The last surviving original station of the Isle of Man Steam Railway, opened in 1874 and still handling steam trains between Douglas and Port Erin. Volunteers have filled it with period detail, a gift shop and a model railway.
Castletown sits mid-line on the Isle of Man Steam Railway; 'R' timetable days give four trains each way between Douglas and Port Erin via the station. Santon, Ronaldsway, Ballabeg and The Level are request stops, so tell the guard if you want to get off there.
Built in local Scarlett limestone for the opening of the south line on 2nd August 1874, it is the sole surviving original station on the railway and is largely in its original condition. Volunteers have reinstated coal fires, period signage, replica notice boards and a replica clock face.
A dedicated model railway exhibition room was begun in 2020 and is commonly open for inspection on operational days. It can occasionally be closed for maintenance by the volunteers.
The gift shop occupies the station master's office and stocks railway-themed souvenirs: pin badges, loco nameplate magnets, Trammer plush toys, postcards and a £5 150th Anniversary Guide. There is no online shop, so call +44 1624 822275 to check stock.
The station is still protected by semaphore signals worked by hand: an 1879 Stevens & Son compensating lever and a ship's-wheel windlass from 1873, both interlocking with the points. The windlass works the only surviving slotted-post signal on the railway, restored in 2012.
Steps from the platform drop into Poulsom Park, a riverside play park with skate park and zip line that is also a registered Dark Sky Discovery Site. In town, Castle Rushen, the Nautical Museum and the Old Grammar School cluster around the market square and harbour.
The Friends of Castletown Station run fundraising events during the year, including a Vintage Engine and Tractor Rally on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September. Check the events page for anything on while you are visiting.
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