The 18 Best Things To Do On The Isle Of Man

1. Explore the island on the Isle of Man Steam Railway

A highlight of visiting this beautiful island is the Isle of Man Steam Railway. It’s Britain’s longest narrow gauge steam line and has been open since 1873, so has plenty of history. In fact, the original railway’s locomotives and carriages are still used today.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway is without doubt one of the best ways to explore the island. The full route runs between Douglas and Port Erin, with the journey taking approximately an hour. Along the way, you’ll get breathtaking views and the experience is really magical!

To make the most of your money, we’d recommend getting a Go Explore Card. These passes cover unlimited public transport (including the Steam Railway) and are available for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. You can purchase them at major railway stations or online before your trip.

You can also pick up a timetable from the airport so you know departure times.

Heading out on a boat trip is one of the best things to do in the Isle of Man. This island is famous for its diverse marine life, with the surrounding coastal waters truly coming alive between May and September.

The Isle of Man is known for its basking sharks, which can be spotted frequently along the west coast. As the world’s second-largest shark, seeing one in the wild is a truly amazing experience!

As well as seals, other marine mammals can be seen in the surrounding waters, including minke whales, killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, and harbour porpoises.

We can highly recommend Shona Boat Trips which operates in Port Erin. They offer various boat trips, including their 2-hour trips around the Calf of Man. On these boat trips, you’ve got a chance to see a variety of marine life (we spotted plenty of seals and puffins on ours).

No Isle of Man guide would be complete without including The Great Laxey Wheel (also known as Lady Isabella). At 72 feet (22 metres) in diameter, it’s the world’s largest working waterwheel.

The Great Laxey Wheel is the Isle of Man’s most iconic landmark and it’s not hard to see why! Not only will you see the wheel turning, but you can also take the spiral stairs to the top. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of Glen Mooar Valley.

During your visit, you’ll learn all about the site’s 170-year history as well as the Laxey Miners. While here, you’ll also explore the area’s mine trail and experience life underground.

The Great Laxey Wheel is located above the village of Laxey, which you can easily reach by taking the Manx Electric Railway. It’s typically open from late March until early November, between 9:30 am – 4:30 pm/5 pm.

If you’re looking for things to do on the Isle of Man, take a trip on the Snaefell Mountain Railway. It’s the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles and dates back to 1895, meaning it has been running for over 120 years. In fact, the railway’s Victorian-era infrastructure is still in place!

This mountain railway runs between the village of Laxey and the summit of Snaefell, the island’s only mountain. The summit is located at 2,036 feet (620 metres) above sea level, so you’ll be treated to breathtaking views. If it’s a clear day, you can see England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

Once you’ve made it to the top, you can grab something to eat at the cafe. There’s a variety of tasty cakes to try, as well as some more substantial options. Alternatively, you can take a picnic to the top as there are picnic tables here (just be aware that it gets pretty windy).

On a clear day, you should walk to the top of Milner’s Tower. This tower is located upon Bradda Glen which is a beautiful place to explore, where you can admire the jaw-dropping views and listen to native bird songs.

Milner’s Tower was built in 1871 and is dedicated to William Milner, who helped the local people of Port Erin, especially the Manx fisherman. From the top, you’ll be greeted with impressive coastal views, so try to time your visit on a clear day.

Just be aware that you’ll be walking up a narrow spiral staircase so it’s quite a squeeze. It also gets very dark in there, so you may want to walk up with your phone torch.

Allow at least 30-40 minutes to walk between Port Erin and Milner’s Tower. We’d recommend walking the trail in front of Bradda Glen Restaurant as it hugs the coastline so you’ve got a chance of spotting marine life.

Going on the Manx Electric Railway is another of the best things to do in the Isle of Man. Dating back to the 1890s, this railway boasts two of the world’s oldest regularly operated tram cars making it quite the experience.

The Manx Electric Railway connects Douglas with Laxey (where you will depart for the Snaefell Mountain Railway) and Ramsey. The full journey to Ramsey covers approximately 17 miles (27 km) and will take you past some of the island’s most scenic coastal landscapes, as well as picturesque villages and charming countryside.

