Trams and Pier Railways

Opened in 1883 this is the world oldest electric railway, it runs for 1 mile along Brighton's seafront during the summer months. It is 3rd rail electric originally 2' gauge but later widened to 2'8½".

Douglas Horse Trams

The oldest horse tram service in the world, it runs along Douglas promenade connecting the Manx electric railway with the harbour and Manx steam railway. It has been in service in 1876. It only runs April - Sept.

Snaefell Mountain Railway

Started running in 1895, it runs from Laxey village (interchange with the Manx electric railway) to the summit of Snaefell Mountain (the highest in the Isle of Man 2036'). It is 5 miles long max 1 in 12 gradient on 3'6" gauge rails. There is a central rail to aid braking. It is single line running with a central station halfway up.

Manx Electric Railway

The line from Douglas to Laxey was completed in 1893 and existing stock is original to this time (they are the oldest running tras in the world), although there are some later additions to the fleet up until 1906. The line was extended to Ramsey in 1899, the total length is 17 miles on 3 foot gauge.

Blackpool Tramway

Opened in 1885 an extensive system with 61 stops, 64 trams and 18lm of line. The tram cars are a mixture of 1930's to 1960's construction some have been rebuilt, there a selection of older trams used occasionally. They have famously illuminated cars during the Blackpool illuminations. The trams

Seaton Tramway

Opened in 1970 with a tramway removed from Rhyll. It runs from Colyton to Seaton on 2'9" gauge rails with 13 minature trams.

Brighton and Rottingdean Seashore Electric Railway

Also know as Daddy long legs, this amazing line was to be an extension of the volks electric railway. But the way on land was barred by the geography, so the line was constructed in the sea. A self propelled tramcar 45' long 22' wide weighing 45 tons, supported by four legs 23'long. It ran on two sets of tracks 2'8½" gauge 18' apart for stability, the rails mounted on concrete blocks morticed into the bedrock. The car was powered by two 25hp motors, the power provided by overhead supply supported on posts. It was opened in 1896 but was badly damaged shortly after in a storm but was reopened in 1897. It was eventually closed in 1902 after sea defences constructed caused damage to the tracks and further planned sea defences required a diversion of the railway but the money was not there so it closed and was scrapped.

Giant's Causeway Tramway

The tramway opened in 1883 was hailed as the world’s first commercially run 'hydro-electric' powered tram system. It ran from Portrush to Bushmills and latterly extended to the Giant's causeway. It was 9 miles long with 3' gauge. Steam powerd loco's supplementing the electric powered vehicles. It was closed in 1949 but has recently re opened as a steam railway. Some of the original cars are preserved.

Crich Tramway

A reconstructed tramway in a period village. A fleet of 50 trams are present including some foreign ones.
Crich Tramway Village Website

Blackpool North Pier Railway

Now closed, it ran the length of the pier with a diesel tram.

Hythe Pier Railway

A tram that runs the length of Hythe Pier (Hampshire) to take passengers to the ferry. Half a mile in length with electric powered locomotives.

Southend Pier Railway

A 3' gauge tramway that runs the length of Southend Pier 1.25 miles, diesel powered trams are used.

Southport Pier Railway

A 1km long single line along Southport pier. A modern tram replaced the old one in 2002.

Conwy Valley Railway Museum

A 1/3 size electric tram running on 15" track in a simple up and down single line.

Heaton Park Tramway

A restored tramway in Heaton Park, Manchester about half a mile long two electric trams and a horse drawn one are used.

Ramsey Pier Tramway

A now derelict pier tramway in Ramsey on the Isle of Man. The rolling stick is now in the museum in Jurby. It was 2000 ft long 3ft gauge opened in 1886 and closed in 1886.

Telford Steam Tramway

A narrow gauge steam tram which ran in the town park in the late 1970's, it did not run for very long and is now preserved at the Telford steam railway.

Douglas Southern Electric Tramway

Opened in 1896 and ran until 1939, it ran from Douglas head to Port Soderick, connecting two cliff railways, it route has largely disappeared and a tram is preserved at Crich.