The Isle of Man benefits from a mild climate and boasts more than one hundred and sixty kilometres of beautiful coastline, with sweeping sandy beaches and steep rugged cliffs. Inland most of the island is undulating, with a mix of moorland, woodland and heath, rolling uplands and narrow glens with spectacular waterfalls. As a Crown Dependency it has its own parliament, Tynwald, which is the oldest continuous parliament in the world. It has many unique features including the Manx language, Manx cats (a rare breed of tailless cat that originated on the island) and its own currency called the Manx pound (Sterling is also accepted). There is plenty on offer to tourists, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers and many fascinating points of interest, including its capital, Douglas. Here we share our top 10 things to do in the Isle of Man.
WALK
The Isle of Man is a walker’s paradise with multiple options for short and long walks along the spectacular coast, inland through wood, moor or mountain or around its characterful towns. Our favourites include the Isle of Man Coast Path. Other highlights include walking to many of the waterfalls and glens, walks around the Ayers National Nature Reserve, and a walk up to the highest point, Snaefel.
ISLANDS OF THE ISLE OF MAN
There are 5 other islands of the Isle of Man that beckon the serious island bagger. The most well known is the Calf of Man which can be visited by boat to see it’s amazing bird life, along with the islet of Kitterland seen on the way. The other islands are St Michael’s Island, worth the trip for its remote beauty and wildlife and to see one of the best viewpoints in the Isle of Man. St Mary’s Isle offers an exciting tidal crossing across Douglas Bay to the Tower of Refuge. St Patrick’s Isle close to Peel Harbour and home to Peel Castle. More island bagging details here.
WHALE WATCHING ISLE OF MAN
The Isle of Man is one of the best places in the British Isles to see basking sharks between May and August. Dolphins are frequently spotted from the coast path too. Check out the best places to spot whale in the Isle of Man here.
WATCH AN ISLE OF MAN SUNSET
The sunsets are very special all along the west coast of the island, our favourite place to watch the sun sink though is Port Erin. See more here.
SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF DOUGLAS
Douglas is the pretty capital of this tiny island nation is an easy town to walk around to see its many highlights. The 3km promenade offers great views of the harbour and St Mary’s island. There are plenty of historic buildings, such as the Legislative Building, home of the Manx parliament, and entertainment venues like The Royal Hall and the excellent Gaiety Theatre. There is a wide range of other tourist attractions from horse-drawn trams and Victorian steam train journeys between Douglas and Port Erin, to great pubs, restaurants and cafes to sample the local food.
SEE ONE OF THE ISLE OF MAN’S GEOLOGICAL WONDERS
Visit one of the spectacular glens and waterfalls – there are eighteen mountain and coastal glens spread around the island. These havens of natural beauty and tranquillity are characterised by tumbling waterfalls, deep river pools and lush vegetation. Check out our favourites here. You can also stand on rocks from two different continents at the Niarbyl Fault – details here.
CYCLE AROUND THE ISLE OF MAN
The Isle of Man is a cyclist’s dream with plenty of road and off road routes. One of the best way to see the island is on two wheels, especially to take on the challenge of the full island circumnavigatio. Check out our fabulous 144km road cycling route around the whole island to see it’s many highlights. Check out our route description and GPX here.
TRY THE ISLE OF MAN’S LOCAL FOOD
The Isle of Man has some sumptuous food and drink – try the traditional food and the ational dish, great crab sandwiches and amazing ice-cream flavours or great local pubs.
ISLE OF MAN’S DARK SKIES
With some of the darkest skies in Europe the Isle of Man is a great place to see the stars. During the winter it is also possible to see the northern lights from Ayers National Nature Reserve and there is also a cloudy night alternative. Check out the best places to star gaze on the Isle of Man here.
GO TO ONE OF THE ISLAND’S MANY EVENTS
The Isle of Man hosts an eclectic mix of events, where else can you join a debate at the Old House of Keys, World Tin Bath Championships, or watch the worlds best motorbike race
How to visit the Isle of Man
Where is the Isle of Man In the Irish Sea, midway between England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
How to get to the Isle Man Douglas is easily accessible by ferry from Liverpool, Heysham, Dublin and Belfast; there are great air links with many major UK airports. www.steam-packet.com
Getting around the Isle of Man It’s easy to get around the Isle of Man by car, taxi, the extensive bus network or aboard the Victorian rail network. The best way to do the most sightseeing on the Isle of Man is to purchase a Go Explore card for travel on scheduled services of the Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Douglas Horse Trams and buses (purchase from Douglas Sea Terminal, airport information desk, and main stations)
Best time to visit the Isle of Man it’s a fabulous island any time of the year, check the Visit Isle of Man webpage for all the great seasonal events.
Islands Nearby
Piel Island – more info here
Walney Island – more info here
Chapel Island – more info here
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ISLAND BAGGING ENGLAND AND WALES
