We're reopening this weekend
29 April 2021
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.
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.
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.
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.
