Groudle Glen Railway News

Eggsellent Easter

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:54:54 GMT

The sun was shining for the busy start of the season.

Glorious spring sunshine and the unmistakable scent of steam set the scene for a truly memorable Easter celebration at the Groudle Glen Railway to start our 130th year, where families flocked in their hundreds to enjoy one of the Island’s most cherished seasonal traditions.
From the first departure to the final train of the afternoon, the line was alive with laughter and anticipation as Sea Lion and Otter performed beautifully, their polished brass and billowing steam evoking the golden age of Manx tourism. Nestled within the blossom-filled glen, the railway offered a picture-perfect backdrop as visitors journeyed to Sea Lion Rocks, greeted at the terminus station by the cheerful presence of the Easter Bunny, who ensured no child went home empty-handed, distributing a delightful abundance of chocolate eggs.

The ever-popular Easter egg hunt brought an extra layer of excitement, with clues hidden along the line leading to a range of coveted prizes. Winners were thrilled to receive rewards including travel opportunities from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, an Afternoon tea for 4 at Milntown House, charming Easter Bunny gifts, and even a season pass to return again and again to the railway.

Meanwhile, the café tearooms provided a warm and welcoming hub, offering complimentary tea, coffee and orange juice that kept spirits high throughout the day. With bustling platforms, full trains and a joyful atmosphere from start to finish, the event was widely hailed as a resounding success—capturing not just the spirit of Easter, but the enduring magic of the railway itself.

Trackwork for Tomorrow

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:03:48 GMT

Investing in the railway's future - Our Track Gang doing Winter works!

Since January 2026, volunteers at Groudle Glen Railway have been undertaking another ambitious permanent-way project : a major track relay from Blue Lagoon deep in the glen right up to the top of the hill below Lime Kiln Halt. Working as part of the railway’s dedicated track gang, volunteers have methodically dismantled the life-expired track, lifting old rails and sleepers before digging out the worn trackbed beneath. This demanding groundwork has paved the way for a completely renewed formation designed to secure the long-term future of the line.

The scale of the work has been immense for our small team. New recycled plastic sleepers; each costing around £120 before bolts, fittings, rails, and ballast are even considered; have been carefully installed, followed by the reconstruction of the track itself. More than 40 tonnes of ballast have been barrowed, shovelled, levelled, and packed entirely by hand, before the rails were aligned and the track meticulously tamped to achieve the correct levels and geometry. It is tough, physical work, made all the more challenging by the Manx weather, yet the track gang turns out weekend after weekend regardless of rain, wind, or cold, driven by pride, commitment, and a strong sense of camaraderie.

The railway is profoundly grateful to everyone involved in this project, and extends particular thanks to the Scheinberg Family , whose generous support has been instrumental in making this renewal possible and in safeguarding the sustainability of this much-loved railway. Projects of this scale are expensive, but they are essential if the Groudle Glen Railway is to continue operating safely for future generations.

New volunteers are always welcome to join the track gang and experience the teamwork and satisfaction that comes with maintaining a living piece of heritage.

Those who are able to donate, or who may wish to leave the railway a legacy, are warmly encouraged to get in touch or support the project through online donations: every contribution helps keep this little railway alive.

Santa, Smiles and Steam Trains

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:51:48 GMT

Steam, Santa and Smiles as Christmas Trains Return to Groudle Glen

As winter settled over the Isle of Man, the 2025 Santa Trains returned to the Groudle Glen Railway, delighting families with a beloved holiday tradition that has been part of the line’s calendar since the 1980s. Running on selected Saturdays and Sundays in mid-December, these festive services saw heritage steam trains departing throughout the day from Lhen Coan, their carriages decked with seasonal lights and decorations. Young passengers and their families boarded with anticipation, travelling through the atmospheric glen to North Pole Halt, where Santa Claus awaited with gifts and hearty festive cheer. With tickets selling briskly and online pre-booking essential, the event offered a joyful mix of classic steam railway charm and Christmas magic that kept queues moving and spirits bright.

