The Great Laxey Mine Railway, situated in Laxey on the Isle of Man, offers visitors a unique journey through the island’s mining heritage. Operated by the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust, a registered Manx charity, the railway is entirely maintained by dedicated volunteers.
The railway operates every Saturday from Easter through the end of September, with trains running from 11:00 to 16:30. Tickets are available at the station, with return fares priced at £2.50 for adults and free for children under five. The station accepts major credit and debit cards, including Visa and MasterCard.
The journey begins at the Valley Gardens terminus, formerly the site of the Great Laxey Mine’s Washing Floors. Passengers travel in small carriages hauled by a replica of one of the original steam engines, passing through the island’s only railway tunnel and along the historic tramway that once transported lead and zinc ores from deep within the mine.
At the Mines Yard terminus, visitors can explore a series of information boards detailing the surviving mining features. A short walk from the terminus leads to the Laxey Wheel, known as the Lady Isabella, the largest working waterwheel in the world, and the Snaefell Mine waterwheel, restored to working order in 2006. These unique features set the Great Laxey Mine Railway apart from other railways.
The station also houses a well-stocked gift shop offering unique merchandise, including adult and children’s mugs, fridge magnets, coasters, key fobs, and pin badges featuring the railway’s engines, Ant and Bee. Additionally, three children’s books—”The Magic Tunnel,” “Jinny the Witch and the Magic Tunnel,” and “The Lil’ People and the Magic Tunnel”—are available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting the railway.
For more detailed information on operating days, ticket purchases, and the railway’s history, please visit the official website.
