Best Places to Visit in Isle of Man

Isle of Man is not a big island, it is just 33 miles long and 12 miles wide but, there are many places that are most beautiful. This island has a long history therefore, the island itself is like a museum. Towns and villages of this island have scenic beauty which attract tourists worldwide. Below mentioned are few best places to visit in Isle of Man and never miss these places during your visit.

Douglas Town

Douglas is the capital of Isle of Man having the charming Douglas River. The large two mile promenade bay is spectacular which offers excellent views and is a beautiful place to walk. A further walk to the Tower of Refuge, which is a small tower in Douglas bay is a must see place. This tower was originally built on the rock to provide shelter for shipwreck victims. The Legislative Building is a home of Manx parliament and the Gaiety Theatre, where cultural events are held are the main attractions in Douglas for their beautiful architecture.

Old Horse Tram Ride

Enjoy horse tram riding along the promenade. The horse tram ride has a rich heritage of 140 years and still attract tourists.

Horse Tram Fees:

Single Journey:
- For Adult: £3
- For Child: £2
- Family Package (Two adults and up to three children): £10
Day Ticket:
- For Adult: £6
- For Child: £3
- Family Package (2 adults and up to 3 children): £15

Douglas Head

Douglas head is a rocky viewing point to have a wonderful photography of the bay. Here you will experience breathtaking views of the surrounding and this place is well known for photography. Capture a beautiful Marine Drive’s ornate gate photo which is a gate built with stone and looks like a castle and is truly a must visit place.

Grand Union Camera Obscura

The 19th century camera obscura which is located on Douglas Head gives you the stunning view of island. It is the only unique camera obscura in the world which has eleven lenses. It uses natural light and the series of mirrors to project 360 degree images of the surrounding to the darkened building walls.

Note: Adverse weather conditions may affect the view. Therefore, if the weather is clear, it is open.

Timings:

Open from May to Mid-September
Open when the flag is flying

Tickets:

Adult: £2

Senior Citizen: £1

Children are free

Manx Museum

Explore the treasures of Isle of Man in the Manx Museum which is located in Douglas. You can watch the Isle of Man’s rich heritage of more than 10,000 years old through film, galleries and interactive displays. Beautiful artifacts are worth seeing in this museum. You also has a National Library, gift shop and a café shop for you to relax.

Admission is free to this museum.

Timings:

It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm
It is closed during Boxing Day, Christmas Day and New Year Day

Castle Rushen

Castle Rushen is located in the south of Castletown, which was the ancient capital of Isle of Man. This castle was built in 13th century and it was a royal residence. Further, at later stages, it was used as a prison. Now, this castle is turned into a museum which has amazing treasures of Isle of Man. You can have a royal dining in great banquet hall, where kings and lords of Mann used to dine. You can also have a beautiful panoramic view of Castletown from ramparts.

Timings:

It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm

Tickets:

Adults: £9
Free for children
Concession is available for holiday passes and pre-booked visitors of 15 or more

Peel

The historic Peel Castle was a place for worship until 11th century and then it became a fort of Magnus Barefoot, Viking King of Mann. Within the castle wall, you can find Cathedral of St. Germanus which has 13th century choir and crypt. St. Patrick’s Church, House of Manannan, and Great Garrison Hall are worth to visit in Peel to known its rich heritage.

Timings and Tickets for Peel Castle

Timings:

Daily from 11 am to 3 pm

Tickets:

Adults: £4.50
Guidebook: £3
Free for children
Concession is available for holiday passes and pre-booked visitors of 15 or more

Timings and Tickets for House of Manannan

Timings:

Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

Tickets:

Adults: £10
Children: £5
Concession is available for holiday passes and pre-booked visitors of 15 or more

One of the interesting thing to do in Peel beach is to taste the delicious Manx dairy ice-cream. Walk along the Peel beach and enjoy the sunset with the best ice-cream of Peel in Davison’s Parlor. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Peel on the Gatehouse Tower.

The Great Laxey Wheel

The Great Laxey Wheel is also known as Lady Isabella, which is the huge water wheel and is located between Douglas and Ramsey. It is the largest working water wheel in the world. This huge wheel was built in 1854 to pump water from the Great Laxey Mining Company. This place is a must visit for its scenic beauty and historic attraction. You can have the panoramic view of the Laxey valley from this place.

Timings:

It is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Tickets:

Adults: £7
Free for Children
Concession is available for holiday passes and pre-booked visitors of 15 or more

The isle of Man TT

Isle of Man is famous for its Tourist Trophy (TT), which is the motorcycle competition held in Douglas. This race was started in the year 1907 and is still famous in Isle of Man. This race is held every year in the month of late May to early June. The circuit starts and ends in Douglas covering many towns and villages for a total distance of 37 miles. Often it is completed in just 18 minutes. This race attracts many adventurers all over the world.

Isle of Man Motor Museum

The Isle of Man Motor Museum is located in Jurby and was started in the year 2015. It is the great attraction place for car and motorbike lovers. It has a collection of more than 500 vehicles and as Isle of Man TT is most famous, it has around 200 motorbikes. It also has many historic steam cars which was used in Isle of Man. You get a chance to closely view your dream luxurious vehicles in this museum.

Timings:

It is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm

Tickets:

Adult: £14.50
Children of age 5 – 15 years: £7.50
Free for children below 5 years
Family (2 Adults and 2 Children): £37.50
Disabled, people aged 60 years and above: £13.50
Pre-booked visitors of 15 or more: £13.50

Cregneash Village

Cregneash is the small village in the south of Isle of Man which is located on the remote Mull Hill. This iconic village is a museum by itself and you can witness old traditions of Isle of Man which are still carried out. You can even witness Manx cats (tailless cats), plough horses, shorthorn cows and loghtan sheep in this village. There are many ancient buildings and cottages of 19th century in this village. Guided tours are available for this village.

Tickets:

Adults: £7
Free for children
Concession is available for holiday passes and pre-booked visitors of 15 or more

Port Erin

Port Erin is a charming resort town located in southwest of Isle of Man. It is the great place for hiking and you have many hiking trails to experience a beautiful scenery. Relax at the sandy beach and enjoy at sea side restaurants and cafes. It is the best place to experience a stunning sunset at the bay.

Snaefell

Snaefell is known as Snow Mountain which is located 2,037 feet above the sea level. It is the tallest summit on the Isle of Man and is a must see place. It is easily accessible by mountain railway. Electric train operates from Laxey to Snaefell daily between April and October. You get a chance to witness scenic beauty during the train journey. On the summit, you have a café and you get a beautiful panoramic view from the summit. On a clear day, you can witness England, Scotland, North Ireland and Dublin from the summit.

For more information on railway timetable and fares, visit manxelectricrailway.

Curraghs Wildlife Park

This park was established in the year 1963 in Ballaugh and is well known for its abundant flora and fauna. It is an attraction place for nature lovers and children. It is a home for more than 100 wetland species from all over the world. You have many interesting nature trails like, butterfly trail and tree top trail.

Timings:

It is open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm

Tickets: