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The Isle of Man

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6 days From £599 £549 per person
4.6 stars(470 reviews)
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Journey through the delightful landscapes of the Isle of Man aboard magnificent heritage railways and explore the rich Celtic culture of this scenic island

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Save up to £200pp on British Isles 2025 holidays when you book by 31st October 2024.

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Mobility Rating 2

2025 Tour code: 25MXS

About the tour

Delve into Celtic legacy as you explore The Isle of Man, travelling on vintage railways, discovering ancient towns, and embracing the relaxed lifestyle.

Staying in the picturesque capital of Douglas, each day brings something new - from wild landscapes to fascinating history - as you tour famous sights including The Old House of Keys, historic Peel, and journey on the amazing Snaefell Mountain Railway. This peaceful island promises a restoring getaway of culture, nature and fresh sea air.

Unforgettable Experiences

Journeying on the historic Snaefell Mountain Railway
Journeying on the historic Snaefell Mountain Railway
Climbing aboard the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles, the Snaefell Mountain Railway, we travel to the mountain summit where – on a clear day – it is possible to see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Admiring the beauty of the Calf of Man
Admiring the beauty of the Calf of Man
Witness the stunning beauty of the Calf of Man, a small island off the southwest coast, which we see from a fantastic viewpoint after a drive across the headland.
Travelling on the Isle of Man’s famous railways
Travelling on the Isle of Man’s famous railways
Discover the Isle of Man’s legendary trains with journeys aboard the Manx Electric Railway and the Isle of Man Steam Railway.
Discovering The Old House of Keys, once the Manx parliament
Discovering The Old House of Keys, once the Manx parliament
See the original furnishings, portraits, and documents on display at The Old House of Keys on a guided tour with an interactive experience.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Setting off on the ferry to charming Douglas

Our Isle of Man holiday starts when we meet our Tour Manager and the rest of our group in Heysham, Lancashire, before boarding the early afternoon ferry to the peaceful Isle of Man. We sail across the Irish Sea towards the rugged coastline of Douglas, the island's capital.

During our crossing, you could look out for seabirds and possibly dolphins, along with glimpses of the island.

Enjoy views of the Isle of Man's rolling landscapes as we are transferred by coach to our historic hotel where we spend the next five nights. Set 100 metres from the seafront, the hotel has been a popular landmark in Douglas for over a century, and is the perfect base to explore the many attractions of the island.

A three-course dinner is served this evening, and every night of our holiday, at the hotel restaurant.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The Isle of Man Steam Railway, picturesque Port Erin, and charming Castletown

Today we transfer to the station, where we board the Isle of Man Steam Railway for a journey along the stunning southwest coast, passing seaside towns and fishing villages before reaching Port Erin, set in a beautiful bay.

After some free time in Port Erin, we continue by coach around the headland to see the Calf of Man, a small island located at the southern tip of the Isle of Man. There's time here, at a wonderful viewing spot, to take in the wild beauty of the craggy cliffs and small green island.

At lunchtime we arrive in Castletown, the island's ancient capital, where you are free to explore independently. Entry is included at The Old House of Keys - the former meeting place of the Manx parliament. Built in the 19th century, the house has been restored to its former glory and displays original furnishings, portraits, and documents. During your free time in Castletown you could also visit the imposing medieval fortress, Castle Rushen, in its walled-enclosure above the harbour.

We are transferred back to our hotel with time to unwind before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Ancient Tynwald Hill, historic Peel and the Manx Electric Railway

After breakfast this morning, your first stop is Tynwald Hill in the village of St John's. Here, our driver shares some insight into the village's history before continuing to the traditional fishing port of Peel.

Known for its 11th-century castle, with time at leisure to explore Peel, you could visit the medieval fortress. You could also visit the House of Manannan - a museum dedicated to the island's rich history and culture with interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and stunning artefacts.

Later, we head to Ramsey, a charming coastal town. There's time to look around its picturesque harbour, across to its vast beach, or wander its quaint streets, before you board the Manx Electric Railway back to Douglas. Our journey back takes us through glorious countryside, across gorse-topped along the island's rugged coastline.

