The Isle of Man, approximately 33 miles long and 12 miles wide, is ideally located in the Irish Sea – approximately halfway between England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. This popular holiday island has a mild climate and has more than 100 km of beautiful coastline, largely consisting of extensive sandy beaches and steep rugged cliffs. Most of the island is rolling and hilly with a beautiful mix of heathland and heathland, rolling highlands, narrow valleys with waterfalls and woodland.
Although the Isle of Man is not part of the UK, it is a Crown Dependency. The island has its own parliament, the Court of Tynwald, the oldest in the world (the queen is sovereign and lord-owner of the island and is represented by a lieutenant governor). The island – world famous for its famous TT (Tourist Trophy) motor race – is easily accessible by ferry from Liverpool. And it even has its own airline, Manx Air, which offers flights to and from most major English, Scottish and Irish airports.
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1 The town of Douglas
Douglas, the beautiful little capital of this small island, borders a beautiful bay in which the River Douglas flows. Visitors appreciate walking the 2 mile Promenade with its excellent views over the great bay, with sights such as the harbor and the Tower of Refuge , a small castle-like structure built to house sailors who were wrecked on St Mary’s Isle. The city offers a variety of accommodation types, from luxury hotels to modest guesthouses. A wide range of tourist attractions include horse treks, swimming pools and golf. Handsome buildings line the streets, such as the Legislative Building (home to the Manx Parliament) and the renovated Villa Marina and Gardens , which regularly hosts outdoor concerts. The Royal Hall and the excellent Gaiety Theater are venues for a variety of cultural events.
2 Douglas Head
Some of the very best views on the Isle of Man can be found at Douglas Head, a rocky outcrop overlooking Douglas Harbor and accessible along the historic Marine Drive. (Make sure to stop for a photo as you enter the drive’s ornate gate.) In addition to its views, here you’ll find the famous Grand Union Camera Obscura . Located on the hillside, this unique renovated 19th-century attraction uses natural light and a series of mirrors to project images of the surrounding area onto the dark walls of the building to stunning effect. Another remnant of the island’s popularity among Victorian tourists is the ancient amphitheater, concrete steps and stage still in place. Another landmark is the William Hillary statue, a tribute to the founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and a long-time resident of the island.
3 Tynwald Day
No visitor to the Isle of Man in early July should miss the excellent Tynwald Day Ceremony, part of the Manx National Week celebrations. Each event has been held since July 5 on Tynwald Hill in St. John’s, an ancient Bronze Age burial mound. The event sees the proclamation of all laws passed by the island’s parliament over the course of the previous year, both in English and in English.
Thousands of spectators travel to St John’s to watch the ceremony and long parade, as well as take part in the associated fair and market, free concerts and a dazzling fireworks display. Even if you can’t be there for Tynwald Day, be sure to visit the historic site and the Millennium Stone, built from stones collected from each of the island’s parishes to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Parliament in 1979.
4 Manx Museum
The excellent Manx Museum covers the island’s more than 10,000 years of history. Displays include reproductions of rooms and household appliances from the past, as well as works of art by Manx artists and other British painters in the museum’s National Art Gallery. Of particular interest is an important collection of material from the Celtic and Viking periods, including a collection of Manx crosses. Other highlights include displays and artefacts relating to the island’s famous TT Races, as well as life during two world wars. The museum also houses the National Library, as well as a tea room and gift shop.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm
Open access
Adres: Kingswood Grove, Douglas, Isle of Man, Douglas
5 Castletown en Castle Rushen
Castletown, the island’s capital for many centuries, is where you will find Castle Rushen. This former royal residence was built on the site of an earlier 13th-century Viking stronghold. And despite its age, the castle is extremely well preserved and occupies a prominent location in the center of the city.
Highlights include the clock in the south tower (presented by Elizabeth I in 1597), a unique sundial with 13 dials and one of the island’s greatest treasures: a Celtic crucifix from the small coastal islet, the calf of the man. The castle today functions as a museum showcasing the lives of the island’s former kings. Guides in historical costumes add an air of authenticity. Also of note in Castletown is the Old Grammar School, founded in St Mary’s Chapel in 1702 and now a museum documenting education in the Victorian period, along with the Nautical Museum with its fascinating collection of historic model ships.
