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 Operation of Horse Trams on Heritage Tramways and Railways, a joint UKTram and Heritage Railway Association (HRA) guidance document, owned and produced by the joint UKTram/HRA Heritage Tramway Committee.

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.

Mike Crabtree, Chair of the UKTram/HRA Heritage Tramway Committee, said:

The guidance is a practical example of the work undertaken through the joint Heritage Tramway Committee, where specialist knowledge and experience can be shared to help 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.