Thursday 9th - Monday 13th April 2026

Join us on this five day adventure to the glorious Isle of Man. Located in the middle of the northern Irish Sea, almost equidistant from England to the east, Northern Ireland to the west and Scotland to the north, the island is a recognised UNESCO biosphere reserve famed for its distinct Viking heritage and the annual TT motorcycle race. Our focus however will be on the Island’s diverse and interesting array of railways as well as opportunities to experience some of the unmissable attractions the Island has to offer.

Day 1

Our adventure though begins in London. And what better way to begin our extended weekend than with the ‘Full Irish Breakfast’ as you watch the world slip effortlessly by the window. Our specially chartered train departs London Kings Cross at 07.30 – slightly earlier than normal to ensure a timely arrival for our ferry crossing from Liverpool later in the day.

Unusually, we are routed via Lincoln which provides the opportunity not only for some splendid sights of the cathedral that towers atop Lindum Hill, but for the first time, the chance to join our land cruise from this beautiful city.

With the River Witham to our right, we continue our journey north passing the market town of Gainsborough before the open countryside gives way to the sprawl of railway sidings at Doncaster. A further half hour heading due north sees us arrive at the historic walled City of York where we will enjoy an off-train break of two hours. Perhaps explore the medieval streets such as the Shambles that offer charming shops and vibrant modern culture, or for the truly energetic, the extensive City walls afford splendid views.

Back on board, and in anticipation of the lunch service that will shortly begin, we briefly retrace our tracks to the south before joining the mainline to Leeds. From here we begin the long climb into the Yorkshire Dales, first passing Shipley, before we enjoy the spectacular countryside of North Yorkshire as we pass through Keighley and Skipton.

As we pass Settle Junction we veer west and take the remote and seldom used line towards Carnforth. The line is often eclipsed by the more popular Settle and Carlisle route but itself affords splendid views of the Dales, Ingleborough and the Forest of Bowland (AONB).

At Carnforth we join the West Coast Main Line and head south through Lancaster, Preston and finally Wigan, after which we deviate west. From here we are less than an hour from Liverpool Lime Street, where we will transfer to luxury coaches for the short ride to Pier Head, where our high speed catamaran, ‘Mannanan’ will be waiting for us.

This ninety-six metre vessel, built in Australia and with a notional top speed of fifty knots will make comparatively light work of the crossing to Douglas. Enjoy the popular forward cabin, the onboard cinema, get something to eat in the cafe or perhaps just relax in the large bar area as this impressive craft heads across the Irish sea.

Our arrival into Douglas will be at approximately 22.00 where we will transfer to our superbly appointed four-star sea-front hotel which will be our base for our stay on the Island. We have secured only rooms with sea views for our group.

A special note regarding Days 2 and 3

For the following two days our party will divide into two groups. On our first day on the island (Friday), Group 1 will visit the Douglas Steam Railway and Port Erin, as described in Day 2 below, whereas Group 2 will visit the Snaefell Mountain Railway and Laxey, as described in Day 3. On our second day on the island (Saturday), our groups will swap – meaning by the end of Saturday both groups will have done everything described below for Days 2 and 3.

Also, whilst on the island each guest will be issued with a ‘Go-Explore’ pass which provides unlimited access to all the island’s excellent railway and bus services. So if any guest wishes to deviate from the programme set out below, they may readily do so.

Day 2

Following breakfast in the hotel, Group 1 will board a bus for the short transfer to the Isle of Man Steam Railway. This beautiful 15.5 mile long railway was opened in 1873 takes you on a journey of nostalgia as it gently rocks through the countryside in the south of the Isle of Man towards Port Erin. Along the journey there are beautiful farmland and coastal views surrounding the railway and the line offer links to some of the island’s most historic towns and villages.

Before departure there will be a photographic opportunity as two locomotives in steam will be attached to our private charter train.  Following this impressive sight, one will haul our train whilst the second is expected to take charge of the following service train.

On departure, the train immediately works hard as it climbs the exhilarating 2.5 mile, 1 in 65 gradient known as Nunnery Bank. Emerging from a wide rock cutting we pass the island’s largest brewery on the left as the train continues its climb to Port Soderick where we glimpse the sea for the first time.

From here we descend gradually before reaching the ancient settlement of Castletown where we will have an opportunity to explore the town, The centre of the  town is dominated by Castle Rushen, a well preserved medieval castle built for a Viking king.

Our visit to Castletown will be punctuated by the arrival of the 10.27 service train, that we will catch so as to reach the line’s end at Port Erin. On arrival we will join our bus for the fifteen minute transfer to Sound Café.

For some this will undoubtedly be the highlight of the day. Regarded as one of the most stunning coastal locations in the British Isles, we are now at the very southern tip of the Isle of Man. Expect to see stunning panoramic views of the Calf of Man, the swirling tidal waters which are home to dolphins and basking sharks, and the surrounding land grazed by the rare Manx Loaghtan sheep amongst others.

You will also have the opportunity to perhaps enjoy an ice cream from the café itself, or perhaps something more substantial before we return to Port Erin.

From here we offer our guests a choice. You may choose to rejoin our private charter train for the sedate journey back to Douglas, where you will be served a light lunch.   Or perhaps stay in Port Erin for the opportunity to visit the sandy beach and its attractions (just five minutes from the station) and/or enjoy a visit around the steam locomotive shed – in which case you will be able to travel on a service steam train or bus back to Douglas at your convenience.

