Railways and 'dead zoo' free to enter this weekend

From the steam sheds of the Isle of Man Railway to the Manx Museum's "dead zoo", places not normally open to the public are opening their doors this weekend for Heritage Open Days.

Among the dozens of events taking place, volunteers from the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters' Association are running tours on Saturday and Sunday, taking visitors behind the scenes of the workshops, sheds and signal box. On Sunday, the Manx Electric Railway's Derby Castle sheds in Douglas are also open, with volunteers showing off historic trams and rolling stock.

It's the second and final weekend of the annual festival, organised by Manx National Heritage and now in its 17th year. All events are free, though most need to be booked in advance.

Connie Lovel, chief executive of Manx National Heritage, said the programme "opens doors, sparks curiosity and invites people of all ages to experience the Isle of Man".

Friday 9 October:

Visitors can take a tour of the downstairs State Rooms at Government House, at 11:00 and 14:00, led by historian Peter Kelly.

At 11:30, the "Dead Zoo" tour goes behind the scenes of the Manx Museum's natural history store, where its collection of preserved animal specimens is kept, most of it never put on display. Visitors can find out how the collection is cared for and how it helps us better understand the natural world.

At 14:15, Manx National Heritage curator of archaeology Allison Fox is leading a tour of Rushen Abbey, the remains of a medieval monastery in Ballasalla, exploring more than 800 years of stories of power, conflict and community uncovered through archaeology.

There are also tours of the Public Record Office archives at 10:30 and 14:00.

Saturday 10 October:

Historian Charles Guard is leading two walks, at 11:00 and 14:00, around the Laxey Valley's huge dry-stone walls, whose origins remain "something of a mystery".

At 13:00, Blue Badge Guide Jill Quirk is leading a bilingual Manx and English tour of the Tynwald Site in St John's.

Drop-in exhibitions on Manx Gaelic in Ballaugh and tourism in Kirk Michael are also open.

Sunday 11 October:

To mark 50 years since the Island's buses were nationalised, Bus Vannin is running rides around Douglas on its historic vehicles, with five departures between 10:00 and 14:45.

Charles Guard is also leading tours of Cronk Howe Mooar, or Fairy Hill, in Port Erin, at 11:00 and 14:00, exploring its "unexpected connection" with the Bayeux Tapestry.

Horse tram researcher Pat Newton is also leading a walk along Douglas Promenade at 10:00, tracing the history of its transport, tourism and social life. Events can be booked through the Manx National Heritage website. Where an event is full, visitors can join a waiting list.

The full programme of events, with booking details, is available on the Manx National Heritage website.

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