Visiting The Isle Of Man: What To Know!

Visiting the Isle of Man is a must for any European bucket list. Boasting epic coastlines, ancient sites, and incredible biodiversity, this beautiful island has so much to offer.

We had a fantastic time exploring the Isle of Man, with highlights including the charming coastal town of Port Erin, Snaefell Mountain, the capital of Douglas, and Peel Castle.

If you’re planning to visit the Isle of Man, this guide has you covered! We’ll detail everything you should know, including the best places to visit, where to stay, how to get around, and how to get to the island.

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Where is the Isle of Man?

The Isle of Man is located in the middle of the Irish Sea. The island is found between Great Britain and Ireland, with the south coast of Scotland being its closest point.

Despite its location between Great Britain and Ireland, it’s not part of the United Kingdom. Instead, the Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency.

What to know about the Isle of Man

To ensure you have the best time visiting the Isle of Man, we’re going to cover plenty of information in this guide. Let’s start with a quick overview of the basics!

• Size: 227 sq miles (572 sq km)

• Language: English is the predominant language although Manx is also spoken here.

• Currency: The Manx Pound (IMP) although the British Pound (GBP) is also accepted.

• Population: Approximately 84,000 people.

• Traditional Foods: Priddhas an’ herrin’, Fatherless Pie, Manx Kippers, Bonnag, and Chips (with cheese and gravy).

Helpful Information For Visiting the Isle of Man

How to get to the Isle of Man

Despite being an island, the Isle of Man is relatively easy to reach. The main ways to get here are either by air or sea, and you can depart from various locations in the UK, Channel Islands, and Ireland (during the summer).

Those flying to the Isle of Man will have a quick journey to Ronaldsway Airport (IOM). Daily flights are available with some journeys taking as little as 20-30 minutes. We flew from Liverpool, but you can also fly from Edinburgh, London, and Manchester among other destinations.

If you’re looking to travel by sea, you can take one of the Manx Ferries. Ferry services run to and from the UK, departing from various destinations including Liverpool, Birkenhead, and Heysham. Additionally, those travelling from Ireland can catch a ferry from Belfast (Northern Ireland) and Dublin.

It’s also possible to visit the Isle of Man via cruise ship, with ships mooring in the capital city of Douglas.

How to get around the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is very easy to get around as the island has an excellent public transport system.

There’s an extensive network of buses and railways here (which include the steam and electric railway). Regular services run between the Isle of Man’s main tourist towns. To make things even easier, you can pick up public transport timetables at the airport.

To make the most of your money, we’d highly recommend purchasing a Go Explore Card. The passes are available for multiple durations (1,3,5, and 7 days) and give you unlimited public transport. This includes buses, the steam railway, and the electric railway. These passes can be purchased online or at major railway stations.

Alternatively, you can hire a car to explore the island, as some of the popular tourist attractions aren’t accessible by public transport. Those travelling by ferry can take over their own vehicle but this can be expensive.

The best time to visit the Isle of Man

You can visit the Isle of Man at any time of year. No matter the season, this beautiful island has much to offer!

The summer season (between June and August) is considered the best time to visit. During these months, the weather is generally warm, with temperatures often staying between 18-20°C (64-68°F).

May to September is the best time to visit for those interested in nature. The Isle of Man is famous for its marine life and at this time of year, you can spot various species including the basking shark and minke whales.

However, if you travel to the island out of season you’ll likely find good deals on accommodation. The Isle of Man is also incredibly beautiful during the autumn and winter, with its fall colours and crisp/cold temperatures.

Just be aware that the TT (a famous motorcycle event) is held in the last week of May and the first week of June. At this time, accommodation can be expensive and rooms tend to sell out quickly.

The best places to visit in the Isle of Man

1. Port Erin

Visiting Port Erin is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Man. This seaside town is undeniably beautiful, with its pristine beach, striking cliffs, and coastal walks.

While in Port Erin, you should walk up to Milner’s Tower, head out on a boat trip with Shona Boat Trips, and enjoy fish and chips by the sea (we’d suggest Port Erin Chippy & Diner). Paddleboarding and other watersports are popular too! There’s also the Isle of Man Steam Railway which travels between here and Douglas.

Foodies should also visit Scoops Ice-Cream Parlour and Byron’s where you can try delicious pizzas!

2. Douglas

No visit to the Isle of Man is complete without exploring the capital of Douglas. It’s the island’s entertainment hub and boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural attractions.

