Nestled in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is a true hidden gem of the British Isles. With 10,000 years of rich history, it’s the only entire nation with UNESCO Biosphere status and is also blessed with incredible natural beauty.
A wonderful getaway that’s easily accessible by ferry or plane, the Isle of Man is the perfect holiday destination, whether you’re drawn by the island’s wilderness (over 40% of the island is uninhabited), the opportunity to burn rubber in the wake of the famous TT, or simply to discover somewhere completely unique and relatively unknown.
Ready to explore? We’ve taken a deep dive into finding the best things to do when visiting the Isle of Man to help you make the most of your island adventure.
The Great Laxey Wheel, Laxey
One of the island’s biggest heritage attractions, the Great Laxey Wheel was built in 1845 and is an extraordinary example of Victorian engineering. Named the Lady Isabella, it’s the largest working water wheel in the world at just over 72 feet (22 meters) in diameter, and it was used to pump water from the mines of Glen Mooar so miners could extract copper, lead, and zinc.
Attracting island visitors for over 170 years, it’s a must-visit to see the great wheel turning and learn the stories of the Laxey miners. Make sure to climb the 95 steps to the viewing platform for breathtaking views over Glen Mooar Valley. You’ll also find a small heritage railway here, the Great Laxey Mine Railway, with steam trains that run every Saturday from Easter to the last weekend in September.
Manx Museum, Douglas
Delving deep into the history of the Isle of Man, the fascinating Manx Museum follows its journey from the Stone Age through to modern times. Highlights include the Viking Gallery, which illustrates the huge importance and rich history of the Viking and Celtic heritage of the island (did you know there’s more Viking silver on the island than anywhere else in the British Isles?), while the Art Gallery showcases a stunning collection of work by well-known resident artists. The museum is also home to the National Library, and there’s a great gift shop to pick up a memento or two.
Manx Grand Prix and TT Motorcycle Race
Probably what the Isle of Man is most famous for, the TT Races run from late May to early June and are considered to be the world’s most famous motorcycling race, and date back to 1907. Taking place on the TT Mountain Course, a 37.73-mile circuit that winds through the towns and countryside and starts and ends at Douglas, the atmosphere is electric when the races take place, drawing huge crowds, mass excitement, and more than a hint of danger (there’s 219 corners to beat, and riders travel at an average of 135mph per lap).
In addition, the course is also used in August for the Manx Grand Prix, which is a similar event but a little quieter. During the races, expect the island to be very busy, so we advise that you book well ahead of your visit.
House of Manannan, Peel
Accompanied by the Manx mythological sea god Manannan, this fabulous museum in Peel takes you on a journey through the island’s rich Viking, Celtic, and Maritime past. Spanning two thousand years, the House of Manannan leads you from fishing ports and steam boats to replica Viking ships and Iron Age stone houses. With enthralling displays showcasing the riches and wealth of the Vikings, Celtic storytelling, Manx mariners with tales of fishing and smuggling, and detailed reconstructions of the everyday life of the busy port of Peel in the 1800s, there’s plenty to take on board as you wander through the rooms.
National glens
The Isle of Man is blessed with an incredible 18 mountain and coastal National Glens across the island, making it a lush paradise for walkers and outdoor lovers alike. Accessible to the public all year and completely free, you can reach them by car and some by public transport. A haven for those seeking a complete escape from the rat race, these gorgeous spaces are home to blissful waterfalls, lush forests, and pretty rockpools to discover.
Glens of note include Dhoon Glen, one of the steepest on the island, with a magnificent waterfall and 190 steps to climb for views that have photographers flocking. Tholt y Will is also stunning, with a pretty walk that follows a crystal clear stream leading up to Snaefell Mountain, while Ballaglass Glen has breathtaking views that are a favourite with artists. Many of the glens also have cycle trails for mountain bikers and horse riding opportunities, if you fancy something a little different.
Cregneash Village
The oldest open-air folk museum in Britain, Cregneash Village offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and see how crofters lived and worked on the island, with traditional thatched and whitewashed cottages, craft demonstrations, farming communities, and traditional farm animals such as Loaghtan sheep, shorthorn cows, and Manx cats. Discover folk dressed in traditional attire weaving and knitting, pretty gardens to wander through, and stunning views over the Calf of Man.
There are several lovely walks to try from the village as well, including one to Meayll Hill, a megalithic chambered tomb. If hunger hits, head to the Creg-y-Shee tea rooms. If you happen to still be there when the sun sets, Cregneash Village is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, so expect some stunning starlit skies. The village is open from late March to early November.
Snaefell Mountain
The only mountain on the Isle of Man, Snaefell's lofty peak is a favourite amongst walkers. The summit reaches 2,0336ft, inviting you to stretch your legs and discover one of the best views on the island. You can either start your ascent at Laxey for the full experience or halfway up the mountain at the Bungalow tram station, where a car park awaits. Once at the top, you can either retrace your steps back down or hop on the Snaefell Mountain Railway for a deliciously easy descent. The railway runs from the end of March to the end of October.
