Santon Railway Station - Environs

Environs

The station can be found by taking a left turn immediately after having passed over the bridge under which the railway travels. The turning is demarkated by a white wall with the station's name carved into a stone set into the wall. There is a further driveway entrance on the northern approach which is accessed via a small road to the station's northeasterly side. The station's sheltered location boasts some magnificent palm trees. What now forms a flower bed on the station platform was once the foundation for wooden store, constructed from the bodywork of an old brake van; it was common to find new uses for vehicles in this way. There was also a manure siding protected from the running line by a series of hoardings; the goods siding and its respective platform remain extant although relaid in recent years. The siding for many years was home to an array of expired stock such as the final surviving wagon M.70 and the railway's breakdown crane. In connection with the station's temporary role as the line's terminus in 2002 a water tank on metal legs was installed and this remains extant although largely unused. A park bench is located on the "up" platform with a brass plaque duly dedicated. Immediately to the south of the station the line passes underneath the main Douglas to Port Erin road by means of a bridge and after passing through a short cutting passes over the Santon Burn atop a man-made embankment. Entry to the ststion from the north side is over another high bridge.