Victorian Railway & Snaefell
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Port
Douglas, Isle of Man
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$130
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
One of the greatest surprises awaiting first-time visitors to the Isle of Man is the island's extraordinary array of railways. All date from the Victorian era and, immaculately restored, they run today much as they did 100+ years ago. While the island was in no hurry to embrace steam rail, it was a true pioneer in the field of electric traction.
Depart the waterfront promenade of Douglas Bay to the station of the Manx Electric Railway -- the longest of Britain's vintage narrow-gauge lines. The railway celebrated its centenary in 1993 and, astonishingly, still depends entirely on original Victorian and Edwardian technology. Clamber aboard; then, your open or closed tramcar is ready to whistle and grind its way through leafy glens and hollows before emerging triumphantly on top of precipitous cliffs, offering spectacular views across the coastline. Your journey will take approximately thirty minutes. Passing over the impressive Glen Roy viaduct, arrive at the sylvan Laxey Station -- perhaps the most picturesque on the island.
At Laxey, transfer to the Snaefell Mountain Railway -- the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles and 100 years old in 1995. The four and a half miles of double track climb out of Laxey to the 2,036-foot summit of Snaefell, the highest point on the Isle of Man, with gradients as steep as 1 in 12. Views of the coast and the Giant Laxey Wheel are breathtaking as the slow and gradual ascent takes you up the side of Laxey Glen. The gauge of 3 feet, 6 inches is the widest of all of the island's railways and the six original tramcars are still in use.
More than a century after the start of its operations, visitors are still taking full advantage of the island's unique transport systems. Enthusiasts come from all over the world to experience the joy of riding on the vintage railways. Return partway down the mountain for a road transfer back to Douglas.
Please note: Transportation from the pier to the railway may be island bus.