Isle of Man Transport Heritage
The Isle of Man is remarkable in many ways - and not least for its 65 miles of fabulous Victorian railways and tramways, which attract visitors from all over the world.
The Douglas horse trams originated in 1876 and provide a novel way to see the promenade at a leisurely pace. They take you as far as the southern terminus of the Manx Electric Railway, which celebrated its centenary in 1993.
All of the Manx Electric Railway’s tramcars are original and two of them are the oldest working examples in the world. The line and its overhead wires head north out of Douglas towards Ramsey, running alongside the road to provide motorists with a rare travelling companion.
En route to Ramsey is the picturesque village of Laxey, where the electric railways forms a junction with the Snaefell Mountain Railway, which is also operated by electric tram. The beautiful setting and atmosphere of Laxey Station has generated a number of well deserved awards.
The Snaefell Mountain Railway recently celebrated its 100th birthday, and was at the very heart of the many special events of the Islands spectacular 1995 International Railway Festival.
Many true enthusiasts would argue that a railway isn’t a railway without steam. The Isle of Man can oblige. The wonderful Manx steam railway operates locomotives dating back to 1874, on an enthralling 3 foot gauge line which runs between Douglas and Port Erin, taking Ballsalla, Castletown and Port St. Mary. There is more steam on the Groudle Glen a narrow gauge railway run entirely by volunteers and open at weekends and bank holidays, as well as on Wednesday evenings during summer.
And if rail travel along 16 miles of beautiful countryside and 17 miles of spectacular coastline is not enough to satisfy your appetite, you can spend time in the Island’s fascinating railway museum at Port Erin.
Links
- Steam Railway
- Manx Electric Railway
- Snaefell Mountian Railway
- Gourdle Glen
- Douglas Horse Trams
- Isle fo Man Steam Railway Supporters Association