Laxey

Laxey (or Laksaa) in Gaelic is a former lead and silver mining village, which has the largest working water wheel in the world. The wheel was used to pump water from the mines; it is now preserved as a tourist attraction by Manx National Heritage and is due to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2004. The Laxey Woollen Mill, built by a foundation set up by the celebrated artist and philosopher John Ruskin, is open daily Monday–Saturday, and produces fine woollens and tartans. Only a short walk away is the beach and small harbour where the ferry boat M.V. Karina  calls on its way from Douglas in the summer months. Laxey Tram Station is the starting point for the Snaefell Mountain Railway, where trams leave approximately every 20 minutes for spectacular views from Snaefell Mountain, the island’s highest peak. Laxey Glen Gardens were laid out in Victorian times and still provide a haven of peace and tranquillity. Laxey boasts six pubs serving fine ales from three different brewers and several top-class restaurants.