Port Soderick is a small hamlet and day tripper resort to the south of Douglas, once famed for its pleasure grounds and beach developed by the Forrester family in late Victorian times. Port Soderick is linked to Douglas by the Isle of Man railway but prior to World War II a funicular railway connected the resort to the Marine Drive electric tramway which provided an alternative transport link to Douglas.
With the decline of the Manx Tourist industry the resort has fallen on hard times, all except the state owned Glen is now abandoned. During the summer season the pleasure steamer KARINA operated by the Laxey Towing Company out of Douglas still calls occasionally – just to keep the landing rights on the jetty.
The Hotel, which, traded as the anchor until the early 2000’s, under the proprietor ship of a ‘celebrity chef’, lies abandoned.
Traces of the north and south coastal walkways can be seen, as well as the former oyster beads, amusement arcade / dance hall, paddling pool etc.
Much of the former resort’s present appearance dates back to the 1950s when the site was acquired by Douglas Corporation
Here are a selection of views taken on February 14, 2011. The full collection can be found on my SmugMug page accessed via www.jhluxton.co.uk
The Anchor Hotel
The Promenade At Port Soderick
Foundation stone laid by the Forrester family on the promenade
Ornamental Archway leading to the Northern Coastal Walkway
Northern Coastal Walkway
The former dance hall / amusement arcade
View north across the beach. The dog which can be seen stands on the edge of the paddling pool.
Remains of the southern coastal walkway
An ornamental palm tree clings to life – a reminder of when this was a thriving holiday resort.
Waders Gift Shop
End of the Road? – The freshly painted markings at the end of the main road contrast markedly to the general feeling of dereliction and abandonment.
With the decline of the Manx Tourist industry the resort has fallen on hard times, all except the state owned Glen is now abandoned. During the summer season the pleasure steamer KARINA operated by the Laxey Towing Company out of Douglas still calls occasionally – just to keep the landing rights on the jetty.
The Hotel, which, traded as the anchor until the early 2000’s, under the proprietor ship of a ‘celebrity chef’, lies abandoned.
Traces of the north and south coastal walkways can be seen, as well as the former oyster beads, amusement arcade / dance hall, paddling pool etc.
Much of the former resort’s present appearance dates back to the 1950s when the site was acquired by Douglas Corporation
Here are a selection of views taken on February 14, 2011. The full collection can be found on my SmugMug page accessed via www.jhluxton.co.uk
The Anchor Hotel
The Promenade At Port Soderick
Foundation stone laid by the Forrester family on the promenade
Ornamental Archway leading to the Northern Coastal Walkway
Northern Coastal Walkway
The former dance hall / amusement arcade
View north across the beach. The dog which can be seen stands on the edge of the paddling pool.
Remains of the southern coastal walkway
An ornamental palm tree clings to life – a reminder of when this was a thriving holiday resort.
Waders Gift Shop
End of the Road? – The freshly painted markings at the end of the main road contrast markedly to the general feeling of dereliction and abandonment.
