Hello Isle of Man!

Just a hop across the Irish Sea on a short 30-minute flight from the mainland we are delighted to share we are expanding our exclusive collection of beautiful self-catering properties to the Isle of Man through our sister company, Island Escapes.

Island Escapes joined the Sapphire Holiday group in June this year (2025) and brings with it a stunning portfolio of over 150 properties across the Island and we’re thrilled to be able to introduce it to our loyal holidaymakers and owners across the UK. This acquisition supports our strategy of expanding into high-quality, desirable locations while partnering with strong local brands that share our values.

Discover more about the Isle of Man

From the moment you arrive on the Isle of Man you will be enchanted. Located in the heart of the Irish Sea, and at just 33 miles in length, the Island is quite simply a rather special place to stay and, being the only entire nation in the world designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you will find a plethora of beautiful beaches, quaint villages, picturesque walks and stunning countryside, home to an abundance of wildlife. 

There are several options when it comes to travelling to the Island, starting with good air links with major airports, and this is the quickest option. Cars can be hired from Ronaldswick Airport, and should you wish to have a car free getaway, the Island has great bus and taxi services too. For a more sedate arrival, The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company runs regular ferry services from both Liverpool and Heysham which take approximately 3 – 4 hours (the perfect way to start your Island escape) with summer crossings from Ireland too. 

The Isle of Man has one of the richest historic landscapes in Europe and you will find a myriad of fascinating heritage sites to explore. From forts to museums, archaeology and gardens, days can be spent discovering the Island’s captivating history. The Manx Museum is a great place to start, located in the centre of Douglas and bursting with unique artefacts including some of the finest Viking treasures in the British Isles. Peel Castle, is a rather grand fortress located on St Patrick’s Isle with views overlooking the harbour and well worth a visit or perhaps head for the iconic Great Laxey Wheel and Mine where you will discover the largest working water wheel in the world, built by the Victorians over 170 years ago. Still working today, you will see the wheel turning and, for the energetic, the opportunity to climb the 95 spiral steps to the top where you can enjoy fabulous panoramic views over Glen Mooar Valley.

Pretty villages and towns are in abundance here with the capital of the Island Douglas, found on the eastern waterfront at the mouth of the River Douglas. The seafront is a sweeping bay of two miles with charming Victorian promenade and a great selection of cafes, restaurants and pubs. From here you can take a ride on the steam train or Manx Electric Railway, both offer a fabulous opportunity to see the scenic Island countryside.

Second in size to Douglas, Ramsey is located to the north-east of the hills of North Barrule and is reputed to be the sunniest area on the Island. Named by the Norse as “Wild Garlic River” due to the wild garlic growing in abundance in nearby settlements, Ramsey is a quaint town with a pretty harbour and the Island’s first marine nature reserve. Peel is situated on the western coast at the mouth of the river Neb and is famed for its rich history, stunning beaches and pretty, narrow streets lined with traditional fishermen’s cottages. The charming town of Castletown is home to Castle Rushen, one of the world’s most finely preserved medieval castles and here you will find a good selection of eateries and craft shops here too.

Official home to the TT (Tourist Trophy) Races, the annual motorcycle race event takes place on the Island for two weeks in May and June. Since the inaugural race in 1907, fans have flocked here to spectate as the world’s greatest road racers test themselves on the spectacular 37.3 mile ‘Mountain Course’ on public roads. For motorcycle fans and enthusiasts this event is legendary; for visitors looking for a peaceful holiday, it’s probably a time to avoid!

Perfectly placed in the Irish Sea, with vast open countryside and very little light pollution, the Island is blessed with an incredible 26 Dark Sky sites. And, from the north/north westerly coast of the Island on clear nights when there is a strong solar flare, it is even possible to see the Northern lights. Constellations and the Milky Way Galaxy are visible with the naked eye, and the Island is paradise for both stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. 

If you enjoy a leisurely stroll around a charming village, or choose a challenging hike along the coast path, the Island has a well-maintained network of footpaths and tracks, giving you access to everything from rugged sea cliffs to dramatic moorland and secluded glens. Wildlife is abundant here, there’s even a population of wild wallabies and walking is great way to discover the best landscapes.

Whether you are looking for secluded coves and sea swims, boat trips in crystal clear waters to see marine wildlife, a round of golf at one of eight immaculate courses or to just simply relax in this Island idyll, The Isle of Man is a magical place to escape the everyday throughout the year. Take a look here at our collection of delightful Island Escapes.

If you have any questions around either visiting the Island, or letting a property on the Isle of Man, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@classic.co.uk