Later, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - The scenic Snaefell Mountain Railway and peaceful Laxey

Today we experience the Manx Electric Railway once again, on a scenic journey to the fishing village of Laxey. Here we board the Snaefell Mountain Railway - the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles.

The railway takes us through beautiful landscapes and steep gradients up to the summit. From here the views are glorious and, on a clear day, it is possible to view the entire British Isles - England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

After our scenic trip up the mountain, there's time at leisure to explore the village of Laxey. You could visit The Laxey Wheel, or the 'Lady Isabella' as she's known locally, the world's largest working water wheel. You could also wander along the river, or stop for lunch at one of the harbour cafés or restaurants.

You are free to travel back to Douglas at your leisure, on the Manx Electric Railway, in time for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - A day at leisure in Douglas

Today is free until dinnertime, to discover the Isle of Man at your own pace. With your 5-day Heritage Pass there are countless things to do in the town of Douglas or beyond. The Manx Museum is a top attraction, displaying Viking treasures to wartime memorabilia. You could also visit the town's Villa Marina & Gaiety Theatre Complex on the seafront, for a tour of the historic theatre.

On the outskirts of the town is Summerhill Glen, where you could walk up to a waterfall. If you'd like some sea air and a stroll along a beach, the island has 24 to choose from. The Douglas Central Beach, is at the southern end of Douglas Bay and you could walk along its promenade to take in the views.

The towns of Ramsey, Port Erin and Peel are also known for their expansive stretches of sandy beaches which can be reached by bus with your 5-day pass. You could also use your pass to take another independent trip on one of the Isle of Man railways.

Dinner is served at our hotel, the last night of our tour of this unique island.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Homeward bound

After our final buffet breakfast at our hotel, it's time to say our farewells to the Isle of Man. We are transferred the short distance to Douglas Port where we board the ferry for our return sailing across the Irish Sea, to Heysham.

Back on land, you are free to continue your journey home, taking special memories of the Isle of Man with you.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please be advised that, depending on departure date, this itinerary may run in a different order and the events of certain days may be reversed.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Ascot Hotel, Douglas

Ascot Hotel, Douglas

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Trains

Isle of Man Steam Railway
Manx Electric Railway
Snaefell Mountain Railway

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UK rail connections

Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 470 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (331)
  2. 4 stars
    (117)
  3. 3 stars
    (18)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (3)

David Pooley

5 stars

Submitted 3/Oct

A very good itinerary, including all the main points of interest on the island. Admission to museums and other heritage sites was included, as was unlimited travel on buses, trams and the steam railway. Our coach driver gave us plenty of information and our tour manager Paul made sure that everything ran smoothly. We were lucky to have sunshine every day and no rain.

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Anita Price

5 stars

Submitted 29/Sep

Outstandingly good. The Ascot hotel was very comfortable with good food choices. Comprehensive trips to all well known places with our knowledgeable driver and all detailsof efficient organisation for the group in the hands ofour excellent manager Paul.

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Lyn Gray

4 stars

Submitted 29/Sep

This was a good holiday. Problems with travel and delays on ferries made missing trains inevitable - the time tables need adjusting. The hotel had excellent food, staff and welcome bar but 39 up and down steps to our room became tedious - there was one lift but several of our group needed to use it, so waiting wasn't an option. The Coach driver, Ian, was fantastic and knew everything about the IOM. Our tour manager was pleasant but let us down on the last day as the ferry was delayed and he didn't know.

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R Ware

5 stars

Submitted 29/Sep

The Ascot hotel was very good the food was gorgeous the buffet meal for breakfast and evening meal was wonderful

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M.S

4 stars

Submitted 29/Sep

A very good introduction to.the island and its facilities.

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Roger Garrick

5 stars

Submitted 28/Sep

Helped by a week of very good weather this tour provided an opportinuty to see the main sights of the IOM using steam train, electric trams and coach. The buffet breakfast and dinner provided a good variety of food for each meal.

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