Name: The Great Laxey Mine Railway
Rating: 5.0

The Great Laxey Mine Railway

35 Ard Reayrt, Laxey, Isle of Man

1-99 Years

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Description

Welcome to The Great Laxey Mine Railway is owned by the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust, a registered Manx Charity, which was formed in 1997 to promote the rich industrial and natural histories of Laxey Village and Lonan Parish. The railway is operated and maintained entirely by volunteers and follows the original route up to the Adit level, where the train used to enter the mine.

Although trains can be boarded at either end of the railway, most passengers start their journey at the Valley Gardens end of the railway. The station has been constructed on top of the stone bunkers, known as the "teams" where the mined ore was initially stored. Ore was tipped from the wagons through trapdoors between the lines directly into the "teams" below. Near to the carriage shed are another set of "teams".

The railway relies on income from fares, souvenir sales, and donations to meet day-to-day running costs. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Ghost Trains: The most popular event operated by the Great Laxey Mine Railway is the "Hop tu Naa" Ghost Trains which are usually operated on the two weekends preceding Hop tu Naa, (for those not from the Isle of Man, this is known as Halloween in the UK). Special effect lighting and spooky noises transform the railway tunnel into a spooky ghost tunnel. Look out for the laughing skeleton, ghosts, witches, spiders, bats and skeletons tea party.
A Ride on the Railway: Although trains can be boarded at either end of the railway, most passengers start their journey at the Valley Gardens end of the railway. The station has been constructed on top of the stone bunkers, known as the "teams" where the mined ore was initially stored. Ore was tipped from the wagons through trapdoors between the lines directly into the "teams" below. Near to the carriage shed are another set of "teams". Although older and of a different style they served the same purpose and stored ore tipped from the tramway wagons. From the station there is an excellent view overlooking the former Washing Floors and in particular the restored Snaefell Mine waterwheel, Lady Evelyn.
Laxey Village: The village of Laxey is situated on the Eastern coast of the Isle of Man, eight miles to the North of Douglas, the Island's capital. The village name is of Scandinavian origin and translates to "Salmon River", from the abundance of salmon found in the river which flows down the slopes of the Island's only mountain, Snaefell, to the picturesque bay with its tiny harbour.
Snaefell Wheel: The Snaefell Mine was situated at the head of the Laxey Valley and was the most successful of a number of small mines in the Laxey area. Sadly, the mine was to earn its place in Manx history in May 1897 as the scene of the Island's worse mining disaster. An underground fire had filled the mine with carbon monoxide gas and twenty miners died when they unknowingly descended the shaft into the deadly but odourless gas.
Items of Interest: Explore withe Station Building, Station Waiting Carriage, MER Chilled Iron Wheel Set, MER Tyre Wheel, MER Permanent-Way Trolley, Snaefell Mountain Railway Wheel Sets, Ramsey Quarry Wagon, Dumbells Shaft Kibble Pulley Wheel, Snaefell Waterwheel Cornwall Attachment, Pump of unknown Origin and much more like this.
Station and Gift Shop: The Station is located at the valley garden end of the line at the bottom of the ramp coming down from the junction of Captains Hill and New Road (and opposite JJ Ribbons) The shop has been painted again for the start of the season and the shelving has been altered to make it easier for customers to browse.

Facilities

Parking: There is ample car parking on Mines Road.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Address: 35 Ard Reayrt, Laxey, Isle of Man

Post Code: IM4 7QP

Council: Laxey

County: Isle of Man

By Car: There is ample car parking on Mines Road.
By Bus: Use Route 3, Leave at the Mines Road stop.
By Tram: Follow the tramlines out of Laxey Station to the main road and its junction with Mines Road. A footpath leads from the read junction down to the Great Laxey Mine Railway, located in the adjacent Valley Gardens.
Parking: There is ample car parking on Mines Road.