Luxury on the Isle Of Man

We depart the Maresfield area and make our way north. Having made a suitable comfort stop we arrive in Stafford for an extended visit over the lunch period. Stafford enjoys a wide variety of architectural styles and if you follow The Stafford Town Trail it features two Norman churches, each with later influences and additions, a number of Tudor and Stuart half-timbered buildings, along with handsome Queen Anne and Georgian town houses. The public buildings include the Classical Shire Hall, the French Gothic Borough Hall, and the early Edwardian Baroque County Buildings. Later in the afternoon we continue to our hotel on the outskirts of Preston arriving late afternoon, early evening.

After a leisurely start we head towards Lancaster where we have some free time to explore and get lunch before we make our way to Heysham Port in time for our 14.15 crossing to Douglas. On arrival in Douglas we make the short drive to our hotel in time for dinner. 

We begin today with a classic journey aboard the Isle of Man Steam Railway from the capital Douglas to the seaside resort of Port Erin. Enjoy free time in the resort virtually a landlocked bay protected by steep hills and perpendicular cliffs, making it a pleasure to stroll along the glorious sandy beach. We continue our tour with a visit to the Calf of Mann, a wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve, where you may spot seals basking in the sunshine and colonies of nesting seabirds whilst enjoying refreshment at the excellent café . Later we head back to Douglas via Castletown, once the ancient capital of Mann. It still retains much of its former splendour with Castle Rushen, an ancient fortress, dominating the town and harbour and several other heritage sites well worth visiting. Remember to greet the little people "good day" as you cross the Fairy Bridge.  

After breakfast we meet our Island Tour Guide and head off for a guided tour. We make our way over to the west coast for a visit to the resort of Peel with its flat sandy beach and absorbing attractions. Sitting at the mouth of the harbour is impressive Peel Castle, which was built in 1392 and where mystery and suspense prevail as you discover its hidden secrets including the legendary "Moddey Dhoo" (black dog).  From here we drive north and follow some of the island’s famous TT course, continuing to the market town of “Royal” Ramsey set in the foothills of North Barrule, free time here before returning to our hotel via Laxey.

This morning we make our way in to Douglas where we have arranged a visit to The Isle of Man's parliament. Tynwald, is the oldest continuous parliament in the world and continues to debate and pass the Island's laws today. The branches sit weekly and Tynwald sits once a month.  This afternoon we travel the short distance to Laxey to join our trip on The Snaefell Mountain Railway.  It’s the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles which climbs 2,036ft from Laxey to the summit of Snaefell Mountain. The 4 miles of line, with gradients of 1 in 12, was constructed within seven months, and opened on 21 August 1895. At the summit on a clear day you can enjoy the magnificent view of the seven kingdoms - Mann, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the sea and heaven!  From your train journey you can see the famous Great Laxey Wheel known affectionately as the "Lady Isabella". Named after the wife of the Governor and a credit to Victorian engineering, it is the world’s largest working water wheel and an outstanding icon of the island's long history of mining.

Today is a day of leisure. You may like to enjoy the wonderful facilities at the hotel or there is a shuttle service(bookable) that runs in to Douglas. Douglas, the island's capital, is  a unique blend of holiday resort, finance centre and working harbour. Stroll along the waterfront with its sweeping views of Douglas Bay, a legacy of the Victorian with its horse drawn trams that potter along the handsome promenade during the summer months. Not to be missed is the award-winning Manx Museum (FOC) in the centre of town, the ideal starting point to a journey of rich discovery of the island's history.

An earlier start today. We depart the hotel after breakfast and make our way to the port for our return crossing to Heysham which departs at 08.45. On arrival in Heysham we rejoin the motorway and commence our journey South. Having made suitable stops en route we expect to back in the Maresfield area by approximately 20.00hrs