Polar Express, uphill to the sea!
A most enchanting experience for all the family. Walking through a mysterious glen with towering trees, rapid waters, sharp rockfaces, and minitature water wheel, just reaching the terminus of Groudle Glen railway is an adventure in itself.
The railway, which is like a grown-up garden train set, takes you on a winding uphill journey to the sea. Yes, uphill to the sea. While the journey is only 10 minutes or so, the views as you skirt the cliff tops over the sea are spectacular. Look out for dolphins, whales, and seals.
At the end of the line, overlooking the Irish Sea is a small cafe and viewing area. In Victorian times, when the railway was built, there used to be Polar Bears and Sealions. Names that were given to the locomotives that run on the line.
Enjoy a cup of tea and piece of cake, and ready the detailed history about the glen and railway before making the journey back to the glen station.
Open:
Typically open on Sundays, but also Wednesday evenings throughout summer.
How to get there:
Groudle Glen, Isle of Man.
Manx Electric Railway (Tram) from Douglas to Groudle Glen, approx 15 mins.
Car/Taxi
Accessibility:
As the railway is situated in a National Glen, it requires steps down, narrow paths along rivers, and steps up to the glen station. We managed fine with 3 young kids. #isleofman #railway #familytime