A highlight of visiting Douglas is its seafront promenade where you can take in the views. Other popular attractions include the Manx Museum, Douglas Lighthouse, and the Great Union Camera Obscura.

There’s also the Gaiety Theatre, a fantastic entertainment venue that dates back to 1900. Throughout the year, musicals, family shows, concerts, plays, and more are held here.

While in Douglas, you can take a ride on the Manx Electric Railway too.

3. Castletown

Castletown is one of the most charming spots on the Isle of Man. Once the island’s capital (up until 1869), this town boasts a scenic harbour, picturesque fishing cottages, and an impressive Viking castle.

While in Castletown, you should head to Castle Rushen which has a history of around 800 years. Originally built for a Viking King, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the British Isles.

Other popular attractions in Castletown include the Old House of Keys, Hango Hill, and the Nautical Museum.

Afterwards, head to Coffee Craft which serves delicious food. You can also grab a drink at one of the many pubs, with The Castle Arms being a popular spot.

4. The Calf of Man

The Calf of Man is found off the Isle of Man’s southern tip. Covering approximately 600 acres, this island is famous for its birdlife, as over 30 seabird species breed here.

Keen bird watchers can spot a variety of species on the Calf of Man including the Manx shearwater, peregrine falcon, razorbill, kittiwake, and chough. We visited in July and even got to spot puffins!

There are two main ways to visit the Calf of Man; either by taking a boat trip around the island or heading on a landing trip. During the summer, travellers can also stay overnight on the island.

5. Peel Castle

Those visiting the Isle of Man should visit Peel Castle if they get the chance! Located in the town of Peel, this castle is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks.

Peel Castle dates back to the 11th century and was built by Vikings. It’s located on St Patrick’s Isle and over the years, has been a royal residence, centre of government, a military stronghold, and more.

As one of the most important historic sites in the British Isles, this place has a lot of history.

Peel Castle is typically open from late March to early November. Those visiting in the spring/summer should watch out for seals and basking sharks in the waters below!

6. Laxey

The village of Laxey is located along the island’s east coast. It’s best accessed by taking the Manx Electric Railway from Douglas, which is around a 20-minute walk from Laxey Beach.

A highlight of visiting this area has to be The Great Laxey Wheel. It’s the world’s largest working waterwheel, stretching 72 feet (22 metres) in diameter, and you can actually walk to the top. From here, you’ll get stunning views of Glen Mooar Valley.

There’s also the Laxey Valley Heritage Trail for those who want to spend time outdoors. Alternatively, you can relax and grab something to eat (The Shed and Laxey Beach Cafe are two popular options).

7. Snaefell Mountain

Snaefell Mountain is the only mountain on the Isle of Man. Located at 2,036 feet (620 metres) above sea level, you’ll be greeted with stunning views. On a clear day, you can see England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

You can reach the summit by taking the Snaefell Mountain Railway. This railway dates back to 1895 and is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. It runs between Laxey and Snaefell Mountain.

There’s not much to do at the summit, but you can visit Snaefell Summit Restaurant and Cafe. Here, there’s a variety of hot dishes, sandwiches, homemade cakes, and snacks on offer, as well as There are also picnic tables outside.

8. Ramsey

Ramsey is the second-largest town on the Isle of Man and is home to a beautiful beach. While here, you can explore Ramsey Nature Reserve and take in the stunning views!

Some of the best places to visit in Ramsey include the Grove Museum, Mooragh Lake Park, and Albert Tower. Outside of the town centre, you’ll find Milntown Estate and Gardens. This town is also a popular spot with motorsports fans.

Ramsey is located in the north and is around a 30-minute drive from Douglas. Alternatively, you can take the Manx Electric Railway from the island’s capital, with the journey taking you along the coastline.

9. Cregneash

When visiting the Isle of Man, you should head to Cregneash. As well as being one of the oldest open-air folk museums in Britain, this village is one of the last strongholds of the Manx language.

Boasting traditional thatched cottages and staff in traditional dress, you’ll get a real sense of what life used to be like here. The staff also tell stories and demonstrate skills and crafts.

Not only that, but Cregneash is a Dark Sky Discovery Site which makes it a fantastic place to stargaze. Those looking to relax can head to Creg-y-Shee tea rooms. This open-air museum is typically open from late March to early November.

10. Port Saint Mary

The charming village of Port Saint Mary is around a 30-minute drive from Douglas. Now, there’s not much to do here but it’s a great place to explore, as there’s a quaint harbour and striking sea views.

