Isle of Man, Island Getaway

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 We leave Chelmsford at 7.30am depending on your local pick up point and make our way north to our overnight hotel in Preston, Lancashire.

Day 2 Leisurely morning before we make our way to Heysham where we join the ferry for the 3-hour crossing to Douglas. We arrive on the Isle of Man early evening, transfer to our hotel for the next 5 nights, evening meal on arrival.

Day 3 Board the Isle of Man Railway as it carries you through the Manx countryside to the popular resort of Port Erin. Continue to the Sound Café and Visitor Centre down on the coast where there are wonderful views of the calf of man. Then visit Cregneash Folk Village, an historic chapter in Island life and living illustration of a farming and crofting community in the late 19th Century. On the return journey to Douglas visit Castletown to see Castle Rushen and the old school house.

Day 4 We head west to Tynwald Hill to see where the islands Parliament meets in the open air once a year in true Norse tradition. We also take in Tynwald craft centre before heading for Peel, the smallest city in the British Isles, sitting grandly at the mouth of the harbour it is an attractive seaside resort complete with castle, flat sandy beach, heritage centre and smoked kipper factory. We return to our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 5 Our journey today takes us via the coast road to Laxey to see the "Lady Isabella", the largest water wheel in the world, named after the wife of the Governor of the island, the wheel is a credit to Victorian engineering. After lunch we board the Snaefell Mountain Railway where you can enjoy the old mountain railway for a breathtaking but gentle ride to the top of Snaefell Mountain on the islands historic electric railway system. On a clear day you can see not only the whole of the island, but England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Day 6 Free day. The pretty capital of this tiny island nation sits on the shore of a beautiful bay into which the River Douglas flows. It is an easy town to walk around, including a 3k promenade with excellent views of the harbour, bay and the Tower of Refuge on its tiny island. Attractive buildings line the streets, such as the Legislative Building, home of the Manx parliament, and the Villa Marina and Gardens, which hosts regular outdoor concerts.

Day 7 After an early breakfast we board the ferry back to Heysham. On arrival journey south taking the motorway, with stops on route, arriving in Chelmsford late evening.