Opening hours: daily, 10am-5pm (March-Nov)
Entrance: Adults, £6; Children, £3
Address: Arbory Rd, Castletown, Isle of Man
6 The Island of St. Patrick and Peel Castle
Outside the harbor in the small community of Peel and connected by a causeway, is the rocky island of St. Patrick on which Peel Castle is located, an impressive red sandstone structure surrounded by an imposing ancient stone wall. Peel Castle was originally a place of worship before becoming the fortress of Magnus Barefoot, the 11th century Viking King of Mann. Highlights include St. Patrick’s Church and the 11th-century Round Tower, as well as the Gatehouse Tower with its panoramic views and the 16th-century Great Garrison Hall. It is within the castle walls that you will find the 9th-century Cathedral of St. Germanus, with its beautiful 13th-century choir and crypt. Afterwards, be sure to visit the nearby House of Manannan with its replica Celtic roundhouse and a Viking longhouse.
Opening hours: daily from 10am to 5pm (March-Nov)
Entrance: Adults, £5; Children, £2.50
Adres: W Quay, Peel, Isle of Man
7 The Isle of Man TT
Thanks to the lack of speed limits on many of its rural roads, the Isle of Man has long been known as a motorcycle racing venue. The Tourist Trophy – now often known simply as the TT – was one of the first formal races here, tracing its roots to its inaugural race in 1907. The circuit used for the event, which runs from late May to early June, is in the north of the island. It starts and ends in Douglas, taking in Crosby, St John’s, Kirk Michael, Ramsey and the island’s highest point, Snaefell (2,036 ft), for a total distance of 37 miles. At an average speed of 115 mph, these heavy “touring” machines thunder down narrow country roads, steep downhill dives and tight turns for a chance to win the trophy, often completing the route in less than 18 minutes.
8 Editor’s Pick The Laxey Wheel en Island Railways
Located between Ramsey and Douglas is the small seaside town of Laxey, a must-visit destination for its scenic beauty and stunning historic sites. A fun way to reach Laxey is via the Manx Electric Railway , which connects the town to both Ramsey and Douglas. This scenic narrow-gauge railway stretches approximately 17 miles across the island and many scheduled stops make it possible to break up the journey.
It’s in Laxey you’ll find the equally entertaining Snaefell Mountain Railway , connecting the village via the 5km line to the top of the island’s highest point (2,036 ft). There the four countries of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales can be seen on a clear day. But the city’s most famous tourist attraction is Lady Isabella, a huge 72-foot water wheel built in 1854 to pump water from the leading mines of the (once) Great Laxey Mining Company. A second water wheel, the Snaefell Wheel (Lady Evelyn), is located in Laxey Glen Gardens just a few minutes’ walk away.
9 Port Erin
The picturesque seaside town of Port Erin sits at the head of a deep bay sheltered by 400 feet long Bradda Head. It is the terminus of a small old steam railway from Douglas, the 15 km Isle of Man Railway . This small community is also a great place to start a hiking tour of the island. For some of the island’s wildest and most beautiful scenery, a walk along the cliffs to Fleshwick Bay and then driving a mile further inland to Niarbyl and Dalby is highly recommended. In places the cliffs plunge dramatically straight down to the sea, with plenty of excellent views and picnic areas.
In fact, tourists travel from all over the island to Port Erin for the sandy beach in the enclosed harbour, the beautiful gardens, cafes and unforgettable sunsets over Port Erin Bay. Make sure you look for the plaque on a famous Manxman who came from Port Erin: Fletcher Christian. He instigated the famous mutiny on the Bounty; his opponent, Captain Bligh, is said to have married on the island.
10 Cregneash Folk Village
Located on remote Mull Hill (430 feet) and the southernmost town on the island, Cregneash is where you will find a group of six-chamber tombs known as the Mull Circle or Meayll Circle. The village itself is renowned for its role as a “living museum” preserving the traditional Manx way of life. Near the village are well-preserved 19th-century farm buildings and cottages, many with thatched roofs. Farm animals include plow horses, Loghtan sheep and shorthorn cows (and of course those Manx cats). Demonstrations of crafts and ancient farming techniques are available, as well as a first-class tearoom. Another “living museum” to check out is the beautiful Grove Museum of Victorian Life, located in Duncan Gibb’s former summer home. The Liverpool merchant faithfully documented rural life in the Victorian era.
Opening hours: daily from 10am to 4pm (March-Nov)
Entrance: Adults, £5; Children (under 18), £2.50
Where to Stay on the Isle of Man for Sightseeing
We recommend these delightful hotels in Douglas, close to the city center and the sea, on the beautiful Isle of Man:
- Regency Hotel: Luxury seafront hotel, north end of Douglas promenade, fantastic service, spacious rooms, wood-panelled restaurant.
- The Claremont Hotel: mid-range pricing, oceanfront location, modern style, memory foam mattresses, turndown service.
- The Empress Hotel: 3-star seafront hotel, Victorian townhouse, marble bathrooms, free English breakfast.
- Adelphi Hotel: budget hotel, walk to Douglas town, value for money, free cooked breakfast.
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