Planning a visit to the little rock in the Irish Sea and looking for the best things to do in Isle of Man? As a born and bred Manx girl who goes back home to the island regularly, allow me to guide you!
Isle of Man was once a haven for British holidaymakers but not many tourists visit the peaceful island in the Irish Sea these days, and I think that’s a big shame.
Isle of Man may be only 33 miles long and 13.5 wide, but it’s a beautiful place (especially when the sun is shining) and there are loads of fun things to do in Isle of Man for all the family.
I definitely didn’t appreciate how much Isle of Man has to offer, or its natural beauty, while growing up there, but writing this list of the top things to see and do in Isle of Man made me wonder why I ever left.
Please, plan a holiday in Isle of Man! I’d love for more people to experience this underrated destination. If the IOM has never been on your radar, you might wonder what there actually is to do there. The answer is: LOADS – and it won’t be an expensive holiday once you’re on the isle.
Most of the best things to do in Isle of Man are absolutely free!
Best things to do in Isle of Man for all the family
If you’re wondering what to do in Isle of Man, this should give you plenty of inspiration for your holiday.
In terms of how long to spend on Isle of Man, it really depends on the season. Come for two weeks during the world famous TT in the summertime, or just hop over from Liverpool on the ferry for a weekend if you’re in the North West.
I’d recommend you spend five days in Isle of Man to get a feel for the island.
Here are my top things to do on Isle of Man for visitors.
1. Ride a horse tram
Douglas’ horse-drawn trams have run throughout the summer months for over 140 years and remain a fun family activity today – for tourists, at least. The old-school trams take happy campers from one end of the promenade to the other, and the horses are very well looked after. Look out for the special double-decker tram!
For the most up-to-date information on fares etc, visit their website.
2 Watch the world’s best motorbike races
The TT races are the reason a lot of people around the world are even aware of Isle of Man’s existence. The annual motorcycle festival brings huge tourism to the island and for two weeks every year, the funfair comes to town, everyone’s stuck to the floor in a beer tent and the atmosphere is electric.
Even if you don’t care about bikes (like me), it’s worth visiting during TT because there’s so much going on.
Free
3. Explore one of the world’s best preserved medieval castles
Head ‘Down South’ to Castletown, the island’s ancient capital, to see Castle Rushen, the structure that’s been used as a fortress, royal residence, a mint and even a prison at different stages in history.
Adults £8.00, Kids £4.00
4. Enter the Tin Bath Races
Yes, this is a thing. Also taking place in Castletown’s Middle Harbour, the annual World Tin Bath Championships takes competitors around a 400m course in old tin baths. Well, I did tell you this was a unique list…
If you don’t fancy getting wet, you can always spectate for free! Money raised by the competitors goes to charity.
5. Walk out to Tower of Refuge
Every now and then, the tide goes out far enough in Douglas bay to allow people to walk out to Tower of Refuge, a small ‘tower’ that was originally built on the rock in the bay to stop boats crashing into it, and to provide shelter for shipwreck victims.
It doesn’t smell great, but at least you can say you’ve done it…
Free
6. Go to Peel beach for an ice cream
Going to Peel for an ice cream is the highlight of every Manxie’s summer holidays, and it’s also something visitors to the island shouldn’t skip.
The ice cream must be scooped in Davisons’ parlour, where they serve the best Manx dairy ice cream. Bonus points if you make it to Peel for sunset!
Be sure to walk over to Fenella Beach too, a smaller, peaceful and very pebbly cove. I also recommend The Creek, a quayside watering hole that serves great pub grub.
Under a fiver
7. Walk the island’s circumference
The Parish Walk is an 85 mile long, competitive walk that challenges participants to walk around all 17 of the Isle of Man’s parishes in just 24 hours, ending on Douglas promenade.
It’s not for the faint-hearted and not many make it round the full course, but you can throw in the towel at any of the check-in points along the way. It’s a unique sporting event to add to your bucket list.
8. Play Vikings at the House of Mannanan
Named after the mythological god who shrouds the island with his ‘cloak’ on foggy days, the House of Mannanan in Peel is the place to learn about Isle of Man’s Celtic, Viking and maritime history.
The interactive (smelly) displays are fun for kids especially – but the wax figures might spook them out. Good option for rainy days in Isle of Man, and one of the most fascinating historic attractions on the rock.
Adults £10, kids £8
9. Say hello to the fairies
Yes, really. Manx people are very superstitious and no visitor to the island gets away with not greeting the fairies as they pass the Fairy Bridge on the A5 Port Erin to Douglas road. I don’t know what happens if you snub them, but I’m not risking it.
If you take a bus past, the onboard tannoy will remind you to bid the magical creatures good day. Only on the Isle of Man…
Free
10. Swot up on the island’s history at the Manx Museum
Free admission makes this museum dedicated to the island’s history one of the best things to do on a rainy day in Isle of Man. The Manx Museum is located in Douglas and tells the story of Man through film, galleries and interactive displays.
My favourite bits as a kid were the huge skeleton, the 1960’s ‘beach’ area and the authentic cottages. This is a great winter activity in Isle of Man because everything is indoors.
