The Isle of Man is an island in the Irish Sea lying between Great Britain and Ireland.
This island offers stunning landscapes, unspoilt beaches on a very long and beautiful coastline making it a perfect holiday destination whoever you are. There is a wealth of history to explore and wonderful places to see from slow and sleepy tourism to action packed adventure!
Whether it's water sports, mountain climbing, biking, walking the coastal paths, watching the wildlife, quad biking or spending a day in the museums and art galleries you'll find exactly what you want to do.
The heritage of this island is varied and dates back more than 10 000 years allowing you to discover the ancient castles, forts and mounds, waterwheels and mines and follow in the steps of missionaries and the Vikings!
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Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:
Want some ideas on where to visit?
Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, places to stay and eat:
- 25th May 2019-7th June 2019The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) is run in a time-trial format on public roads closed to the public. The first Isle of Man TT race was held on Tuesday 28 May 1907 and has since been held most years.The TT week includes 9 races covering vehicles from traditional race bikes through to sidecars.Qualifying runs each evening from Saturday 25th May to Friday 31st May 2019 (Excluding Sunday 26th) Saturday 25th May – Friday 31st May 2019Qualifying runs each evening (Excluding Sunday 26th)Saturday 1st June 201912:00 Superbike TT Race (6 laps) 15:00 Sidecar TT Race 1 (3 laps)Monday 3rd June 201910:45 Supersport TT Race 1 (4 laps) 14:15 Superstock TT Race (4 laps)Wednesday 5th June 201910:45 Supersport TT Race 2 (4 laps) 13:45 Lightweight TT Race (4 laps) 16:25 Zero TT Race (1 lap)Friday 7th June 201910:30 Sidecar TT Race 2 (3 laps) 12:45 Senior TT Race (6 laps)* Please note that race dates are subject to change or cancellation by event organisers at short notice.
- The Gaiety Theatre in Douglas is located on the Douglas promenade overlooking the sea. The theatre was built in 1899 to the designs of architect Frank Matcham as an opera house and theatre.
- Spanish Head is a headland on the southwestern coast of the Isle of Man, rising over 100 m from sea level. You can see the island of the Calf of Man lies which lies to the southwest of the head, separated from it by the Calf Sound. The name is thought to arise from the tale of a ship from the Spanish Armada that was wrecked in the area, though there is no evidence to suggest this. Locals suggest that the name may originate from the Manx name for the type of rock in the area.
- Douglas Central beach is a sandy beach in the heart of the town. Facilities: parking, toilets, shops, cafe, restaurants. We have no dog information.
- Port Soderick beach is a sand and rocky beach with a promenade, a children’s play area and a picnic site. This was a popular tourist location on the island but has since been forgotten and now is in a state of decay. Facilities at the beach include refreshments, promenade and parking. Video by Isle of Man by Drone
- Broadway beach in Douglas is a sandy beach in the middle of Douglas bay. Facilities: car parking, toilets, cafe, shops, restaurants.
- Snaefell is the highest mountain and the only summit higher than 2,000 feet (610 m) on the Isle of Man, at 2,037 feet (620.9 m) above sea level. At the summit you have a railway station and cafe.
- Kirk Michael beach is a long stretch of sand/shingle under the cliffs. Popular location for coastal and beach walks. Facilities include car parks, shops, campsite and toilets.
- Peel lifeboat station was established in 1829 and now operates an all weather lifeboat. Station open daily, no shop.
- The Calf of Man and its offshore rocks have four lighthouses. The original (1816/1818) two lights consisted of two circular stone towers with light keepers accommodation with the two towers, 560 feet apart, aligned to indicate a safe course past the dangerous Chicken Rock. The lights were discontinued in 1875 when the Chicken Rock light was established.
- Jurby beach is a long shingle beach with firm sand as the tide goes out and is a popular beach with walkers and fishing. Facilities include car parking and toilets.
- The Point of Ayre Lighthouse is an active 19th-century lighthouse that was first lit in 1818, making it the oldest operational lighthouse on the island. The lighthouse is located at the Point of Ayre at the north-eastern end of the Isle of Man and was designed and built by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of prolific writer and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. The point has shingle and gravel deposited by the strong currents, this changing landscape forced a smaller light commonly referred to as a ‘winkie’ had to be built 750 feet (230 m) to the seaward side of the main tower in 1899. This was then repositioned a further 250 feet (76 m) in the same direction and for the same reasons in 1950. The ‘winkie’ light was discontinued on 7 April 2010.
- The Calf of Man Nature Reserve and Bird Observatory is maintained by the Manx Museum and National Trust (MMNT), with Wardens resident on the Island from spring to late autumn. The traditional style 1870’s farmhouse incorporating the Observatory is also a hostel that can be pre-booked for up to eight guests. Visitors need to bring their own food supplies and a sleeping bag. The Calf of Man Island is accessed by small boat operators running return trips from Port St Mary and Port Erin. Sailings are subject to suitable weather conditions, tide and the availability of the boatmen. The Calf of Man image: cc-by-sa/2.0 – © David Dixon – geograph.org.uk/p/3891922
