The Isle of Man has a number of things for which it is famous. The annual high-speed TT races. Cats with no Tails. Annual fitness events such as the Parish Walk. But of all the sites on the Island, perhaps none is as recognisable around the world as the Laxey Wheel.
Also known as the Lady Isabella, after the wife of the Lieutenant Governor at the time, this 22.1 metre high waterwheel was designed by Robert Casement and was built in 1854 to pump water out of the Laxey mine shafts. Today it is still the largest working waterwheel in the world and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2004.
Currently maintained by Manx National Heritage it is one of many sites they operate on the Island. In the middle of Laxey village it is ideally situated to be part of a day spent on the heritage railways, perhaps taking the electric tram to Snaefell, or before heading back into Douglas on the tram for a night out in one of the many local bars.
Visitors to the Isle of Man can purchase a Manx National Holiday Pass which gives unlimited entry into all Manx National Heritage attractions for up to 14 days. Click here to buy your Manx National Heritage pass.