Introduction and Overview
The Isle of Man Travel Guide takes a look at local attractions, places of interest and useful tourist information and advice for travellers. The area guide features travel information on local sights, entertainment and accommodation.
The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea off the coast of North West England. The island has been referred to as a hidden gem and boasts its own history, currency, government and language.
There is plenty of history on show here with Neolithic monuments combining with modern day attractions too. The Isle of Man has always been fiercely independent; it has the unusual distinction of belonging neither to the UK or the European Union and has its own laws and parliament among other things.
The Isle of Man is a very compact island approx 33 miles in length and 13 miles in width and has a landscape that includes wild moors, rugged glens, beaches and verdant hills squats. It is located half way between Liverpool in England and Belfast in Northern Ireland in the middle of the Irish Sea.
Touring the island is fairly easy given the compact size of the island, the island has become internationally famous for its Isle of Man TT motorcycle races, which have taken place each summer since 1907, the races attract motorbike enthusiasts from around the world to see the exciting and daring racing around the streets of the Island.
Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man and lies on the east coast of the island. Douglas is an interesting mix of Victorian grandeur and contemporary development.
It is the location for the seat of the Manx Parliament and is an important offshore commercial centre that has restaurants, pubs golf courses, family attractions, shops, casinos, amusements and a vibrant nightlife.
There is stylish architecture on display at the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre complex. From Douglas tourists can explore the whole of the east coast, using steam and electric railways, boat trips, car and cycle hire and buses. Family attractions include the Superbowl, Noble’s Park and Jungle World.
Castletown was originally the capital of the Isle of Man. The increase in the tourist trade required a larger port and in 1869 the capital town passed on to Douglas. Rushen castle is a well-preserved example of a medieval castle and is open from Easter to October, it is best to check exact times prior to visiting.
The village contains the site of the old Manx Parliament, the House of Keys. There are tours of the restored building available. Picturesque walks are available at the Silverburn Trail which follows a path from Castletown to Rushen Abbeyand.
Peel is on the west coast of the Isle of Man. It is stretches of sandy beach and a dominant castle. The town is believed to have a long history and remains have been found in St Patrick’s Isle from going back to Mesolithic times.
The Castle at Peel was founded around 7th or 8th century by monks and later transformed by the Vikings. House of Manannan heritage centre has exhibits that include a Viking ship.
Port of Erin lies in the south-west of the Isle of Man. It is regarded as a good holiday destination for all the family and has sandy beaches and some dramatic countryside. The town itself is a nice place to use as a base when touring the best of the sights of the Isle of Man and is particularly nice to be in around the summer months.
The Isle of Man is not always in tourists thoughts when thinking about a place to visit, the island has its own character, culture and attractions making it an interesting place to visit for the discerning visitor.
For visitors that like something a bit different, somewhere the crowds can be avoided and somewhere new to tour then the island is worth considering.
The island has good transport links around the island and the train and tram can be used to get around the island. Getting to the island is easy too, there are regular flights from UK regional airports and there is a SeaCat and Ferry crossing are available from Liverpool.
The island makes for a great place to visit for a weekend or short break.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
