 |
15th - 19th September 2024
Nestled in the heart of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is within easy reach from the UK and Ireland, making it a welcome escape so close to home. As the only entire nation in the world to be recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere, you will experience awe-inspiring nature, an ancient and compelling 10,000 year history, a vibrant culture and an outdoor natural playground of unrivalled beauty which combines exhilarating coastal adventures and some of the best walking in the British Isles.
ITINERARY
15th September 2024: After the pick-ups you will travel to Heysham to catch the ferry to Douglas. Check-in and dinner in the hotel. |
Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man since 1869 and the main tourist and commercial centre. Here, too, are the Legislative Buildings of its ancient parliament Tynwald whose origins go back over a thousand years when the Island became a Viking kingdom. The magnificent sweep of Douglas Bay, against the background of green hills, has a charm hard to equal anywhere. Douglas was a pioneer in illuminations and at night presents a scene of spectacular beauty, never to be forgotten. As well as being the chief seaport, Douglas has the terminii of the Victorian steam railway which runs south to Port Erin and of the electric tramway which follows a scenic route north along the coast to Ramsey. Both systems arouse keen interest amongst railway enthusiasts. Along the entire sea front run the Douglas Horse Trams which are now the only ones still in existence. They began life in 1872 and they remind us of a more leisurely way of life. Behind the front can be found other places of interest such as the Manx Museum, the centre of Manx National Heritage and a fascinating treasure-house of the Island's unique history.
16th September 2024: After breakfast you will start your journey on the Manx Electric Railway from Douglas to the pretty village of Laxey on the east coast - then board the Mountain Railway winding its way to the Island's only mountain, Snaefell. This unique Victorian enterprise, which is around five miles long, has been in operation since 1895 and is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. Snaefell peaks at 2,036 feet above sea level, you may be able to see some, or all, of the Seven Kingdoms - England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the kingdoms of heaven and the sea before taking the Mountain Railway back down to Laxey.
 |
The Great Laxey Wheel is the Isle of Man's most iconic landmark and the largest working water wheel in the world. At 72 feet 6 inches in diameter, this extraordinary feat of Victorian engineering has brought tourists flocking to the picturesque village of Laxey for almost 170 years. See this magnificent wheel turning and take the spiral stairs to the top to enjoy panoramic views of Glen Mooar Valley. Beyond the wheel, learn about the lives of the Laxey Miners. Here you will have some free time in Laxey for lunch, take a closer look at the wheel and surrounding area, before boarding the coach for the Milntown Estate for House & Garden. Set in the beautiful parish of Lezayre, Milntown is the island’s only Historical Estate and boasts 15 acres of beautiful gardens and woodland, which surround the magnificent mansion and café at its heart. Whilst here, you will enjoy tea/coffee & Scone with cream & jam. Dinner in the hotel.
 |
17th September 2024: After breakfast you depart Douglas for Port Erin on the Victorian Steam railway. The line dates back to 1874 and is a 3 gauge track and still uses its original steam locomotives and coaches! The train journey passes through the beautiful countryside, farmlands and along the coast. It used to include Peel, Foxdale and Ramsey, but the line was shortened to the 15 miles route. Sitting in the old-fashioned carriages as it shoogles its way along the tracks and watching the scenery pass by with the puff of steam floating by like clouds is magical. A great experience for adults and children.
 |
In Port Erin you will have time for lunch and enjoy the beautiful bay bounded by two headlands. On northern headland, Bradda Head, sits the iconic memorial tower called Milner’s Tower. The promenade, on the east side of the bay, is somewhat higher than the seafront, and primarily consists of hotels, mostly built in the Victorian era. The town is famed for its views, including spectacular sunsets over Port Erin Bay and Bradda Head, as well as glimpses of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland in the distance.
After time in Port Erin you board the coach to continue your journey to the Cregneash Village Folk Museum overlooking the Calf of Man. The village was one of the last strongholds of the Manx language and customs. You will find a number of thatched Manx cottages which are open for you to explore. You can also see evidence of their crofting way of life through stories, skills and craft demonstrations. Who knows you might even spot Manx cats with no tails, four-horned sheep, working horses and other traditional farming practices in action.
 |
18th September 2024: Breakfast then travel to Peel where you will have some free time. Peel sits on the west coast of the island, is the only city on the Isle of Man, and has the island's cathedral. It is here visitors will find a variety of interests, including a large ruin castle from 1392. Fishing has a long history in Peel as it once was the island's main fishing port. To this day the harbour can be seen filled with boats of the fishing trade. It is here that Herring is cured to make the famous Manx kippers. There is an old style feel to the place with many narrow streets and small houses near the coast.
Our tour continues across the island to Castletown, where once again you will have some free time. Take a stroll around the ancient capital of Mann and discover the interesting facts and stories that this town has to tell.
 |
Capital of the Island until 1869, Castletown is made up of small winding streets, picturesque fishing cottages along the harbour and a Viking castle that towers over the centre of the town. Visit the famous Castle Rushen, one of the best preserved medieval castles in the world and listen to stories of the Lords of Mann that once resided there as well as the varied and fascinating history of this market town. Walk along the harbour which home to the world-famous Tin Bath Races as well as the site of the old Brewery and the large fishing vessels from its days as a thriving fishing port. Remainder of the day will be at leisure in Douglas prior to dinner in the hotel.
19th September 2024: Breakfast and check out to catch the ferry from Douglas to Heysham arriving back into Manchester late afternoon.
Your Hotel: Rutland Hotel, Douglas - The Rutland is located on the seafront of Douglas and has 64 rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Offering a full range of modern facilities and accessories, rooms at the 3 Star Rutland offer both great value and a quiet location. Guest enjoy complimentary Wi Fi and the Queens Carvery Restaurant offers both a buffet breakfast, and into the evenings a hearty Manx roast with a separate residents bar and entertainment. The hotel is situated close to the quiet Queens Promenade of Douglas, a pleasant walk to the many local bars, restaurants and retail area.
Price per person (Based on 2 Adults sharing Twin/Double Room):
- Member Plus Adult - £549
- Member Adult - £569
- Non Member Adult - £589
- Single Supplement - £64 (double/twin for sole occupancy)
Price Includes:
- Executive Coach & Professional Tour Driver throughout the tour as per itinerary
- Return ferry crossing (Heysham - Douglas)
- 4 Nights half board accommodation with Breakfast and 3 Course Choice Dinner including Tea/Coffee
- Admission to Milntown Estate with tea/coffee & Scone
- Admission to Cregneash Estate
- Train journeys as detailed in the itinerary
Not Included:
- Single Supplement
- Any items of a personal nature such as meals, drinks, etc
- Guide/Driver Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
For further details and bookings, you can either use the 
or contact Bo
Please include your Name, Home Address, Contact Telephone Number, Membership Number and the Number Places Required (Member/Non-Member)