Alongside the Santa Trains, the Groudle Glen Railway also hosted its traditional Mince Pie Trains on Boxing Day, providing a relaxed post-Christmas celebration for locals and visitors alike. Running from late morning into the afternoon, these services combined the simple pleasure of a steam journey through the glen with seasonal refreshments, including hot drinks and classic mince pies, in the convivial setting of the railway’s festive carriages. Volunteers and staff embraced the spirit of the season throughout both events, helping to make the railway’s historic locomotives and cosy atmosphere a focal point for family outings and holiday memories.

Through both the Santa and Mince Pie Trains, the railway once again demonstrated its ability to blend heritage transport with community celebration, drawing enthusiasts and families to experience the sights, sounds and scents of steam in an unforgettable festive setting. From the cheerful calls of “All aboard!” to the final whistle of the season’s last run, the 2025 holiday services upheld a warm Manx tradition that continues to grow in popularity each year.

Spooktacular Steaming

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:18:55 GMT

Jinny the Witch and Friends delight families for Hop tu Naa

The 2025 Not So Scary Hop Tu Naa Trains at Groudle Glen Railway once again proved to be a highlight of the Manx autumn calendar, welcoming families for a gentle, child-friendly introduction to the island’s traditional Hop Tu Naa celebrations. Running on selected evenings in late October, the event transformed the historic Groudle Glen Railway into a warmly lit woodland adventure, with pumpkin lanterns, autumn decorations, and subtle spooky touches that delighted younger visitors without any frights. Staff and volunteers embraced the spirit of the season, creating an atmosphere that balanced heritage, folklore, and family fun.

Families boarding the trains at Broomstick Halt experienced more than just a ride through Groudle Glen. Children were encouraged to dress up, visit Jinny the Witch to receive a spooky gift, and enjoy naughty but nice refreshments, while parents appreciated the relaxed pace and nostalgic charm of the railway after dark. The journey through the glen, illuminated by soft lighting and some larger than life spooky friends of Jinny, offered a rare evening perspective on one of the island’s best-loved attractions, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Hauling the Hop Tu Naa services were the railway’s much-loved heritage locomotives Sea Lion, Brown Bear and Otter, presented in immaculate condition and adding to the sense of stepping back in time. As with previous years, the 2025 Not So Scary Hop Tu Naa Trains reinforced the Groudle Glen Railway’s reputation for delivering imaginative events that respect tradition while creating lasting memories for a new generation of visitors.

Music to our Ears

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:04:44 GMT

A Musical Day by the Sea: 2025 Cliff Top Concerts

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.

Heritage Transport Festival

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:55:31 GMT

A celebration of Manx Heritage Transport

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.

Diesel & Electric Day 2025

Fri, 30 May 2025 13:28:58 GMT

The "modern" traction comes out to play!

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.

Eggsellent Easter Bunny Trains

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:03:35 GMT

Bright and Bouncy start to the 2025 Season

Always a great kick start to the season after the long winter months... the welcome arrival of the Easter Bunny at Groudle Glen.

The weather played ball for pretty much all of the 2025 event (we'll ignore first thing Monday morning!)

Sea Lion and Brown Bear were in service operating an intensive three coach service on both Easter Sunday and Monday between 10am and 4:30pm taking families from the secluded glen, along the line to help spot some of the Easter Bunny's eggs hidden along the line out to Sea Lion Rocks Tea Rooms.

Upon arrival the Easter Bunny had chocolate eggs for all the children and had time for everyone to have a souvenir photo taken aswell before enjoying free tea, coffee and orange juice in the cafe with lots of other sumptuous delights on offer.

Congratulations to Mat, Zack and Elijah who were picked at random from all the correct entries to win the Easter Egg Hunt prizes which included a £100 voucher from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, a £100 voucher from Walton's Direct, a £50 Tynwald Mills voucher a big Easter Bunny teddy and a free family pass for the railway for the season.

Steam Trains and the tea rooms are now operating every Sunday from 11am to 4:30pm.

Bumper Christmas 2025

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:15:43 GMT

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.

