- Posted: 2 July, 2024
- Category: Europe
Isle of Man Guide
I never thought I’d visit the Isle of Man! Happy I did ♡
I love going to places I don’t know much about. It’s exciting to discover new things and explore areas that aren’t very popular. Recently, this led me to the Isle of Man, a small and often overlooked island in the Irish Sea. With only a curious heart and a desire to explore, I set off to this mysterious place, ready to uncover its secrets and as usual share my adventures and thoughts with you!
Douglas is the capital city and largest settlement of the Isle of Man, with a population of 26,677 (2021)
I’ve stayed in Douglas, and visited Laxey and Ramsey to check them out!
How did I travel to the Isle of Man? There are direct flights from London Heathrow (1 hour 30 mins) and from Manchester (25 minutes). Also Ive noticed more flights departing from London City Airport rather than London Heathrow.
The flag of the Isle of Man or flag of Mann (Manx: brattagh Vannin) is a triskelion, composed of three armoured legs with golden spurs, upon a red background. It has been the official flag of the Isle of Mann since 1 December 1932 and is based on the Manx coat of arms, which dates back to the 13th century.
Hotel options to checkout in Douglas: While I’ve stayed in an apartment I found online, I’ve liked The Empress Hotel. It looked super cute with many people in the reception and decent rooms! (Get a sea view room!)
Another hotel option that Ive spotted in Douglas is The Sefton & Halvard Hotel
For Laxey, which is around 15 minutes by car from Douglas, Ive spotted Shore Hotel Laxey.
If you’d like to stay away from the main town, I do recommend Laxey! It’s super cute, quieter than Douglas yet close by. If you rent a car you can easily explore the other areas.
As for things to do while in the island, here are a few things you could look into exploring!
- Walk around Douglas and enjoy the cute little promenade & visit the Manx Museum to learn about the island’s history
- Ride the Isle of Man Steam Railway from Douglas Station – Douglas station is opened in 1873 as gauge steam railways serving Ramsey, Foxdale and Port Erin.
- Checkout Port Erin which is the last stop on the Steam Railway! Such a beautiful coastal town that I really liked which I visited using the steam railway.
- Visit Peel Castle
- Explore the historic town, visit Castle Rushen, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the British Isles, and enjoy the quaint streets and harbor.
- See the largest working waterwheel in the world, known as the Lady Isabella, and learn about the island’s mining heritage.
- Hike the Snaefell Mountain Railway to the summit, the highest point on the Isle of Man, and enjoy panoramic views that stretch to England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales on clear days.
- Drive the TT Course – If you’re a fan of motorsports, drive or ride the 37.73-mile Mountain Course used for the famous Isle of Man TT Races, or visit during the race season to see it live.
- Visit the House of Manannan (Manannan is the name behind the Isle of Man) – this interactive museum in Peel brings the island’s Celtic, Viking, and maritime past to life.
- Explore Ramsey – a charming quiet little town! visit the Grove Museum of Victorian Life, take a stroll in Mooragh Park, and enjoy the scenic northern coast. (In Ramsey, I’ve tried Harbour Boat restaurant, super cute for a coffee and a bite!)
- Checkout Peel and Peel’s castle! Have fish and chips after the castle visit.
I’ve tried a restaurant called Kellas which is in the south part of the island in Port Mary closer to Port Erin for lunch, I really enjoyed it!
In Douglas, checkout The Alpine and Noa Bakehouse.