The highlight of visiting Port Saint Mary has to be Chapel Beach. Thanks to its location, the waves are relatively calm making it a popular swimming spot. There’s also a 9-hole golf course located nearby!

From this village, you can easily walk to Gansey Bay along the coastal path which is a popular windsurfing spot. Afterwards, you can head to Andrea’s Italian Restaurant for something to eat.

Planning Your Isle Of Man Itinerary

If you’re planning to visit the Isle of Man, creating an itinerary can sometimes feel overwhelming. This is because there are so many amazing places to visit. Below, we’ll cover a quick 4-day itinerary based on our experiences.

Below is an idea of how you can spend your time:

Day 1: Explore the capital of Douglas

Day 2: Explore Port Erin + surrounding attractions and take a scenic boat trip

Day 3: Visit Snaefell Mountain + Laxey

Day 4: Explore Castletown + Port Saint Mary

You could easily spend longer than 4 days in the Isle of Man so don’t rush your time here!

Where to stay in the Isle of Man

Deciding where to stay on the Isle of Man can be difficult. The are so many beautiful towns and villages where you can base yourself, with accommodation ranging from spacious apartments to charming B&B rooms.

Below, we’ll offer some accommodation recommendations.

Douglas

• Budget: Voyage Hostel
• Mid-range: Sail Lofts
• Luxury: Halvard Hotel

Port Erin

• Budget: Athol Park Guest House
• Mid-range: Kittiwake House
• Luxury: Sound of the Sea

Castletown

• Mid-range: The George Hotel
• Luxury: Halvard Apartments at Castletown

Ramsey

• Mid-range: Ramsey Park Hotel
• Luxury: Baie Mooar House, Boutique B&B

Tips for Visiting the Isle of Man

In this Isle of Man travel guide, we’ll cover some top tips to ensure you have a fantastic trip!

• If you don’t plan on hiring a car, purchase a Go Explore Card. This will give you unlimited transport and will save you a lot of cash, especially if you’re planning to use the steam railway.

• Those looking to spot marine life should head on a boat trip from Port Erin. We used Shona Boat Trips and opted for the 2-hour boat trip. Just be aware that these trips are dependent on weather conditions.

• More amenities will likely be open during the summer, especially cafes and restaurants. In the winter, dining options may be more limited. However, pubs will typically be open all year round.
  
• Those looking to experience the TT will need to book accommodation months in advance. You’ll also need to keep in mind that accommodation prices increase during this time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting The Isle Of Man

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

We’d suggest spending at least 4-5 days on the Isle of Man. This amount of time will allow you to see the main attractions, including the Great Laxey Wheel, Castle Rushen, and Groudle Glen.

However, if you have more, we’d recommend spending 6-7 days here. Having this additional time will allow you to explore some of the island’s hidden gems and relax. However, we could have easily spent weeks here!

What is a good budget for the Isle of Man?

We’d recommend a budget of around £70-£80 per person per day. With this amount, you’ll be able to afford a cheap double room (if splitting the costs), public transport, and cheap meals/takeout.

If possible, try to allow for a higher budget. Similar to the United Kingdom, prices are relatively expensive in the Isle of Man. This is especially the case with accommodation so try to book in advance!

Is it worth going to the Isle of Man?

The Isle of Man is one of our favourite destinations and is certainly worth visiting! Not only is the island jaw-droppingly beautiful, but you won’t run out of things to do or places to visit.

Another bonus of visiting the Isle of Man is that it has a fantastic public transport system. This means you don’t need a car to get around. Finally, this island is perfect for outdoor and nature lovers!

Is the Isle of Man expensive for a holiday?

Although the Isle of Man isn’t a cheap destination, you can have an affordable getaway. Getting the most of your money will depend on when you travel, how long your trip is, and how many activities you’d like to do.

Travelling during the off-season is more affordable, especially when it comes to accommodation. You can also save money by splitting the costs as a group and purchasing a Go Explore Card.

Final Thoughts on Visiting the Isle of Man

Those travelling to the Isle of Man are in for a fantastic experience! Whether you’re looking to explore heritage sites, take in the island’s natural beauty, or go for a ride on the Manx Electric Railway, there’s something for everyone.

Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of what to do during your time here! Not only are there plenty of things to do on this island, but the Isle of Man is a great destination if you’re after a relaxing getaway.

If you have any questions about visiting the Isle of Man, please contact us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

Here are some other travel guides you may find useful:

• The Ultimate 7-Day Ireland Itinerary
• Epic Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary
• The Best Places To Visit On The Isle Of Skye

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