Spooktacular Sell out

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 11:33:47 GMT

A record year for our Not So Scary Hop tu Naa Trains

For the second year running families turned out in their hundreds to enjoy the family friendly spooky atmosphere at Groudle over the weekend.

Sea Lion & Otter were in service hauling busy trains from Broomstick Halt where passengers had been met by Mr Pumpkin, a spooky trip through the glen passing some of our cheerful ghoulish friends then arriving at Witches Hollow.

As well as the warm and spooktacular atmosphere, families visited Jinny the Witch in her lair to receive a frightfully fun gift, enjoyed sweets from her friends and refreshments including hot chocolate with cream and marsh mellows and spooky doughnuts!

Our thanks to not only everyone who visited us, but also the volunteers who helped make the event so special and for the support of Bus Vannin for the provision of the shuttle bus to the railway.

Next stop....CHRISTMAS!

Busy Steam Gala

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 11:40:17 GMT

Three steam locomotives, two trains, one great day!

The weather eventually played ball for our September Steam Gala as the day started damp and overcast, but by midday the sun was thankfully shining and the railway was very busy with all three steam locomotives in service with two trains passing at the headland loop.

Visitors relished the opportunity to see all three locomotives; Sea Lion, Brown Bear and Otter in service together all day operating an intensive service.

Sunday services now continuing into October.

Our next special event is the Hop Tu Naa Trains at the end of October which is booking only. Tickets available online.

Warm Sunshine & Crowds for Cliff Top Concerts

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:55:13 GMT

All we can say is 'Wow!'

We are lost for words for just how well received our Cliff Top Concerts event was this year.

Considering 2024 has not been the best of summers on the Isle of Man weather wise, the sun certainly shone on Groudle for this year's event.

It was a day of wall to wall sunshine and people flocked to the cliff tops at Sea Lion Rocks to enjoy the free concerts from some of the island's most talented musicians.

This year they were treated to performances from Callum Rowe, Mine's a Shanty, Biskee Brisht, The Reveilettes and our traditional finale group; The Shenannigans Band.

A three coach shuttle service was operated with Sea Lion and Brown Bear topping and tailing the service all day.

Busy Heritage Transport Festival

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:41:59 GMT

Crowds flock to the island to enjoy the rich variety of railway heritage.

The annual Manx Heritage Transport Festival has become a huge week for the unique collection of Heritage railways on the Isle of Man, with large numbers of visitors flocking to the railways for a festival of unique transport opportunities.

At Groudle we offered an extended day of running with services from dawn til dusk, a Victorian Day recreating Sea Lion's early years at the railway in the 1890s, workshop and shed tours, photo line ups and finally a big Gala day when all locomotives and coaching stock was in service.

The final gala day saw all 7 locomotives; Sea Lion, Brown Bear, Otter, Maltby, Dolphin, Walrus and Polar Bear (Annie is away under rebuild) perform a pre-service photo line up on the headland section of the railway which was quite a spectacle.

The railway was very well supported with near to full trains operating on busy shuttle service during the festival.

We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025!

Eggsellant Easter Bunny Trains

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:26:39 GMT

Busy start to the 2024 Season

The glorious sunshine of Easter Sunday 2024 was a perfect accompaniment to the fun and frollicks of the popular Easter Bunny trains at Groudle.

Sea Lion and Brown Bear were both performing an intensive top and tail service across both Easter Sunday and Monday transporting large numbers of families from the brightly decorated and lively Lhen Coan out onto the cliff tops to see the Easter Bunny and receive chocolate eggs in the vibrant and musical surroundings of Sea Lion Rocks.

Also whilst on the trip visitors kept their eyes peeled for the Easter Egg Hunt to spot the eggs that the Bunny had left behind in order to enter the draw to win a voucher to spend at the Ocean Views Bar and Grill, plus a giant Easter Bunny Teddy and a year's family pass to the railway.

A memorable time was had by all and if you visited with your family, we hope you made some wonderful memories and had a fun experience.

The railway reopens for the summer season on Sunday 5th May.

