Groudle Glen Railway
Volunteer-run Victorian steam railway in Groudle Glen with a visitor centre and tea rooms at Sea Lion Rocks, on the site of a former cliff-top zoo.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Groudle Glen Railway was built in 1896 by Richard Maltby Broadbent as part of the Groudle Glen pleasure grounds near Douglas. It carried Victorian holidaymakers uphill to the sea at Sea Lion Rocks, where a cliff-top zoo once showed animals such as sea lions and polar bears. The line declined in the 1950s and 1960s and was closed, with much of the equipment scrapped, and it nearly disappeared.
A group of volunteers began restoring it in 1982, and passenger trains ran again in 1986. Today the railway is run by volunteers as a registered Manx charity. Steam locomotives such as Sea Lion and Brown Bear work most services, and historic diesel and electric engines take over on special days. 2026 marks its 130th year.
The train climbs through the glen to the Sea Lion Rocks terminus. There a visitor centre and tea rooms offer refreshments and a cliff-top patio, and exhibits and artefacts tell the story of the railway and of the glen. Remains of the Victorian zoo can still be seen at the cliff edge.
Highlights
- Victorian steam railway that runs uphill to the sea
- Visitor centre with exhibits on the railway and the glen
- Remains of the Victorian cliff-top zoo
- Sea Lion Rocks tea rooms with cliff-top patio
- Special event days with historic locomotives
Permanent exhibition
- Visitor centre at Sea Lion Rocks – Exhibits and artefacts on the history of the railway and the glen, from the Victorian tourist era to the restoration by volunteers.
- Founded
- 1896
- Operated by
- Groudle Glen Railway Co. Ltd (volunteer-run Manx charity no. 1117)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £7 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £3.50Return fare, valid for travel all day. |
| Groups | –A group discount is available on scheduled services. |
| Single fare, adult | £3.50 |
| Single fare, child | £2 |
| Dog | £0.60 |
| Steam tea with train trip (per person, minimum 2) | £27Online booking required; includes unlimited return travel on the day |
2026 return fares are valid for travel all day. Isle of Man Go Explore cards are accepted on all services from May to October, except Hop tu Naa trains. Special fares apply to the Easter, Hop tu Naa and Christmas events, which need online booking. A season pass is available.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
The railway promotes itself as a family day out. A free family trainspotting challenge runs on every running day: collect a form at the booking office and spot clues along the route. Family events include the Easter bunny trains and a Hop tu Naa Halloween trip.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Groudle Glen (Manx Electric Railway)
Manx Electric Railway to Groudle Glen station; on Wednesday evenings in July and August a Manx Electric Railway Groudle shuttle connects with the steam services.
The main station, Lhen Coan, is a short walk through Groudle Glen. Wednesday evening services run together with the Manx Electric Railway shuttle.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Sea Lion Rocks Tea Rooms and visitor centre at the end of the line, with an indoor room and a cliff-top patio; an emporium sells gifts at the station. Toilets, parking and Wi-Fi are not mentioned.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Group visits, a private train on a running day and private hire of the railway for events or photo charters are offered; enquire through the website.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Good to know | Workshop tours and a guided tour from the Manx Electric Railway are offered on some special event days with online booking. |
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