Those starting their journey from Douglas should head to the town’s terminus (Derby Castle) which is located at the end of the promenade. It’s quite a distance from the town centre, but you can catch a bus between the two or take the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.

Again, you’ll want to check out the Go Explore Card as it will save you money!

The Isle of Man is famous for its TT, an annual motorcycle racing event. It takes place for two weeks in late May/early June and has been around since 1907.

The Isle of Man TT sees racers take on the ‘Mountain Course’, with average speeds of 135 mph. This 37.7-mile (nearly 61 km) course takes place on the island’s public roads and is one of the world’s deadliest races. Unfortunately, many riders have lost their lives.

This 2-week event is split into qualifying sessions (1st week) and racing (2nd week). As qualifying sessions take place in the afternoon or evenings, you’ll have free time to explore the Isle of Man.

Just keep in mind that accommodation prices can soar during the TT as it’s such a popular event. Not only is it very busy, but some of the roads will be completely shut off so it’s best to weigh up the pros and cons. In our opinion, if you’re not a face fanatic, you should avoid travelling during this time.

If you’re looking for things to do on the Isle of Man in the rain then there are some fantastic museums on offer.

As we’ve previously mentioned, the Manx Museum is a must-visit for those heading to Douglas. There are various galleries and interactive displays that will take you through the Island’s 10,000-year history, dating back to the Stone Age.

Those heading to Peel will have several museums to choose from. The House of Manannan is a great option, where the mythical sea god Manannan will take you on an immersive journey through the island’s history. The Manx Transport Heritage Museum and Leece Museum are also located in the town of Peel.

The Port Erin Railway Museum is another great place to visit on the Isle of Man. Other museums include the Jurby Transport Museum, the Isle of Man Motor Museum, and the Grove Museum.

Although small, the charming Castletown isn’t to be missed. This picturesque town was once the island’s capital (up until 1869) and is known for its Viking castle, picturesque fishing cottages, and scenic harbour.

The highlight of any trip to Castletown is Castle Rushen. Dating back 800 years, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the British Isles. Originally built for a Viking King, Castle Rushen has also been a Victorian prison and civil war fortress over the years.

Other attractions in this town include the Nautical Museum, the Old House of Keys, and Hango Hill. The latter was once an old execution site and it’s a Bronze Age burial mound so it’s got quite the history.

Castletown is also home to some fantastic eateries – we can highly recommend Coffee Craft. You’ll also find several pubs in town where you can grab a drink (including The Castle Arms).

Groudle Glen is one of the most peaceful destinations on the Isle of Man (which is saying something). Not only is this area beautiful but it’s easy to reach, either by car or by those taking the Groudle Glen Railway.

The train journey itself is beautiful and will take you up to the Sea Lion Rocks Tea Rooms. Here, there’s a visitor centre where you can learn all about the railway’s history, through various displays and artefacts.

As the name suggests, there’s a cafe here too which offers a wide range of refreshments, including beverages, sandwiches, snacks, and cakes. However, it’s the sea views that will really blow you away!

The Groudle Glen Railway runs every Sunday between May to October (from 11 am – 4:30 pm). During the summer months, it runs on Wednesday evenings from 7 pm – 9 pm. As such, you’ll need to time your visit well.

Raad ny Foillan (The Way of the Gull) is a long-distance coastal path on the Isle of Man. It’s nearly 100 miles (160 km) long and takes you around the whole island, typically starting and ending in Douglas.

The whole trail takes around a week, although this can be longer or shorter depending on your pace. To make Raad ny Foillan more manageable, it’s been split into 12 sections so you can easily walk part of the trail instead.

We walked part of this coastal route, specifically between Port Erin and Niarbyl. Admittedly, we did only head up to Milner’s Tower, but the part that we did walk was undeniably beautiful.

Hiking a section (or two) of Raad ny Foillan offers a great way to appreciate the stunning landscapes, and you may even spot marine life along the way, as the path hugs the coastline for a large section of the route.