40th Anniversary Christmas Trains a huge success

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 17:38:01 GMT

40th Anniversary of the first Santa trains in 1983

The initial terminus of the Santa Trains - the starting point of the restoration - The Headland! Santa's Grotto was located in the temporary wooden engine shed seen on the right in the first image. Plus images of the early years of the Santa Trains in the 1980s. Things have come a long way!

2023 proved to be another hugely successful festive season at the railway with record bookings for our Santa Trains and Boxing Day Mince Pie trains as they continue to grow in popularity. Over the various operating days all three steam locomotives; Sea Lion, Brown Bear and Otter were in service operating intensive shuttle services. We continue to improve the events bit by bit every year from reducing queing with the ticketing system, to improvements in decorations, a newly refurbished grotto for our guest from the North Pole and the new addition of the snowmen photo seat nicknamed 'Boris & Doris!'

2023 was also the 40th anniversary of the Santa Trains, the first services being a simple affair operated only a year after the restoration of the railway had been started in 1982, primarily as a much needed fundraiser.

Since then they have continued to grow in popularity and also in term of complexity and standards.

Prior to the Santa trains on Sunday 17th December 2023 volunteers past and present gathered to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Santa Trains at Groudle.

The three original volunteers Bill, Colin and Richard gave a short speech recalling the first service back in 1983 using wagons, diesel loco Walrus and a short stretch out onto the clifftops. They had manyfunny tales to tell of those early services; music being provided from a car stereo that had been ripped out of someone's car, seats for the passengers which were old sleepers wrapped in carpet and stacked in bomb wagon trucks... And it was only 50p!! Then a cake was cut for the occasion and absent friends were toasted.

Here’s to the next 40 years!

Sell Out Hop tu Naa Trains

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 18:07:44 GMT

Not So Scary Trains prove a success!

Our first ever Not So Scary Hop tu Naa trains have proved a big hit with families.

Ran over the weekend of 28th and 29th September, the trains were a new addition to our special event calendar as Jinny the Witch welcomed children (young and old) to her lair.

Fortunately for all the boys and girls, Jinny is a kind witch and her assistants were on hand to give out plenty of sweets.

With passengers met by a giant pumpkin, they boarded the train bound for Witches Hollow, passing some friendly ghosts hanging out trackside.

Once at the terminus, they met Jinny and her assistants, had some hot chocolate (with whipped cream and marshmallows) and headed off on the train back down into the glen.

Railway chairman Trevor Nall said that the railway decided to run the trains when they thought that younger children weren’t being catered for during Hop tu Naa.

He said: ‘We picked the non-scary trains hoping that would be an attraction and I think judging by the amount of people we’ve managed to attract, it appears to be working well and it certainly seems to be popular.’

Trevor said that by booking people into 15 minute slots, the railway had managed to ensure no-one was waiting for too long, while running the trains at night was a special treat for the volunteers as they never normally get to operate in the dark.

Looking ahead, Trevor confirmed the trains will be back next year, but with some new additions, saying ‘we will certainly improve that we’ve noticed that maybe nobody else does’.

In the meantime, Groudle Glen Railway will be back in operation this winter with the Santa Trains and the ever popular Mince Pie Trains.

For a video from the event and a full story, check out the Gef story here.

Busy Cliff Top Concerts

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:25:40 GMT

The sun shines for a day of music concerts

Despite the changeable weather recently, Groudle was lucky last Sunday (13th August) as the sun had his hat on!

We were treated to glorious sunny weather along with a full day of open-air concerts at Sea Lion Rocks.

Sea Lion and Otter were both in service all day, "topping & tailing" three bogie coaches with trains packed with families, visitors and locals alike to enjoy the concerts in this unique location.

Performances took place all day at Sea Lion Rocks station from 11am to 4:30pm from Matt Creer, Mine's a Shanty, Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums, Rushen Silver Band and The Shenanigans Banned.

It was great to see so many people visiting.

The railway and tea rooms are now open on Wednesday evenings 7pm - 9pm alongside the Manx Electric Railway shuttle services until the end of August and Sundays 11am to 4:30pm until the end of October.

