Calf of Man, Isle of Man

Explore Calf of Man Seaside, Coast and Beaches

Calf of Man is a small uninhabited island 2.5 sq km (618 acres) that sits off the southwest coast of the Isle of Man. The island is managed by the Manx National Heritage as a bird sanctuary and observatory. The word 'calf' derives from the Old Norse word kalfr which means a small island lying near a larger one. It is possible to reach the Calf of Man by boat from both Port Erin and Port St Mary.


Why not check beaches nearby as we have 7 beaches in Rushen. You can even take a look at our list of Rushen dog friendly beaches or even our Isle Of Man Blue Flag beach list.

Calf of Man Rushen Coast Map

Calf of Man Rushen Coast Search Bar

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:

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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, and places to stay and eat:

geograph 3891922 by David Dixon

Nature Reserve and Bird Observatory

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 Read more…
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Sound Cafe

Sound Cafe is on the southern tip of the Isle of Man overlooking the beautiful Calf of Man. The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating options and serves a selection of tea/coffee, homemade cakes, delicious Manx dishes and ice-creams. Read more…
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Calf of Man Lighthouse

The Calf of Man and its offshore rocks have four lighthouses, the High and Low Lights, the new light and the Chicken Rock light. 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. These were known Read more…
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Chicken Rock Lighthouse

Chicken Rock Lighthouse sits on an island at the southern end of the Isle of Man. Completed at the end of 1874, the 44-metre-high (144 ft) tapered tower is constructed of granite and was designed by David and Thomas Stevenson. The lighthouse was automated in 1961. Although the Calf of Man has its own lighthouse it can often be obscured Read more…
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Spanish Head

Spanish Head is a headland on the southwestern tip of the Isle of Man, rising over 100 m from sea level. You can see the island of the Calf of Man which lies to the southwest of the head, separated from it by the Calf Sound. A popular location for walkers taking in both The Chasms and The Sound and Read more…
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