The Isle of Man may be just a short ferry crossing from the British mainland but it has a unique character that sets it apart. The Island is a unique self-governing kingdom - a Crown dependency which belongs to neither the UK nor the European Union. It has its own parliament (called Tynwald), laws, traditions, culture, cuisine and postage stamps. The pace of life seems less hurried and the air is cleaner as the ravages of industry have passed it by. The wild scenery of heather clad hills, wooded glens, rocky headlands and secluded coves will testify to this. It is little wonder that the island is known as "The safe haven in a violent world!"
ITINERARY
SUNDAY - Morning departure from Dorset to Worcester for lunch. Resume this afternoon to arrive at the Holiday Inn Preston for an overnight stay with dinner.
MONDAY - Morning visit to historic Lancaster with its pedestrian centre. Resume to Heysham for the lunch-time ferry to Douglas (3½ hour crossing). Check-in to hotel late afternoon.
TUESDAY - Drive across the island to the west coast and visit Peel - there is an old style feel to the place with its many narrow streets and small houses. See the ruined castle and stroll the promenade to the busy fishing harbour. Later we call at St John's, the historic home of the world's oldest parliament. Afternoon at leisure to explore Douglas
WEDNESDAY - Touring the north of the island. Visit Laxey, a picturesque harbour and former mining town best known for its 72 ft waterwheel "Lady Isabella" that was used to pump water from the mines. Continue for Ramsey, the sunniest spot on the island and a popular resort. This afternoon visit Grove House, a Victorian Farm that is frozen in time - period rooms, costumes, farm buildings and equipment, Manx animals, café and extensive gardens.
THURSDAY - Join a steam train from Douglas to Castletown in the south of the island (45 mins) - the trains date from 1874 and are narrow gauge. Castletown sits on an ancient volcano and traces its origins to 1090, one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Later visit Cregneash, a small village on the Mull Hills that has become a living museum preserving the Manx language and traditions. Finally to the Sound visitor centre, overlooking the Calf of Man and affording dramatic sea-views.
FRIDAY - A day to relax and enjoy the delights of Douglas, the islands largest town and a traditional seaside resort. A ride on the horse-drawn trams affords stunning views over the bay, there is a superb Manx Museum, theatre, independent quirky shops and much more to enjoy.
SATURDAY- Join a morning ferry from Douglas to Heysham and drive homewards to return to Dorset late that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas
A comfortable 3 star hotel situated right on the seafront and close to the town centre, retaining many of its traditional fine Victorian features. All 67 bedrooms provide private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, television, phone and tea tray. The Tower View Restaurant enjoys panoramic views of the bay and provides good quality menus with a superb choice. Amber Lounge is a lively bar in which to socialise, or more quiet corners are available – free wifi is available in all public areas. There is a lift to all floors inside the hotel, although access from the street is up 5 steps. Porterage included and room service is available and reception provides tourist information. Entertainment is provided on 2 nights.
TOUR PRICE : £849.00 per person
Single Room Supplement : £125.00
Price includes • All coach travel • Return ferry crossings • 1 x overnight hotel in Preston • 5 nights hotel on I.O.Man • Half board meals • Steam railway fare • Entry to Cregneash • Entry to Grove museum •
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised | |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised | |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised | |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised | |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised | |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland | |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown | |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road | |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised | |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop | |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop | |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester | |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland | |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised | |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis | |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road | |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) | |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) | |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised | |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop | |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop | |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised | |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) | |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole | |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage | |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised | |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave | |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road | |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised | |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn | |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road | |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist | |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth | |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised | |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised | |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel | |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised | |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland | |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised | |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth | |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop | |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised | |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised | |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis | |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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