Bumper Christmas 2025

6 January 2025

Santa helps record numbers make magical memories

Santa paid his annual visit to Groudle Glen Railway in the two weekends prior to Christmas and brought a festive winter wonderland with him with record numbers of families visiting to make magical memories.

Sea Lion, Brown Bear and Otter were in service over both weekends, with the new Tinsel Trams operating for the first time this year brining people from Douglas and the free Bus Vannin shuttle bus transporting people to North Pole Halt at Groudle Beach.

Also for the first time visitors were able to have their photo taken with Santa's Elves and download it specifically in high quality from a QR code.

Hot Chocolate, cookies, tea, coffee, orange juice, mulled punch and mince pies were also available in abundance, but the big man in the red suit was the main attraction and he distributed quality gifts to hundreds of children ahead of the big day.

On Boxing Day when the excesses of Christmas were over, hundred of visitors attended the Mince Pie Trains to blow the cobwebs away and enjoy the festive atmosphere when Santa and his team had retired to the North Pole for a rest.

The railway now looks ahead to 2025... with tickets being on sale shortly for our popular Easter Bunny Trains and the popular steam teas already available for booking for the 2025 season.
28 August 2025
On Sunday 10 August 2025, Groudle Glen Railway hosted its beloved Cliff Top Concerts, offering a day of free live music that harmonised perfectly with the stunning cliff‑top backdrop of Sea Lion Rocks Tea Rooms From 11 am to 4:30 pm, visitors were treated to an enchanting sequence of performances by talented Manx musicians. The lineup included Jeff Jepson (11–11:45 am), Simon & Jeff of Truman Falls (11:45 am–12:30 pm), Sambamann (12:30–1 pm), Rushen Silver Band (1:15–2 pm), The Reveillettes (2–2:45 pm), and the energetic THE SHENANNIGANS BANNED closing the concert at 3–4 pm True to Groudle’s welcoming tradition, trains ran throughout the day, hauled by both Sea Lion and Otter, bringing guests to the Tea Rooms—though prebooking was optional, allowing spontaneous visits as well as planned trips. The combination of live music and the gentle clatter of heritage steam created a uniquely immersive experience that delighted families and music lovers alike. Attendees also shared their delight online, calling it “What an afternoon! Stunning scenes, wonderful music, lovingly restored Victorian steam railway… What’s not to love?” This year’s Cliff Top Concerts continued a proud tradition: a heartfelt celebration of local musical talent set against the natural beauty and nostalgia of the Groudle Glen Railway. The event not only offered entertainment but also reinforced the railway’s community spirit and commitment to preserving Manx heritage in creative ways. Whether visitors came for the music, the train ride, or simply the ambiance, the day resonated long after the final note faded on the cliffs.
28 August 2025
The 2025 Manx Heritage Transport Festival held from 22 to 27 July, celebrating our rich transport legacy and inspiring future generations through a week-long schedule of heritage events across the Isle of Man Groudle Glen Railway played a standout role throughout the festival. On Wednesday, the railway and its charming tea rooms welcomed visitors from 11 am to 9 pm, offering extended operations to soak in the vintage atmosphere and enjoy special pre-booked steam teas and also workshop tours . The excitement continued into Saturday, designated as “Victorian Nostalgia Day.” Here, our beloved original locomotive Sea Lion of 1896 pulled her original 1896/1905 four-wheeled coaches, providing delightfully authentic rides with a dash of history Sunday was dedicated to a festive Gala Day, featuring a diverse showcase of the railway’s rolling stock—from steam to battery to diesel locomotives all in operation. A special photo opportunity lined up all the locomotives in one place—available through advance booking GGR Festivalgoers were treated to more than train rides. The whole island buzzed with workshops, photography sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, heritage bus runs, and more—ensuring something for everyone, from rail aficionados to families and casual visitors In essence, the 2025 Manx Heritage Transport Festival wove together the Isle of Man’s railway past and present into a vibrant celebration. With special attractions like Groudle Glen’s extended operations, nostalgic locomotive runs, and immersive experiences, the festival delivered a captivating journey through rail heritage that resonated with enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
30 May 2025
As the years pass by we notice a steady increase in the interest in our relatively modern locomotives... the 1920s Battery Electric Polar Bear and the 1940s / 1950s diesel locomotives. As volunteers we always look forward to the annual Diesel Electric day which helps kick start the summer season in early May. Our Hudson Hunslet diesel locomotive Walrus of 1952 was missing this year as she is under full rebuild, but her sister Dolphin saw passenger service alongside the Baguley diesel locomotive of 1947 Maltby (known as the Hi-De-Hi locomotive.) Our replica Battery Electric locomotive Polar Bear is always a popular locomotive, especially with her Groudle heritage... and we didn't want to disappoint steam fans, so the day saw Sea Lion operating aswell to offer a two train service passing at the loop and providing a great comparison between the different types of motive power.
Show More