The Sound and the Calf of Man
The Sound is the Isle of Man’s most southerly point, and well worth a visit for lovely walks along the Raad ny Foillan coastal path and a stop off at The Sound Café, which has glorious views over the Calf of Man. The Calf of Man is a small island half a mile out to sea that’s kept as a sanctuary for wildlife and around 33 species of seabirds, including the Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake, Razorbill and Shag. Cared for by Manx National Heritage, boat trips across to the island are available, with boat operators running from Port St Mary and Port Erin, but do book in advance as trips are weather, tide, and availability dependent.
Castle Rushen, Castletown
Built 800 years ago for a Viking king, Castle Rushen is considered to be one of the best examples of a medieval castle in Europe, and is certainly one of the best preserved. Located in the south of the island, it looms majestically over Castletown, which was the original capital of the Isle of Man before Douglas. Over the centuries, the castle has been a home for royalty, a mint, and a Victorian prison, and it was even besieged by Robert the Bruce.
Climb the ramparts for panoramic views of the town and out to sea, while the castle itself, with three-foot thick walls, is home to a vast history with rooms and chambers to explore, as well as the chilling Victorian prison cells and the Treasury (once the most secure room on the island). Additionally, there’s a shop to browse and free parking on-site. The castle is open from the end of March to the beginning of November.
Fynoderee Distillery, Ramsey
Founded in 2017, Fynoderee Distillery is located in the north of the island in Ramsey, a picturesque seaside town. Distilling gin, vodka, and rum with Manx-grown, hand-foraged botanicals, the distillery is hugely influenced by a traditional Manx folk tale set in Glen Auldyn, which tells of a beautiful mortal girl and a prince of the fair folk, who fall in love but are ultimately doomed to be parted forever.
A visit is a must for aficionados of the strong stuff, and luckily there’s a tour available where you’ll discover the distillery’s warehouse and stills, learn about how they craft their award-winning spirits, and end with, of course, a tasting of their gins, vodkas, and spiced rums in the Fyn Bar (designated drivers will get theirs to take home with them!). Afterwards, head to the shop to pick up your favourite tipples to enjoy back at your holiday cottage.
Manx Electric Railway
The Manx Electric Railway (M.E.R) explores the north of the island, running between the end of March to the beginning of November. Opened in 1893, it operates over 17.5 miles between Douglas and Laxey, and on to Ramsey, and takes roughly an hour and a quarter to complete. With 71 stations, stops, and halts, you can pop on and off as you wish, as it follows the east coast to the north, passing through forested glens, postcard-pretty villages, and epic clifftops with stunning sea views. Amazingly, the service still uses its original Victorian and Edwardian tramcars, including one that dates to when the railway first opened.
Peel Castle
This impressive red sandstone medieval castle lies perched on the beautiful St Patrick’s Isle, and is the largest of the Isle of Man’s ancient sites. Once home to Christian missionaries, it’s considered to be one of the most important ancient religious buildings in the British Isles. Peel Castle boasts a 700-meter-long curtain wall and almost two hectares of fortifications, including a cathedral, church, chapels and cemeteries built over 900 years ago by the Vikings.
Stories and mythic tales abound here, such as that of the ‘moddey dhoo’ or black dog that’s said to haunt the island, and it's well worth taking advantage of the audio guide that brings the history of the castle to life. Places of note include St Patrick’s Church, over a thousand years old, and the crypt in the cathedral of St German, built 800 years ago. Open daily from the end of March to the beginning of November.
Milntown Estate and Gardens, Ramsey
The only historic estate on the Isle of Man, Milntown Estate is a gorgeous swathe of 15 acres, home to a magnificent mansion, café, beautiful gardens and woodland. At the centre of the estate is the majestic house, dating in part back to the early 16th century and redesigned in 1830. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the house every Wednesday, and booking is essential. You’ll be led through the elegant family rooms by knowledgeable volunteers, after which you can explore the ornamental gardens.
Afterwards, head to the café for a bite to eat. A pretty conservatory overlooking the Walled Garden and famous Winchester gates, it’s a lovely spot for lunch or afternoon tea (booking essential). The gardens are open from Wednesday to Sunday.
Isle of Man Steam Railway
Heading in the opposite direction to the M.E.R, the Isle of Man Steam Railway travels south from Douglas towards Castletown before reaching Port Erin. Opened in 1873, the line runs for 15.5 miles and takes about one hour to complete. Taking in the beautiful landscape of the south of the island, you pass gorgeous coastal views, idyllic farmland, historical towns and quaint villages as you meander through the landscape. At Port Erin, you’ll find the Railway Museum, where you can learn all about the history of the steam railway and its importance for the Isle of Man.
