RAILWAY ENTHUSIASTS

Railway enthusiasts Welcome

Charming and unique, the Island’s heritage railway network attracts enthusiasts from across the world to Manx shores.

 

Whether you choose to travel by steam or electric you’ll find all three railways – the Isle of Man’s Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway – preserved in time and operating with some original rolling stock.

It’s possible to see the majority of the Island by travelling on the railway network and many of the Island’s heritage attractions are also located near to the railway stops making it easy to get around.

The Island is one of the very few places in the world where you can travel between February and November on steam and electric railways, which are over a century old.

The Island is also home to a number of Transport and Railway Heritage festivals throughout the year to make the most of your visit to the island. Find out more at the Government’s Heritage Railway website.

Heritage Railways on the Isle of Man

Staying with us

What our Railway enthusiast guests say

Very friendly helpful staff

On a steam rail tour of the Island - lovely big room, en suite. Extremely reasonably priced. Really excellent restaurant, that is outstanding, brilliant view (Mountains of Mourne) great food. Brilliant breakfast too, Manx kippers were fantastic and done just right, limitless delicious coffee. Staff all friendly and helpful. Loved it.

JoefromPartick

Glasgow

from TripAdvisor

4.0
2016-05-09T13:45:01+00:00

JoefromPartick

Glasgow

from TripAdvisor

On a steam rail tour of the Island - lovely big room, en suite. Extremely reasonably priced. Really excellent restaurant, that is outstanding, brilliant view (Mountains of Mourne) great food. Brilliant breakfast too, Manx kippers were fantastic and done just right, limitless delicious coffee. Staff all friendly and helpful. Loved it.
4
1

The longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain

The Southern Line

The Port Erin line, opened on 1 August 1874 and was originally the southern route of a much larger (46 mile long) steam railway network which used to serve Peel in the west, Ramsey in the north and the small mining village of Foxdale.

 

It runs 15½ miles between Douglas and Port Erin and is the last remaining part of the former network.

“the seasonal Port Erin Flyer, non-stop from Douglas to Port Erin; the 15.5 miles were covered in 40 min., or 10 min less than the journey time of stopping trains”

From The Railway Magazine  1941
Port Erin Station Postcard, (date unknown) (Ref: FNrai09)
Port Erin Station, 1957, (Ref: FNrai08)
Port Erin Station, 1906, (Ref: FNrai07)
Original Port Erin Station, (date unknown) (Ref: FNrai06)
Nelson Taylor, Stationmaster at Port Erin, (Mid 20th century) (Ref: FNrai05
Port Erin Station looking towards engine sheds, (Mid 20th century) (Ref: FNrai04)
Goods vans and truck at Port Erin station, (Mid 20th century) (Ref: FNrai03)
Train entering Port Erin, 1952 (Ref: FNrai02)
Steam locomotive 'Douglas', Port Erin Railway Station, 1895 (Ref: FNrai01)

Local Railway interest in the South

IOM Steam Railway
Many of the Island’s heritage attractions in the south of the Island are located near to railway stations making it a convenient way to travel. Simply sit back and revel in the spectacular Manx scenery and countryside as it gradually passes by you. The Isle of Man Steam Railway is the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain that still uses its original locomotives and carriages. The three foot narrow gauge railway was opened in 1873 and runs through the Island’s charming countryside between the Island’s capital and a range of destinations in the south.
+44 1624 662525 Google Map Facebook Website
Port Erin Railway Station
The End Of The Line! The southern terminus of the Isle of Man Railway, operating since 1874 along over 15 miles from the island’s capital through breathtaking scenery and countryside; trains serve the ancient capital of Castletown with a number of heritage attractions including the superbly preserved Castle Rushen, the Old House Of Keys, Nautical Museum and old Grammar School, a short distance from Ballasalla for Rushen Abbey and the other end of the line in the heart of the island’s Capital. Open seasonally.
+44 1624 833432 Google Map Facebook Website
Isle of Man Railway Museum
The museum charts the history of the steam powered railway from its inception in 1873 to the present day including the now defunct lines which used to serve Peel, Ramsey and Foxdale. Inside you’ll find steam engines and carriages including the royal carriages which carried The Queen and Queen Mother in 1963 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1972. The museum is home to a fine collection of locomotives, the Royal Train, rolling stock, memorabilia, posters and interpretive displays. The museum is also home to the Isle of Man’s only railway simulator.
Google Map Facebook Website
Go Explore Cards
A range of cost effective multi-journey Go cards can be purchased and the Go Explore card entitles the holder to unlimited travel on scheduled services of: Steam Railway Manx Electric Railway Snaefell Mountain Railway Douglas Horse Trams and Buses
Website
Isle of Man Railways Timetable
Explore the Island by rail - South by Steam, North by Electric. Download this handy guide and timetable.
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