Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man

We meet in Heysham, Lancashire, ahead of our early afternoon ferry journey to the Isle of Man. Heysham is easily accessible from other parts of the UK and the train from Lancaster arrives straight into Heysham ferry terminal. Arriving into Douglas sea terminal, porters collect our luggage as we walk the short distance along the waterfront to the Claremont Hotel, our base for the next five nights. The hotel occupies a superb location on Douglas' sea-front promenade, overlooking the impressive two-mile sweep of Douglas Bay.

• Dinner

Today takes us to the summit of the island's only mountain, Snaefell. We begin with a journey along Douglas' promenade, travelling by coach. Next, we board the island's electric train, which dates back to the Victorian and Edwardian era, to the fishing village of Laxey. It's here we board the Snaefell Mountain Railway - the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. The journey takes us all the way to the top, and on a clear day you can see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Back in Laxey this afternoon, you have time to explore. Separated into two parts, the main village and Old Laxey. Surrounded by its picturesque tidal harbour, Laxey is home to the Laxey Wheel, the world's largest working waterwheel. The 'Lady Isabella', as she's known locally, was built in 1854 to pump water from Laxey's lead and zinc mines.

• Breakfast, Dinner

On the way to Peel this morning, an old-fashioned fishing port, we call at Tynwald Hill, in the village of St John's. Here we visit the Church of St John and the Tynwald Exhibition, detailing the parliamentary assembly's 1,000-year-old history. On arrival in Peel, you have free time to look around. You could take a walk to Peel Castle, located on St Patrick's Isle and dating back to the 11th century, or the House of Manannan, a museum detailing the island's Celtic, Viking and maritime heritage. Entry is included with your Heritage Explorer Pass. Alternately, seek out the town's renowned kippers, regarded as some of the finest in the country. Meeting back this afternoon, we enjoy a journey on the Manx Electric Railway, travelling from Ramsey to Douglas. As the longest narrow-gauge vintage railway in the British Isles, sit back and relax for the 17-mile journey through glorious countryside, across gorse-topped hills, and along the stunning shores of the east coast.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We board the Isle of Man Steam Railway this morning for a steam-hauled journey in restored heritage carriages. As we travel, we enjoy views of idyllic countryside, seaside towns, and traditional fishing ports before arriving at Port Erin, set within a beautiful bay on the south-west coast. After time to explore, we set out on a coach tour of the headland, soaking up the sight of the spectacular Calf of Man. Continuing to Castletown, the island's ancient capital, enjoy free time to visit medieval Castle Rushen, the Nautical Museum, or the Old House of Keys. Entrance to all three sites is included with your Heritage Explorer Pass. 

• Day 4 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 5 - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 is also free. Popular options are; a tour of the Gaiety Theatre, the Isle of Man's opera house or a visit to the captivating Grove Museum which captures what life was like on the island during Victorian times.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we make our way back to Douglas Sea Terminal to catch the ferry to Heysham. Once we've disembarked, our holiday comes to an end.

• Breakfast