Our next special event is the Steam Gala day - Sunday 17th September and tickets are already available online for our new 'Not So Scary' Hop tu Naa trains at the end of October.

New Shop proving popular

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:36:51 GMT

Largest collection of Railway books on the Isle of Man

The new Lhen Coan shop is proving extremely popular with visitors, especially during the Heritage Transport Festival.

Along with it's attractive appearance and much improved size and space, the new welcome centre is proving popular, especially the huge range of railway books.

The shop features possibly the largest collection of railway books on the island, both new and second hand with some very rare titles available.

The shop is open whenever the railway is operating, so if you'd like to purchase a rare gem... make sure you pay it a visit.

Busy Start to Transport Festival

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:56:42 GMT

Manx Heritage Transport Festival - Busiest in living memory

The crowds have certainly made their presence known across the island at this year's Heritage Transport Festival celebrating the Year of the Railways.

The Island's railways have been running to capacity since the festival began last Sunday and Groudle is no exception.

For our Wednesday running from 11am to 9pm, we seen the busiest standard running day on record with Otter and Polar Bear in constant service will full trains.

There is more to come:

Saturday 29th July 11am to 4:30pm - Victorian Day : The rare chance to experience Sea Lion in service with her original Victorian rake of coaches.

Sunday 30th July 11am to 4:30pm - GALA DAY - Everything that moves will be out. Up to 7 locomotives in service from steam to diesel and electric.

Along with our popular Cliff Top Tea rooms proving popular, our NEW for 2023 souvenir shops at Lhen Coan has proved popular with its range of Groudle clothing and also the largest collection of railway books and ephemera you will find on the Isle of Man, including a lot of rare second hand titles. So make sure you pay it a visit.

NEW for 2023 - Steam Teas

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 10:32:26 GMT

Why not treat yourselves to a special Steam Tea at Groudle?

NEW FOR 2023: Steam Teas at Groudle.

Very limited... but come and enjoy a Steam Tea at the Sea Lion Rocks Tearooms.

Must be booked online in advance simply go to BUY TICKETS.

Includes unlimited train travel, unlimited tea & coffee, a selection of sandwiches, cakes, crisps and biscuits, plus reserved seating at the tearooms.

Book now for Hop Tu Naa

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 10:24:28 GMT

Tickets now available online for the new 'Not So Scary' Hop tu Naa Trains

Tickets are now on sale for the first Groudle Glen Railway ‘Not So Scary' Hop Tu Naa trains which will take place this autumn.

On Saturday & Sunday 28th and 29th October 2023, come and explore the railway after dark and take a trip to see Jinny the Witch in her Lair, enjoy some gentle spooky fun and receive a spooky gift bag and refreshments.

Simply go to BUY TICKETS on the website and books yours now. Tickets are limited and will not be available to purchase on the day.

Busy Diesel & Electric Day

Tue, 09 May 2023 07:37:14 GMT

Diesel & Electric Day - Great way to start the season

In a quirk of the calendar this year, our first running day of the 2023 season was our annual Diesel & Electric Day.

This early season event has become popular in allowing us to offer the rare chance for visitors to travel on trains hauled by our more unusual collection of historic locomotives.

This year all our historic Diesel and Electric locomotives were in service; The 'Hi-De-Hi' steam outline diesel locomotive Maltby of 1947 saw service on a number of trains, accompanied by the sisters Dolphin and Walrus of 1952. Dolphin completed a multi year rebuild last year and is in immaculate condition. We are currently looking for a sponsor for the £35,000 required to complete a similar rebuild for Walrus (if you can help please contact us via the contact page).

Also our Battery Electric locomotive Polar Bear saw active service on a number of services. She is a replica of the locomotives which operated in the glen in the 1920s in place of the steam engines at the time.

All in all it was a busy day of operations showcasing the Island's oldest diesel and electric locomotives in service and despite the overcast weather it was a well supported day. Thank you to everyone who attended.

The railway will now continue to operate on Sundays from 11am to 4:30pm with steam locomotives in action each week, more details please visit our timetable page.

An Eggsellant start to the year!