Visiting Cregneash is undoubtedly one of the best things to do on the Isle of Man. This village was one of the island’s last strongholds of the Manx language and is now one of Britain’s oldest open-air folk museums.

Cregneash boasts traditional thatched cottages so you can get a glimpse into what life was once like here. As you step into these cottages, you’ll see staff in traditional dress, who are demonstrating various skills and crafts, and telling stories.

While here, you can explore the farm, head along surrounding country walks, and simply admire the area’s natural beauty. After, pick up something to eat at Creg-y-Shee tea rooms or bring along a picnic.

Cregneash is open from late March until early November, from 10 am – 4:30 pm. The surrounding village is also one of the island’s Dark Sky Discovery Sites making it a great place to stargaze.

The Isle of Man is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. Whether you’re looking to head on a few local walks, kick back on the beach, or indulge in delicious food, there’s something for everyone!

Another great reason to visit the Isle of Man is its range of water-based activities. Port Erin is a great base for this, where you can hire paddleboards (or take lessons), have fun on an aqua bike, and head out on a kayaking tour. There’s also a sailing school here called 7th Wave.

Other popular activities on the Isle of Man include windsurfing, coasteering, and gorge walking.

Snorkelling and scuba diving are two other fantastic water-based activities, especially as the island boasts diverse marine life. Discover Diving is the Isle of Man’s only scuba and snorkel centre and is open year-round. Whether you’re looking to dive or head on a snorkel safari, these coastal waters are teeming with life.

There are so many amazing things to do on the Isle of Man, but sometimes it’s the simple things we enjoy. No trip to the island is complete without enjoying some traditional fish and chips by the sea.

The Port Erin Chippy & Diner was our favourite spot and we can highly recommend the fish bites! This chippy is just a short walk from the beach, so you can take your chips to go and head to one of the nearby benches (which offer striking sea views). Alternatively, there’s a diner if you wish to stay inside.

The capital of Douglas also has some great fish and chip shops, including Terrace Chippy and Mojo’s Fish & Chip Shop (the latter is located across from the town’s promenade).

Just be aware that the seagulls can be quite feisty so you may need to protect your goods. Trust us, you don’t want to leave any chips unattended or they will be stolen!

There are two main ways to reach the Isle of Man; either by air or by sea. You can depart from various locations in the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands, as well as Ireland (only in the summer months).

Daily flights are available to the island, with some taking as little as 20-30 minutes. We travelled from Liverpool, but you can also fly from Manchester, London, and Edinburgh among other destinations. You’ll fly into Ronaldsway, where frequent bus services operate to the nearby towns.

Manx Ferries also run to and from the UK, with ferries departing from Liverpool, Birkenhead, Heysham, Dublin, and Belfast (Northern Ireland). Although handy for those with a car, we found prices to be expensive, especially compared to flying.

Cruise ships also frequent the Isle of Man and moor in the capital city of Douglas. From these cruises, you can head on shore-based excursions, although we’d highly recommend spending more time here.

The Isle of Man has a fantastic public transport system so you’ll have no issues getting around.

Thanks to the variety of buses and railway networks (including the steam railway and electric railway), you’ll have no issues travelling between the major tourist towns. Services are regular and you can pick up timetables upon your arrival at the airport, so you can easily plan your trip.

To make the most of your money, we’d suggest purchasing a Go Explore Card. These passes are available for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, and cover unlimited public transport (including buses, the steam railway, and electric railway). You can purchase them online in advance or at major railway stations.

Alternatively, you can hire a car, as there are some tourist attractions which aren’t accessible by public transport, especially in the North of the island. Some travellers choose to take their vehicle over on the ferry, but we found this to be too expensive!

The Isle of Man can be visited all year round. However, summer (between June and August) is considered the best time to visit, as the weather is typically dry and warm, with temperatures often floating around 18-20°C (64.4-68°F).

Those looking to spot marine life in the Isle of Man should visit between May and September. During this time of year, various species can be spotted, including the Basking shark which is commonly spotted on the west coast.

