Railtrail Annual Brochure 2024

NEW TOUR

Manx Electric Railway

which tells the story of what happened in the village 100 years ago with its collection of letters and artefacts and its scale model of the camp.The Centre is located at the entrance to the site of Knockaloe Camp, the world’s largest WW1 Internment Camp which once had its own railway line. Making our way back to Ramsey we will stop at Tynwald Hill and St John’s church , this is the traditional, ancient meeting place of the Manx parliamentary assembly, dating back at least to the late first millennium AD. The four-tiered hill is used in the modern Tynwald Day ceremony and is a fascinating way to end our historical day on the island, subject to the church being open we may also explore inside this beautiful building which stands on ancient land that was of great importance to the local Celts even before buildings stood here. We will return to Ramsey in time for our evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 4 After breakfast today we have time at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities along with the sights and sounds of Ramsey. Why not visit the beautifully restored pier. Maybe pay a visit to the Fynoderee distillery, a family run distillery and bar situated conveniently close to the Ramsey Manx electric railway station. Your Go Explore and Heritage cards will be valid if you choose to venture further afield to enjoy the island under your own steam! We reconvene this evening for our meal together. (B,D) DAY 5 After breakfast today we transfer by private coach to the Grove Museum . Built by a wealthy merchant, this house became a family home to the Gibb sisters

8 DAYS

Isle of Man Railway

© Geoff Atkinson

DEPARTS

who lived here into the 1970’s. The house provides a fascinating insight into life from the Victorian era into the 20th century. Continuing to Laxey we visit “Lady Isabella” – the Great Wheel of Laxey , an iconic feature of the island, it is the largest surviving original working waterwheel in the world. After exploring the wheel and mines we transfer the short distance to Laxey station to board the electric Snaefell Mountain Railway for our journey to the top of the island’s highest peak, Snaefell at 2,036ft; on a clear day it is said one can see the six kingdoms - Scotland, England,Wales, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Heaven. After a break at the summit, we return to Laxey station and board the Manx Electric Railway to return to Ramsey, on arrival there is time at leisure prior to our evening meal together at the Ramsey Park. (B,D) DAY 6 This morning we join our vintage bus which will take us on a scenic & nostalgic drive from Ramsey to Douglas, taking us back to a golden age of transport. On arrival into Douglas, we take a horse drawn tram ride along the beautiful Victorian promenade. Afterwards we make a visit to the Manx Museum bursting with treasures unique to the Isle of Man and illustrating the Island’s 10,000-year history from Viking hoards of silver and gold to an exhibition on the world-famous TT races. The rest of today is free for you to explore Douglas and return by Manx Electric Railway tram to Ramsey. We reconvene for our evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 7 After a leisurely breakfast, today is free to enjoy any parts of the island you still wish to visit or why not re-visit your favorite part of the tour again using your Go Explore and Heritage cards. Travel to Douglas and finish your last-minute souvenir shopping or take a final horse drawn tram ride along the beautiful Douglas promenade. We also recommend a visit to the Milntown estate, a beautiful house and gardens to explore, why not partake in one of the café’s tasty afternoon teas! The estate is easily accessed by local transport. We meet this evening for our final meal together. (B,D) DAY 8 Our island exploration draws to a close as we transfer by private coach to board the morning ferry to Heysham and head homewards. (B)

Thursday 9 May 2024 Thursday 5 September 2024

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

FIRST* £1509 £1509 £1569 £1589 £1525 £1409 £1385 £1399 N/A £1325 £1479 £1449 £1465

STANDARD

£1345 £1359 £1395 £1395 £1365 £1309 £1295 £1315 £1285 £1259 £1339 £1315 £1335 £1140 £1215 £20

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotel

Join & Leave at Port of Heysham SEPTEMBER Departure Supplement

HOTEL Ramsey Park Hotel, Ramsey The Ramsey Park Hotel is a luxurious contemporary hotel set in one of the most scenic parts of the Isle of Man. Situated beside Mooragh Lake, and with views over the sea towards Cumbria, Ramsey Park makes a stunning setting for a stay on the Island.The Lake View Restaurant serves bistro-style lunches and dinners, with snacks available in the Piano Bar.The Ramsey Park Hotel has 60 en-suite bedrooms, all have been individually designed to a very high standard with super king-sized beds in each room which can be made up as a Double or a Twin bedded. Single rooms are available at a supplement. Each room has a 32” TV with UK Freeview channels, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi for your laptop and other mobile devices, a complimentary hospitality tray, and toiletries. Single Room Supplement £250 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 7 nights’ bed, breakfast & table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

Peel Castle

© Shutterstock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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