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 18:09:11 GMT

Bumper Easter Bunny Trains to start 2023 Season

Brown Bear and Otter were on duty for the Easter Bunny Trains of 2023. After returning in 2022 following an absence of two years due to the pandemic, the popular family event was back again this year bigger and better. It was great to see so many happy smiling faces coming to travel on the railway in 2023.

Despite the weather no semmingly making its mind up over the two days, the railway recorded record numbers for the popular family event which was supported by Shoprite in donating a £200 voucher as a prize for the Easter Egg Hunt.

The Summer services start on 7th May with the Diesel and Electric Day. Full details on the timetable page with plenty more services ans special events to come in 2023.

Festive magic at Groudle

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:30:48 GMT

Record numbers enjoy festive fun with Santa at Groudle.

Over the two weekends before Christmas, Groudle once again welcomed large numbers of family's to its festive wonderland to meet Santa and his elves!

A new ticket only, time slot, booking system has been introduced in recent years for Christmas & Easter which has kept queues to a minimum.. with many positive comments received from visitors.

Sea Lion & Brown Bear both saw intensive service operating shuttle services approximately every 10-15 minutes from North Pole Halt, into the glen to Santa's Halt.

Always a key event in the railway's calendar not just in terms of fundraising for the charity, but also for the large numbers of volunteers who passionately work hard to provide such a wonderful atmosphere for families... (it's as big a part of our Christmas as it is the visitors!)

Mince Pie Trains will once again be operating on Boxing Day from 11am to 3pm.

The volunteers wish to thank everyone for their support once again over Christmas and wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

Nollick Ghennal.

Busy Cliff Top Concerts

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 12:41:25 GMT

Annual event drew the crows in the sunshine

Nothing could put off the crowds visiting our Cliff Top Concerts this year. Everything from baking heat to wildfires still didn't stop hundreds of people from flocking to Sea Lion Rocks to enjoy the open air concerts in stunning surroundings.

Trains were operated by diesel locomotives Maltby and Dolphin as a safety precaution in the extreme heat, as our steam locomotives would have been a fire risk. Despite this, there was a small flare up from a wildfire the day before along the line and the volunteers were extremely grateful to the Fire service for attending and keeping everyone safe.

AS in previous years the concerts were well supported and there were some great performances from Shoh Slynt, Mine's a Shanty, Truman Falls and The Shenannigans Banned.

Get the dates in your diaries.... Cliff Top Concerts 2023 will be Sunday August 13th.

Our next Event is the Steam Gala Day on Sunday 18th September 2022 between 11am and 4:30pm.

Diesel Loco Dolphin on test after rebuild

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:31:41 GMT

70 year old locomotive has been completely rebuilt

Following a multi year, in house extensive rebuild from the frame up…our diesel loco Dolphin of 1952 was out on test today ahead of her being relaunched for our Diesel Electric Day on 8th May for her 70th birthday.

Following that it will be the turn of her sister Walrus who is also turning 70 this year.

Both locomotives were critical to the restoration of the line in the 1980s having been purchased second hand as part of an entire railway from Doddington House in the UK.

A huge congratulations to volunteers James, Mike, Matt, Ben and others who have contributed to her being restored to service in such wonderful condition.

Winner of Easter Egg Hunt

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:28:50 GMT

Congratulations to this year's lucky Easter Winners

Congratulations to Mikey and Darcy for winning our Easter Egg Hunt. Our Chairman Trevor popped to see the family to present them with their huge Easter Bunny and a £200 voucher generously donated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Easter Bunny Trains Return

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 09:33:17 GMT

After a 3 year hibernation - The Easter Bunny was back!

Due to the pandemic the popular Easter Bunny Trains and Easter Egg Hunt hasn't operated at Groudle since 2019... but this year the event was back, bigger and better than before. Record numbers of visitors attended the railway over the two days in what was gloriously sunny weather.