If you travel to the Isle of Man out of season, you may find accommodation prices to be more affordable. Autumn is another great time of year to visit, although you can expect crisp temperatures and shorter days.

Those interested in motorsports may wish to visit during the TT, the Isle of Man’s most iconic motorcycle event. Just be aware that this is arguably the most expensive time to visit and hotels book out quickly.

You won’t be short of things to do on the Isle of Man! Many of the popular attractions are accessible by public transport, but there are some fantastic guided tours on offer too. These are a great option for those who don’t wish to hire a car and you’ll get local insight into the island’s culture and history.

Here are some popular tour options on the Isle of Man:

• Viking Tour of the Isle of Man: This tour will see you explore the island with an enthusiast guide and Viking reenactor. You’ll visit popular attractions and hotel pick-up/drop-off is included.

• Southern Manxland Tour: On this tour, your local guide will teach you all about the island’s history, culture, and local legends. Lunch is included and the tour lasts for approximately 4-5 hours.

There are several towns on the Isle of Man where you can base yourself, as well as more rural areas. We stayed in the beautiful Port Erin, but other popular spots include Douglas and Castletown.

Here are some of our recommendations:

Budget: Edelweiss Guest House

Edelweiss Guest House is one of the most affordable options on the Isle of Man. This guest house is located in the capital of Douglas, near the promenade, with some rooms offering spectacular sea views.

Although the rooms are basic they come with everything you could need, including a private bathroom, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and coffee-making facilities. Breakfast is also served daily and there’s a guest lounge on-site.

Mid-range: The George Hotel

The George Hotel is a popular property located in the charming Castletown. Dating back to the 19th century, this hotel is found opposite Castle Rushen and there’s free parking on-site.

There are various rooms on offer, where you’ll get a private bathroom and plenty of amenities. This hotel is also known for its tasty local cuisine, which is freshly prepared and made with local produce.

Luxury: The Sefton

Those after a luxury getaway should check out The Sefton, in Douglas. This hotel is located along the promenade and offers beautiful suites, some of which offer stunning sea views!

There are some fantastic facilities on-site including an indoor swimming pool, a newly refurbished restaurant and bar, a charming water garden, and a fitness centre. Parking is also available on-site.

Airbnb: Sound of the Sea

Sound of The Sea is a beautiful 3-bedroom property in Port Erin and is where we stayed. The apartment is spacious and clean, and offers panoramic sea views (so we’d suggest packing a pair of binoculars).

There’s a beautiful loft bedroom with an en suite (as well as two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a spacious lounge. There’s also plenty of board games and the property is pet-friendly.

How many days do I need in the Isle of Man?

We’d recommend spending at least 4-5 days in the Isle of Man. This will give you enough time to see the highlights, including the Manx Museum, Great Laxey Wheel, and Peel Castle.

To see everything this island has to offer, we’d suggest spending 7 days in the Isle of Man. Having an extra few days will give you more time to relax. Honestly, we could have spent weeks here!

What is a good budget for the Isle of Man?

We’d recommend a budget of at least £70-£80 per person per day. This will be enough for an affordable double room (if you split the costs), a cheap meal/takeout, and a journey or two on public transport.

For those who’ve ever been to the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man has a similar price tag. Just be aware that accommodation can be costly, so if you’re looking for something affordable, you’ll want to book in advance.

Is the Isle of Man worth going to?

The Isle of Man is definitely worth visiting. There are so many amazing places to visit, ranging from natural wonders to historic sites. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s something for everyone!

Considering the Isle of Man is so small, you won’t run out of things to do. The island also has a fantastic public transport system, meaning you don’t need a car to get around. That’s always a huge bonus.

Is it cheap in the Isle of Man?

The Isle of Man isn’t the cheapest of destinations (you can expect to pay prices similar to those in the UK). However, affordable accommodation options exist, especially for those travelling as a group as you can split the costs.

To make the most of your money, we’d recommend travelling out of peak season. If you’re not interested in the TT, then you’ll also want to avoid visiting while this event is on as accommodation will be costly.