Description

Join Paul Atterbury, (BBC Antiques Roadshow) on his Island Lines Adventure to the Isle of Man. Here time appears to have stood still for the island’s Victorian transport system, and there is much to explore.

The nationalised Isle of Man Steam Railway continues to operate between Douglas and Port Erin, as it always has done since its opening in 1873. Today, those original locomotives continue to haul the original carriages from the railway’s original terminus in the capital Douglas. Paul explores the delights of the Manx railways as celebrations mark 150 years of service and the carriage of thousands of passengers each year.

Rare archive film brings the lost east coast route to Ramsey via St Johns and Peel back to life.

In Part One, as well as the Isle of Man Steam Railway, Paul witnesses the amazing Manx Electric Railway as well as the delightful and historic Groudle Glen Railway. All of which continue to fulfil the functions they were designed and built to serve.

In Part Two, Paul travels to Ramsey via the Manx Electric’s scenic east coast route. He pauses at Laxey to take a trip to the top of the island’s highest point on the Snaefell Mountain Railway (2,036ft high). From the top there are views of the 6 Kingdoms. (The Isle of Man, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland … and Heaven). Also included are the Laxey Mines Railway, the Douglas Horse Tramway and a visit to the Isle of Man Steam Railway’s workshops.

Throughout his visit Paul meets those who support and maintain the various operations and shares their enthusiasm for the value of these unique survivors. ….A transport system that’s said to be in the DNA of the beautiful Isle of Man