Top Isle of Man hotels
If you are staying in Douglas, this is the first place you should visit, to get a broad overview over history, way of life and monuments on the Isle of Man.Many interesting arcaeological exhibits, from minerals and skeletons to postcards and modern artefacts.Since I was determined to visit many museums and historic locations, I decided to become a member of Manx National Heritage to save on entrance fees. You can do that here at the reception desk.
This small island is located off the south-western tip of the Isle of Man. It is a home to numerous seabird colonies, and of course there is a bird observatory. Actually, the whole island is a bird sanctuary. I sat on a bench talking to my friend for almost two hours - the view is truly woneful, especially if you love the sea, crashing waves, seals, seabirds, ships ...
Built at the turn of the last century, the Manx Electric Railway runs from Douglas to the north, as far as Ramsey. I only took it as far as Laxey, but it was a stunning ride, with views of rolling hills, cliffside pastures overlooking the Irish sea, country pubs and wooded glens.
Peel is supposed to the 2nd city of the island, but it's not even a large town. However it's worth a few hours of your time, there is a Manx musuem there and you might have noticed the pics of the castle there by now! ;)It's about 11 miles from Douglas.
It's a small island off the southern coast of IoM. We passed it on the ferry en route to Douglas. I doubt if there are many people living there, but apparently there is a bird sanctuary if you're interested. You could probably visit it during the summer. You should probably wear an extra layer of clothing, it looks like a very chilly and windy spot.
I've seen it referred to as St Mary's Isle as well (identity crisis? Surely not!) It acted as a reference point to warn ships that they were approaching Douglas Bay and not sail straight into the rocks like many a ship before them.The tower is a bit small in the photo, but I hope you can still make it out.
It's £3 to climb up the spiral steps and admire the view of the Laxey Glens from a ledge above the wheel. If you're tall, you should be able to glimpse the coast and Laxey bay. Little munchkins like me can manage it on tip-toes or jumping up and down maniacally ;-) The big red wheel is set on the side of a hill, up from the local fire station, overlooking Laxey village. The wheel was originally used to pump water from the mines down to the valley. It still works. Now, you're hardly going to traipse all the way up to Laxey to ooh and aah over a big red wheel. There is more. If you walk up behind the wheel, you can take your choice of 3 mining trails. The longest it should take you is 45 minutes - which isn't so bad. During the summer, you can get the Snaefell Mountain Railway, which starts from Laxey and takes you all the way up to the top of the Island's highest peak. The service wasn't...
Every bit of coastline I've seen on this island is beautiful, and there are plenty of walks up hills alongside it and to it, where you can occasionally see basking sharks.
Climbing the wheel itself is quick and easy and provides good photo opportunities, and there are some nice walks nearby along a stream. Really lovely place for a summer's day.
Even if you're not travelling on the steam train the station is well worth a look. Maybe it's how stations used to be many years ago. There's a good cafe there too, enjoyed our time here.
Regency Hotel Douglas
38 Opinions
Grosvenor Hotel Port Erin
12 Opinions
Sefton Express Ballasalla
22 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Isle of Man attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Isle of Man sightseeing.
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...
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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