Isle of Man Explorer

We travel to our overnight stop near Preston, Lancashire with at least 2 comfort stops en-route. Your host will serve refreshments and complimentary biscuits during the journey. All being well one of our scheduled stops will be somewhere interesting where you will have a longer time to relax, explore and get a meal.

• 7.00am – Coach departs Taverham (estimated – may vary slightly and will be confirmed as below)

After breakfast we shall have some free time, so a short visit to the seaside resort of Morecambe overlooking its famous bay is planned.

Ferry departure from Heysham is 14:15 for the 3-hour crossing to Douglas.

We expect the ferry will be ‘Manxman’ on which you will have a reserved seat in the Nairbyl Lounge on deck 8 at the front of the vessel which affords excellent views of the Irish sea where some passengers have seen dolphins in the past.

On Deck 7 is the eatery, bar and on-board shop. Passengers can upgrade on board to the Premier or Executive lounges which are usually quieter

Arrival in Douglas is expected to be at 18:00 whereupon we make the short journey to the hotel. Porterage is available on arrival.  Dinner is served in the hotel restaurant and is buffet style with a choice of 3 starters, 3 mains and 3 desserts. On the first day dinner is normally served on arrival or very shortly after.

After breakfast (time to be confirmed on arrival at the hotel) we make the short journey to the Isle of Man Steam Railway station in Douglas where we board the 09:50 steam hauled service to Port Erin.

On arrival at Port Erin at 10:50 there will be time for refreshment and a visit to the Isle of Man Railway museum included with your ticket.

We shall spend an hour in Port Erin before departing at 11:45 for the short journey to The Sound Café located on the cliffs at the southwestern point of the island. Magnificent views are afforded of the Calf Of Man whileseals and seabirds abound in the waters. The café has a wide variety of snacks and lunches available.

We then visit Castletown, the old Manx capital. Here will be found several historic building including : Castle Rushen (MH) – one of the best preserved mediaeval castles around and the Nautical Museum (MH) near the harbour. 

(MH) Manx Heritage – Local admission prices apply on the day. Members of the National Trust and English Heritage receive reduced or free entry to Manx Heritage sites so do remember your cards.

We then return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Today we visit Peel on the West Coast of the Island. Peel is a fishing port famous for Scallops and Manx Kippers. It also boasts Peel Castle (MH) and The House of Manannan Museum (MH) which tells the story of Man and houses a replica Viking longboat.  A small motorbike museum (MH) features the history of the TT races.

After lunch (don’t eat too much – see below) we visit St Johns where the site of the Tynwald the ancient Manx Parliament can be viewed.

We then have a light afternoon tea in Green’s Café before returning to the hotel.

(MH) Manx Heritage – Local admission prices apply on the day. Members of the National Trust and English Heritage receive reduced or free entry to Manx Heritage sites so do remember your cards.

This is a free day for you to spend relaxing or exploring the island for yourself. You might take the Manx Electric Railway from Douglas to Ramsey on the north coast with some lovely coastal views on the journey. Ramsey is an active port, with a pleasant beach and quiet promenade and a Gin distillery beside the station.

Douglas has the Manx Museum (donations suggested) and pleasant walks along the promenade plus the attraction of the horse drawn tram along the prom.  You might even book a tour of the TT circuit.

On our last full day on the island, we visit Laxey. Where we shall ascend Snaefell at 11.45 on the Snaefell Mountain Railway (wear or take something warm.) If you are lucky, you might view the 7 Kingdoms of Man from the summit – but you need a clear day for this.

Having descended on the railway there is time for some lunch before we walk about 500m to visit the famous Laxey Wheel for an introductory talk of its history, before having a closer look and climbing to its platforms and exploring the illuminated lead-mine tunnel.

The hotel serves breakfast early today as our ferry home leaves Douglas at 08:30. Seats are again reserved on Manxman and arrival at Heysham is scheduled for 12:15.

Once back in England we shall journey home with at least 2 comfort and refreshment stops.

Estimated return times to Norwich will be available from the crew during the homeward journey but it is likely to be between around 21:00.