Attraction Information
Set upon the hills near the village of Laxey rests the giant Laxey Wheel. The wheel was built in 1854 by Robert Casement, a Laxey native and talented engineer. The Laxey Wheel remains the largest working waterwheel in the world!
The wheel has a diameter of 72ft and a circumference of 227ft. It was used to pump 250 gallons of water a minute from the Laxey mines some 200 yards away and 1500ft below ground. The mines employed over 600 miners at their peak, producing lead, copper, silver and zinc until the mines closed in 1929.
Visitors to the Laxey Wheel have a few options. There are buses to Laxey from many places around the island. There is also the option of the Electric Railway, which runs from Douglas and Ramsey. It is a short walk from where the buses drop off in the village of Laxey or where the tram stops. There are signs which will lead the way down a road to a path which continues on up to the wheel through vegetation. This walk is not hard, though might not be for everyone. There is also the car option, which means you can drive right up to the wheel. Parking is free.
The Laxey Wheel is best seen on a sunny or clear day, as there is little to no shelter from rain.
Opening Times
25 March - 30 October Daily 9:30am - 5.00pm
Pricing & Tickets
Adults: £5.00 Children: £2.50
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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FAQs
Yes, there is parking onsite.