150 years of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway - preserving heritage through shared expertise 

Today, (August 7th, 2026) marks a significant milestone for one of the world's most distinctive tramways, as the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway celebrates its 150th anniversary. Operating along Douglas Promenade since 1876, the horse-drawn tramway remains an endearing symbol of the Isle of Man's transport heritage and one of only a handful of horse tramways still operating anywhere in the world.

The anniversary follows another successful Manx Heritage Transport Festival and comes just months after His Majesty King Charles III visited the Isle of Man, where he officially unveiled a plaque commemorating the tramway's 150-year history.

To coincide with the anniversary, UKTram is highlighting the latest edition of the Heritage Railway Association's Operation of Horse Trams on Heritage Tramways and Railways guidance, developed through the expertise of the Heritage Tramway Committee and made available to UKTram members through the Best Practice Hub.

The guidance provides a practical framework for organisations operating, or considering operating, horse tramways. It supports operators in developing robust safety management systems by addressing key areas including operational responsibility, route assessment, vehicle suitability, driver competence, horse selection, welfare considerations and the integration of horse tram operations into wider railway and tramway management systems.

Developed in response to a request from HM Railway Inspectorate within the Office of Rail and Road, the guidance combines the experience of operators from across the heritage sector to promote safe and sustainable approaches to horse tram operation.

The updated guidance builds on the expertise of heritage tramway professionals from across the sector and reflects UKTram's commitment to sharing knowledge and supporting collaboration. It also demonstrates the value of the Heritage Tramway Committee in developing a practical resource that helps preserve skills and support the continued operation of these unique systems.

The Operation of Horse Trams on Heritage Tramways and Railways guidance is available exclusively to UKTram members via the Member's hub, alongside a growing library of guidance and industry best practice developed by experts from across the light rail sector.

The anniversary serves as a reminder that preserving heritage is not just celebrating the past, but also about sharing knowledge, supporting one another and ensuring these remarkable tramways continue to engage and inspire visitors and future generations.