Port Erin Railway Museum
Free railway museum beside Port Erin station with steam-era locomotives, carriages, a royal saloon and memorabilia from the Isle of Man Steam Railway.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Port Erin Railway Museum stands in Station Road, about 50 yards from the southern terminus of the Isle of Man Steam Railway. The railway opened in 1873, and the station has hosted displays about its history ever since. The present museum dates from the summer of 1975, when the island’s bus operator moved to a new garage and its old bus garage next to the station became free for exhibitions. The main hall is that converted garage, with a part of an old goods shed incorporated, and the building was rebuilt in 1998 to 1999.
The collection covers the story of the Isle of Man Steam Railway and its former lines to Peel, Ramsey and Foxdale. It includes steam locomotives such as Mona and Sutherland, historic passenger carriages and vans, a royal saloon carriage used for royal visits, photographs, posters and small items such as an original carriage door from 1873.
The displays are arranged and looked after by volunteers of the Isle of Man Heritage Railway Volunteers, and groups can normally be guided by one of them. A diesel locomotive simulator, the only railway simulator on the island, is also on site but was out of service at the time of research.
Highlights
- Steam locomotives and historic carriages from the Isle of Man Steam Railway
- Royal saloon carriage used on visits by members of the royal family
- Photographs, posters and memorabilia from 1873 onwards
- Diesel locomotive simulator (when in service)
Permanent exhibition
- Isle of Man Steam Railway collection – Steam locomotives, historic carriages, a royal saloon and memorabilia telling the story of the railway since 1873.
- Founded
- 1975
- Operated by
- Isle of Man Railways Division, Department of Infrastructure
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | –Group bookings are welcome. |
|---|---|
| Drive the Diesel simulator, 15-minute session | £5Currently out of service |
| Drive the Diesel simulator, enthusiast level | £10Currently out of service |
Entry to the museum is free for everyone.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that it has disabled access. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome. There are no toilets in the museum; toilets are at Port Erin railway station, about 50 yards away.
Kids & families
No specific family programme is described; the locomotives, carriages and the simulator are of interest to young railway fans.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Port Erin railway station
Isle of Man Steam Railway to Port Erin.
The museum is in Station Road, about 50 yards from Port Erin railway station.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Gift shop with souvenirs. There are no toilets in the museum; they are at Port Erin station, about 50 yards away. A café, Wi-Fi and parking are not described on the museum’s page.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Group bookings are welcome, and a volunteer can normally guide a group; group bookings are arranged by email to HireMe@gov.im. The displays are put together by the Isle of Man Heritage Railway Volunteers. |