For the first time the event was pre-booking only in time slots and this had the effect of eliminating large queues which significantly improved the experience for everyone. There were also many positive comments about the new Easter eggs the bunny brought and the initial refurbishment works to Sea Lion Rocks tea rooms. Sea Lion, Brown Bear and Otter were all in service over the two days, operating a single 'top and tailed' train on an intensive shuttle service every 10-15 mins throughout the day.

If you visited us for Easter we hope you a wonderful time. The railway and the tea rooms open for the Summer Season on Sunday 1st May from 11am.

Track relay complete!

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:27:21 GMT

Following a number of weekends working in some very wet and stormy weather, the volunteer team on track have finally completed this year's major relay at 'Hokey Cokey curve' ahead of the Easter Train services next month.

The track has been inspected and is completed to a very high standard utilising brand new S14 rail, recycled composite plastic sleepers, baseplates and pandrol clips, ensuring longevity.

We wish to thank our generous supporters the Scheinberg Family and the Manx Lottery Trust for enabling such vital works to take please.

The railway will next be open for Easter Bunny Trains on Easter Sunday & Monday 17th & 18th April. Pre-booking is required for these services, so book now online to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing you.

Winter Relay Underway

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 18:11:34 GMT

Track Replaced Ahead of Easter 2022

Following our popular Christmas trains down the glen, our volunteer team have turned their attention to this year's major track relay.

The curve just below Blue Lagoon was due for replacement and thanks to generous support from the Scheinberg family and also the Manx Lottery Trust we are relaying the section with new S14 rail, composite sleepers made from recycled plastic, base plates and pandrol clips.

THis is one of the rare areas of the line where there is also a check rail so the work is a little more intricate to complete, not helped by what seems to be constant storms and heavy rain for our teams to work through.

This section will be completed ahead of our Easter Bunny Trains in April.

First weekend of Santa Trains

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 18:23:15 GMT

Festive magic down the glen for the first weekend visit of the man in the red suit!

Last weekend saw the first weekend of our popular Santa Trains at Groudle. Locomotives Sea Lion (celebrating her 125th birthday this year) and sister Brown Bear were hauling an intensive service that saw hundreds of Manx families come to travel with us and enjoy the festive atmosphere, refreshments and to visit Santa Claus in his grotto aswell.

The weather was a mixture of wet on Saturday and overcast on Sunday, but that didn't put off visitors who wanted to get into the spirit of it.

It is the first year of the service being completely booking only and whilst some tweaking to the booking system is still required, there were improvements in some areas of the operation from last year.

The free shuttle bus service to the glen operated by Bus Vannin was popular and guests were reminded that face coverings were mandatory on the bus service. In terms of Covid mitigation at the railway there were increased hygiene measures, hand sanitising stations and despite being an outdoor event, visitors were requested to wear face coverings if they felt appropriate and to consider the vulnerabilities of others when visiting.

Eyes now turn to next week's services on Saturday and Sunday which will see Sea Lion, Brown Bear and Otter all in service across the weekend.

We're reopening this weekend

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 18:54:19 GMT

The start of our 125th Anniversary Season!

The volunteers at Groudle Glen Railway are delighted to announce that the railway will reopen for its 125th anniversary year this coming Sunday and Monday; the May bank holiday weekend.

The railway was sadly unable to open for the Easter Bunny Trains for the second year running due to Covid restrictions and there were also major engineering works that had to be completed prior to re-opening, but these have now been completed.

“Our team of volunteers have pulled out all the stops working around the clock over the last couple of weeks to complete the major trackworks in our main station at Lhen Coan,” says Charity Chairman Trevor Nall, “these were essential works and part of our 125th Anniversary Legcay project, but we couldn’t open until all the works were completed… and now after some long days and late evenings down the glen, the railway is ready to run once again”

The railway and the cliff top tea rooms will be open this Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4:30pm offering families from across the island the chance for a day out on one of the Isle of Man’s cherished vintage railways and refreshments in one of the island’s beauty spots following weeks of recent lockdown. The line will then continue with its summer season operating every Sunday between 11am and 4:30pm plus Wednesday evenings from mid June and August from 7pm to 9pm.

