Laxey (in Manx: Laksaa) is a small village of the Isle of Man, a crown dependency of the United Kingdom in the Irish Sea.
Understand
Laxey is home to the Laxey Wheel, a large water wheel 22 metres in diameter, often described as the biggest in the world. It is a small village and an important transport hub where the island's Electric Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway meet.
Get in
By plane
Isle of Man Airport (IOM IATA), the main civilian airport on the Isle of Man, is in the south of the island about 20 km from Laxey in Ronaldsway near Castletown. There are daily flights from all over Ireland and the United Kingdom.
By boat
There are daily ferries year round from Liverpool and Heysham in the United Kingdom and seasonal ferries from Belfast and Dublin. All ferries arrive in Douglas about 8 km from Laxey.
By train
- 1 Laxey railway station. connected by Manx Electric Railway to Douglas and Ramsey. Also start of Snaefell Mountain Railway
Get around
See
- 1 King Orry's Grave, Orrys Mount, Ballaragh Road, IM4 7PE (walk up the road facing opposite the bus shelter, it's signposted). Neolithic burial site.
- 2 Laxey Wheel, Off Mines Road, IM4 7NL. A large working water wheel operational during the summer months that was built to pump water from the mineshafts nearby. It is said to be the largest operational waterwheel of its kind. £5 adults, £2.50 children.
- 3 Cashtal yn Ard (Castle of Heights), Dhoon Quarry Road (There's a house at a turn in the road, take the path across the field from there, it leads straight to the site.). Largest and best preserved neolithic site in the British Isles. Nearest train stop is in Ballaglass Glen, you can also walk from the bus stop in Glen Mona.
Do
The Raad ny Foillan is a coastal path which follows the coast all the way around the Isle of Man. It passes through Laxey and is ideal for sea views.
Laxey beach is a 30-minute walk from the water wheel.
- 1 Go up Snaefell (Manx: Sniaull). Snaefell is the highest point the island. The Snaefell Mountain Railway leaves from Laxey station. At the summit there's a cafe, and you can walk down the mountain to the stop in Bungalow. The great views can sometimes be obscured by cloud, so check in advance whether it's worth the slow journey. Return: £12 adults, £6 children.
Buy
Eat
- 1 La Mona Lisa, Deepdale Glen Road, ☏ 44 1624 862488.
Drink
- 1 [formerly dead link]Shore Hotel, Old Laxey Hill.
Sleep
There are a few bed and breakfasts in Laxey. For more choice it is advised to head to Douglas.
- 1 [dead link]Ard Aalin, Pinfold Hill, Pinfold Lane, ☏ 44 1624 862106. Bed and Breakfast.
- 2 [dead link]The Bridge Inn, 6 New Rd., ☏ 44 1624 862414.
It is strongly that you book ahead especially in the TT Season when rooms will be at a premium.
Stay safe
The Isle of Man is largely a very safe place but petty crime does occur, and as with any destination, tourists should always be on their guard.