A visit to the Isle of Man promises a wealth in historic sites, dramatic country and seascapes, lovely food and friendly towns and villages. We discover ancient Manx village life at Cregneash; the time of the Vikings at the House of Manannan; and the wonders of engineering on the Snaefell Mountain Railway and at Laxey Wheel.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Taxis pick you up from your door to take you to your coach. We then travel north to our overnight hotel near Preston.

Day 2 After a morning travelling through Pendle Hill country, we take the early afternoon ferry from Heysham to Douglas arriving at approximately 5.45pm and being transferred to our hotel.

Day 3 This morning we visit the National Folk Museum at Cregneash, a living museum of a Manx upland crofting community. We then visit the Sounds Visitor Centre for spectacular views over the Calf of Man, a beautiful rugged island home to a large bird population and a substantial seal colony. Our final stop is at Castletown, the island’s ancient capital.

Day 4 Travelling north we stop in Ramsay at the Grove Museum of Victorian Life with time for refreshments. We continue to Peel then the House of Manannan, an award-winning exploration of the island’s Celtic, Viking and Maritime traditions. We return via Tynwald Hill, traditional home to the world’s longest unbroken parliament.

Day 5 This morning we board the Manx Electric Railway and travel to Laxey, the site of The Lady Isabella, the largest working waterwheel in the world (reached by walking down a steep hill). We then transfer to the Snaefell Mountain Railway, the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles, and continue to the summit where there is a café and, on a clear day, amazing views. We return via Laxey to Douglas, again by rail.

Day 6 A day to relax in the excellent leisure facilities of our hotel or to visit Douglas which can easily be reached by local transport.

Day 7 Departing after breakfast, we take the early crossing from Douglas to Heysham and make our way to the south coast.