On Sunday 23rd May the railway will officially celebrate its 125th Anniversary with a day of celebrations in the glen starting with a ceremony at 11am featuring the line’s original 1896 steam locomotive Sea Lion. Families acorss the island are invited to then take part in a Trainspotting Challenge in order to win an UHDTV generously donated by Waltons before enjoying music at the Cliff Top Tea Rooms from Truman Falls. Tickets are already available online for this special day online at www.ggr.org.uk .

“We are very proud of what has been achieved by our team of volunteers at the railway since restoration began in 1982, “ says Trevor, “however the work goes on and the 125 Legacy Project at Lhen Coan is only partially completed with a new platform & trackwork…a welcome centre and shop is in the planning and will be completed in time to welcome future visitors back to the railway by the end of the season.”

The railway is always looking for new volunteers to join the team to assist in running the line, the tea rooms and other various aspects including painting, catering, joinery, electrics, horticulture, marketing and engineering. If you feel you’d like to do something worthwhile with your Sundays, please get in touch via the website www.ggr.org.uk as you will be made most welcome.

The volunteers at Groudle Glen Railway wish to thank their generous supporters for their continued support of the railway, especially during these recent challenging times; including the Scheinberg family, The Manx Lottery Trust, The Alan Chinery Trust, The Elizabeth Clucas Trust and The Gough Ritchie Charitable Trust.

Easter Bunny Trains Cancelled

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 20:48:01 GMT

Isle of Man COVID Lockdown forces cancellation for second year running

It is with a heavy heart that we are having to cancel the Easter Bunny Trains and Easter Egg hunt for the second year running due to the current circumstances in the Isle of Man.

It is obviously a huge blow to lose such a major fundraiser for the charity for the second year running which will have a huge impact on the finances of the charity... and we're sorry for all the families who were looking forward to coming and joining in with all the fun... . but we will be back to celebrate our 125th birthday with a huge family fun day and treasure hunt on Sunday 23rd May.

If you have pre-booked tickets for the Easter Bunny Trains please click here to visit our bookings page where you can apply for either a transfer to our 125th Birthday Family Celebrations or a full refund.

From all the volunteers at the railway we thank you for your continued support & look forward to seeing you soon to celebrate our 125th year in style... until then stay safe.

Polar Bear Rebuild Continues

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 20:28:35 GMT

Polar Bear will return to service in 2021

Despite the ongoing COVID situation which is affecting both the UK and here on the Isle of Man we are pleased to report that work has continued with the rebuilding of our Battery Electric locomotive Polar Bear.

She was shipped to the UK in July 2020 for mechanical overhaul at John Fowler & Sons in Cumbria which saw a new braking system installed and a full mechanical overhaul of the gearbox. Following this she has received an electrical service prior to a full strip down and repaint.

She is now awaiting restrictions to be relaxed to allow her to return to the Isle of Man.

Polar Bear is a replica B.E.V. (British Electric Vehicles) locomotive of the ones used at Groudle in the 1920s. She was rebuilt from a donor locomotive by Alan Keefe Ltd in 2002 and has operated successfully at Groudle ever since.

The volunteers would like to thank the Trustees of the Elizabeth Clucas Trust for their generous support in financing this locomotive's overhaul.

Busiest Christmas on Record

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 20:41:15 GMT

Record numbers visit Santa

Following a very challenging year caused by the global COVID situation keeping the Isle of Man's borders closed to tourists, thankfully local families turned out in force to support the railway this Christmas.

The Santa Trains are always the most popular dates in the railway's calendar after Easter, but this year saw record numbers attend the railway for the unique festive atmosphere, the fun and festivities and to visit the man in the red suit.

The railway ran an intensive service for Santa trains over four days with a further Mince Pie Train day on Boxing Day.

trains departed approximately every ten minutes,.. 'top and tailed' by two locomotives which were either Sea Lion & Brown Bear or Sea Lion and Otter.

We will continue to explore ways to continue to improve the experience for guests next year, including ensuring the event is pre-booking only for 2021 to manage numbers at peak times.

The volunteers at the railway are extremely grateful for the support from local families and wish you all the best for new year and beyond.