operate during the year. Steam locomotives Sea Lion and Annie, diesel locomotives Dolphin and Walrus, and battery operated Polar Bear are operational.
Trains run on Sundays from May to September, on Wednesday evenings during July and August. In addition there are Special events such as the Santa Specials, Mince Pie Trains, Jester Express and the Easter Bunny Trains. (See the Special Events page for more information)
This website documents the railway, its history, the restoration project and much more.
Your railway needs your help…
The railway is still owned and operated entirely by volunteers and is a registered charity that receives no formal funding, relying entirely on charitable donations and grants.
If you are able to donate towards the continued running of this unique line please click the Donate button below and you will be redirected to a Secure Paypal site; with our sincere thanks!
