Winter is officially over with the start of Isle of Man Steam Railway services on Saturday (5 March 2016).

Operating Thursdays to Sundays until the Easter holidays, there are four trains each day in both directions between Douglas and Port Erin.

The Dining Car steams back into action with Mothering Sunday lunch and tea services and a full programme of Dining Cars of the World fine dining evenings, murder mysteries and Sunday lunch services now booking throughout the season.

Next week (Friday 11 March 2016) the first Commuter Club Train service of the year will depart Port Erin at 07:45. Residents in the south of the Island can let the train take the strain of their commute to work and enjoy a full breakfast or tasty bap served with tea or coffee on board the Dining Car carriages. The return Commuter Club trains depart Douglas at 17:45 and offer a selection of bar snacks such as curries, chili and stews with a full selection of drinks including local ales available to purchase on board. Passengers can now pre-book for this service online via www.rail.im. After next Friday the Commuter Club Trains operate on the first Friday of every month through to November plus during the TT Festival fortnight.

The full calendar of services including new Curry Club services can be found in the Dining Car leaflet available online and at all main stations. Bookings and enquiries should be made to Steamdining@gov.im or tel 01624 697457.

Rush Hour on the Railways

Easter weekend will see four days of special events to be staged over all three railways – many of which can now be booked online for the first time via www.rail.im.  

The exciting Rush Hour on the Railways takes place 25-28 March 2016 and there are events suitable for all members of the family plus enthusiasts.

Photo - The Dining Car at Keristal, December 2015.  Courtesy of Andrew Scarffe.