In the evening you have the opportunity to explore Douglas at your leisure. Our hotel is on the sea front affording the opportunity for a relaxing walk before perhaps sampling one of the Capital’s excellent restaurants – all of which are a short walk from the hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast in the hotel, we have a leisurely start to the morning as we make our way along the sea front to Derby Castle, the southerly terminus of the Manx Electric Railway (MER). The MER dates back to 1893 and eventually reached Ramsey in 1899 – making a tramway some seventeen miles in length which today is the world’s oldest electric tramway whose original stock is still in service.

We board our private tram and trailer for the fortyminute journey to Laxey. Laxey is famed for its three working vintage railways and today our guests will be visiting all three!

For ease of numbers, we divide into two groups and board Snaefell Mountain Railway trams (leaving around forty-five minutes apart) that will take us to the summit of Snaefell Mountain – some 2,036 feet above sea level. All five trams that make this ascent hail back to 1895 though were heavily re-engineered in the 1970’s. The only intermediate station on the line is at Bungalow where we will see the TT circuit cross the railway. On reaching the summit, it is said that six different kingdoms can be viewed. Alternatively, the cake in the tea shop is renowned.

After lunch, both groups will have the opportunity to ride on the third vintage railway of the day, the Great Laxey Mine Railway. The Great Laxey Mine was an extensive series of mines descending to 2,200 feet underground. The railway runs from the old mine entrance normally using one of two replica steam engines. Owing to the narrow gauge and low clearances the carriages are long and narrow, and some guests may simply wish to take the opportunity to photograph the spectacle rather than ride on  the train itself.

By mid afternoon we will have concluded our planned events in Laxey affording you the time to wander down to the beach (a 15 minute walk), visit the village itself, or enjoy one of the local hostelries. Travel back to Douglas and the hotel will be by your preference of the regular service trams or buses at the time of your choosing.

All guests will once again have the evening at their leisure.

Day 4

Our last full day on the island but we have no shortage of wonderful experiences planned for today. Today we divide into four groups and each group will start the day with a private ride on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway and a visit to the horse tram stables.

The tramway runs along the seafront promenade between Villa Marina and Derby Castle, a distance of about one mile. Introduced in 1876, it is now the world’s last remaining nineteenth century horse drawn tramway and service is provided by a twenty-three tramcars and forty-five horses although of course this fluctuates from year to year.

Once we have thoroughly explored the workings of this wonderful attraction and witnessed a blacksmith’s demonstration we will once again join a private tram on the Electric Tramway and travel to Groudle. From here we will transfer to the Groudle Glen Railway. This 2ft gauge railway opened in 1896 once served a zoo at Sea Lion Rocks, which will be our destination today. Today, as well as the stunning coastal views, the main attraction here is a lively tea shop although remains of the former zoo can still be seen.

All groups will subsequently rejoin their private tram as, for the first time, we journey to the northern extremity of the MER at Ramsey. As well as affording the most spectacular elevated coastal views of the entire weekend, our excursion to Ramsey affords the opportunity to visit our sixth railway attraction on the island, the Ramsey Pier Railway.

Our private MER trams will take us back to Douglas although some guests may choose to stay back and explore the town of Ramsay which boasts some excellent restaurants. If so, service trams (and subsequently buses) run back to Douglas at frequent intervals.

Day 5

Breakfast is taken in the hotel before, alas, it is time to leave the idyllic island and return to the mainland. Buses will take us to the ferry terminal where the UK’s most modern ferry ‘Manxman’ awaits, offering unparalleled facilities as we sail back to Heysham. Our sailing departs at 08.30, and onboard the ferry there are various dining options and comfortable spaces to relax and enjoy the views over the Irish Sea.

Our private charter train will be waiting for us, and we will board in time for a sumptuous final dinner as we return south via Crewe, Nuneaton, Leicester and Peterborough.

IMPORTANT – IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?

We consider that this five-day trip should be within the physical capabilities of most people, but do please bear in mind that we have five fairly long and quite demanding days planned, each involving some walking, coach transfers and off train options. We can only operate within the constraints of the railway network and destinations we visit and sometimes we have to contend with low platforms, unavoidable flights of stairs and walks of a few minutes to reach connecting road coaches and attractions. On Thursday and Monday you need to be able to carry your own luggage during the various transfers between our charter train, road coaches, ferry and hotel room. We have no wish to frighten people away, but neither do we wish to build up hopes that physical constraints prevent us delivering. If in doubt please email us with your questions. Full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website and cannot be varied, so we do require all guests to hold appropriate travel and cancellation insurance.

Fares – what’s included?

Prices include your reserved seat on our special train and meals onboard as described, four nights in The Palace Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, coach transfers, sailings to and from the Isle of Man, and travel and admissions as described while on the island. These fares are based upon two people occupying a hotel room, with a double or twin beds. A very limited number of rooms for single occupancy are available for a supplement of £430. We also have an even more limited number of Deluxe Rooms available at the hotel, which feature a king size bed (these are not available for single occupancy). All rooms have a sea view.

A seat at a guaranteed table for two on our special charter train can be booked for a supplement of £100 per person, subject to availability. Please note that those joining at Lincoln or York will miss the service of breakfast on Thursday. This is reflected in the fare. Please also see the note below regarding the return journey.

Class	Fare	Availability
First Class Dining	£1,595	Good
First Class Dining Party of Four	£6,280	Good
First Class Dining from York or Lincoln	£1,555	Good
First Class Dining Party of Four	£6,120	Good

All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide.

Station	Depart	Arrive
London Kings Cross	07.30	19.45
Stevenage	08.10	19.00
Peterborough	09.00	18.10
Lincoln	10.05	N/A (See below)
York	13.15	N/A (See below)

Whilst you are welcome to join our special train at either Lincoln or York, our return route does not allow for set downs at these stations. Passengers wishing to return to either Lincoln or York are advised to alight at Peterborough to connect for frequent direct service trains to either location.

 

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