Isle of Man Things to Do

  looking northeast
by iaint
 
  • looking northeast
      looking northeast
    by iaint
  • the view to the southwest
      the view to the southwest
    by iaint
  • Monks' Bridge
      Monks' Bridge
    by GeoV
  • Monks' Bridge
      Monks' Bridge
    by GeoV
  • Old Kirk Braddan
      Old Kirk Braddan
    by GeoV
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Great Laxey Wheel

by kit_mc

The Laxey Wheel, also known as the Lady Isabella, is a massive 22 metres high wheel that was built to pump water out of mines in the late 1800s. It's apparently the largest of its kind remaining in the world today.The wheel is situated in quite a pleasant location above the town of Laxey surrounded by woods and with great views across the island. There are also some useful information points dotted around the site.Many of the main historic sites on the Isle of Man are closed during the winter months and unfortunately the wheel is one of them. It's open from March to October and entry costs around £3.00.

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Seals and Basking Sharks

by kit_mc

You're never very far from nature on the Isle of Man and certainly never far from water! In Peel harbour you can often see grey seals up fairly close although the day I was here the weather was so rough that they were nowhere to be seen. In this area you can also find basking sharks in the summer. Basking sharks are not dangerous to people and appear in the summer at various points in the British Isles.At the harbour side you can find a large info panel giving details of sightings.

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Manx Museum

by kit_mc

Situated on a hill above Douglas in what was once a hospital is the Manx Museum, telling the history of the island throughout the ages, from Viking colonisation through to the present day.As well as a very good historical overview, including information on such things as ancient burials, the use of the island as an internment camp during the first and second world wars and emigration, the museum also houses the island's art collection in the National Art Gallery, most of which has some link to the island. Unfortunately as the museum tries to cover just about every aspect of this independent nation's history, some of the info lacks depth, though a short film on the Tynwald (Manx Parliament) does neatly explain the nature of this small nation's semi-independence.The museum remains is quite a small but informative place. Make sure that you see the film that runs every half hour and gives an...

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Electric Trams

by leecouk12324

Take an Electric Tram from the very North side of Douglas to Laxey.Laxey is famous for the largest existing working Waterwheel in the world - the very beautiful "Lady Isabella" - climb the steps to the top if not afraid of heights

museums

by dervish

the manx museum in douglas was good, but the manamman museum in peel is a must . its perfect for kids,as its very interactive, they can touch the life like dummies etc and they and you will definately come out having learnt some thing new about the island.

Town Walks

by Musquy

In the Tourist Office (Ferry Terminal, Douglas) and in tourist info places (e.g. museums, gift shops attached to attractions) you can pick up Town Walk guides to Douglas, Peel, Castletown , and, I think, Ramsey and Laxey. (There are several to at least Peel and Douglas.) These can be used, if not to follow, then at least to draw your attention to various sites and features as you wander around the towns in question wondering where to go, what to see, where to eat, etc.

On arrival by ferry

by Musquy

Since the Tourist Office is in the Ferry Terminal building, when you arrive by ferry, before charging off to find a cab or riding/driving off to your accommodation base, call in at the Tourist Office and pick up the Things to Do, What's On, and other leaflets which may interest you, and a copy of the bus/rail timetable. You'll probably require some of this info later, so you might as well get it while you're there!

Island Overview 2 Island Tour

by Musquy

Rather than take an organised coach tour of the Island, customise your own, using public transport. You will need an explorer ticket and a bus/rail timetable, all available from tourism and ticket offices. The key is the Port Erin-Peel journey, since that is the least frequent service.Start Douglas. Bus or Steam train to Castletown; Bus or Steam train to Port Erin; Bus to Peel; Bus to Ramsey; Bus or Electric train to Laxey; Bus or Electric train to Douglas; Horse tram along prom.The journey can be adapted according to where you're based. Castletown & Laxey can be omitted, since you'll pass through them anyway. You could go up the mountain from Laxey if you have time.This schedule should give you at least 30 minutes at each stop. Not enough to see in detail, but enough to see what's worth returning to.

Camera Obscura

by Musquy

The Camera Obscura is finally open, after several years of restoration. It's unique in that it has 12 or 13 mirrors, and rather than look at one big central image, you walk around the inside of the building and look at individual screens. Rather like a Victorian Webcam!Open weekends & Bank Holidays, because it's staffed by volunteers. Leaflets available in Tourist Office.

Island Overview 1 History

by Musquy

At an early point in your visit, go to the Museum in Douglas; it will help put everything on the Island into context. Make sure you view the 20 minute introductory film first. All the museums on the Island are worth visiting (some charge, the Douglas one is free), and you'll find leaflets here & in the Tourist office. Check times of the volunteer operated ones; they're weekend & Bank Hols only.

Fun things to do in Isle of Man

Top 3 Hotels in Isle of Man

Regency Hotel  Douglas

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Reviews and photos of Isle of Man attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Isle of Man sightseeing.

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Things to Do: Cities in Isle of Man
  1. Douglas Things to Do
  2. Isle of Man Things to Do
  3. Port Erin Things to Do
  4. Castletown Things to Do
  5. Peel Things to Do
  6. Onchan Things to Do
  7. Calf of Man Things to Do
  8. Maughold Things to Do

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Questions and Answers

Nikki65 profile photo

Q:  I am planning a 22 day trip around Ireland and wanted to spend the end of it in Isle of Mann. Depending on how I arrange things, I... 

christine.j profile photo

A: Welcome to VT. How much time to spend on the Isle of Man? I was there for five days and know I have to come back because there is much I still want to see. If you can... 

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