Free
11. Explore Peel Castle
This grand fortress looks over Peel Marina and was once the fort of Magnus Barefoot, an 11th century Viking King of Mann. Peel Castle‘s Gatehouse Tower offers panoramic views and the castle grounds are fun to explore.
If you get bored on Peel Beach, you can always head over to the castle.
Adults £6, kids £3.
12. Plan a day out at Laxey Beach
This sand and pebble beach is a popular destination for families looking to soak up the sun during the summer months on Isle of Man. The harbour breakwater is crowned by a picturesque lighthouse, with cliffs on the other side of the bay.
There’s a cafe and grassy area at the seafront, so you can spend the whole day there. Have a pint at The Mines for me!
Free
13. Catch a show at the Gaiety Theatre
First opened in 1900, the Italian Renaissance-style Gaiety is stunning inside – a true sight to behold, and it’s right on Douglas promenade. Try to catch a show while you’re in Isle of Man, even if just to see the ornate interiors.
You can also take tours of the theatre on Saturdays for £8.
14. Get your Science on at The Dome at The Nunnery
The Dome is a state-of-the-art, immersive digital media experience which provides a ‘sensual exploration of art, science, ancestry, culture and the environment’.
This Immersive Fulsome Cinema and Planetarium was originally launched as a secret cinema and is located in the old nunnery’s stables block, which is also pretty cool.
15. Go shark spotting
Did you know that there are Basking Sharks in Manx waters from mid-May until mid-August? Isle of Man is one of the best places to see Basking Sharks, compared to elsewhere in the British Isles.
Head to the south and southwest shores to see these extraordinary animals feeding and if you’re lucky, courting! Find out more at Manx Basking Shark Watch.
16. Go diving in Port St Mary
You can go snorkelling or scuba diving in Port St Mary with entry-level courses. Open water sea training sessions are run in Port Erin.
Told you Isle of Man isn’t short of stuff to do in the great outdoors!
Find out more at the Discover Diving website.
17. See the world’s oldest continuously running parliament
Isle of Man has its own independent parliament and its members are elected to the House of Keys instead of the UK’s House of Commons.
While you’re visiting, try to see the local government’s ancient meeting place, at Tynwald Hill. The four-tired hill is thought to be made with soil from all of the Island’s 17 ancient parishes.
If you’re on the island on Tynwald Day, you can watch the ceremony there too.
18. Climb to the top of the world’s largest working water wheel
The Laxey Wheel is the largest working waterwheel in the world! Standing at over 72 feet high, this extraordinary piece of Victorian engineering is nicknamed ‘Lady Isabella’ and was built in 1854.
Climb to the top and look out over Glen Mooar Valley, then visit the Laxey Mine.
Adults £8, kids £4
19. Ride the steam train to Port Erin
Pretend you’re on the Hogwarts Express when you board the Isle of Man Steam Railway train from Douglas to Port Erin. You can even take a picture with the island’s very own ‘Platform 9 3/4s’ sign.
Pack a picnic, or book the Tapas Train or Pie and Mash Train if you’d prefer to be catered. Sit back and take in the Manx scenery rolling past you on the one-hour journey.
£26.00 per person includes sharing menu and return travel to Castletown.
20. Chase waterfalls
As the largest waterfall on the island, Dhoon Glen’s ‘Inneen Vooar’ or ‘Big Girl’ waterfall is 40 metres high, set in a secluded cove in a steep valley.
This is one of the most photogenic spots in the Isle of Man for photographers. Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots.
Free
21. Walk to Milner’s Tower from Bradda Glen
If you’re enjoying a day out in Port Erin, Bradda Glen offers incredible panoramic views over its bay and the Calf of Man. You can walk the coastal path to Milner’s Tower, which sits proudly on Bradda Head.
If you prefer to stay closer to the beach, you can’t miss the tower from the bay itself.
Free
22. Step into the island’s past at Cregneash
Sometimes I like to show people pictures of Cregneash and watch the horror appear on their faces when I tell them the whole island is like this.
Cregneash village is like a living museum illustrating the Isle of Man’s farming and crofting community in the 19th and early 20th century, with cottages and farmlands that could totally fool you into thinking you’d travelled back in time. Look out for indigenous four-horned Loghtan sheep!
Adults £6, kids £3
23. Stroke a Manx cat
Crazy looking sheep aren’t the only curious animals on Isle of Man. Manx Cats have no tails and many people keep them as pets. So if you see a cat while you’re on the island, make sure you check out its backside!
Free
24. Climb to the highest point on the island
Sneafell is the highest mountain and the only summit higher than 2,000 feet on the Isle of Man, at 2,037 feet above sea level.
On a clear day, you can see the ‘seven kingdoms’ from its peak – England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man and the kingdoms of heaven and the sea.
Free
25. Ride the Manx Electric Tram
Another old school Manx mode of transport, the Manx Electric Tram runs from outside the (excellent) Terminus Tavern pub on Douglas promenade, along the island’s scenic east coast to Laxey and Ramsey.
The tram started running in 1893 and still feels very Victorian. You can also ride the tram to the top of Snaefell, if you don’t feel like walking.
Douglas to/from Laxey: £10.80 adult, £5.40 child (5-15). Under 5s go free.
26. Enjoy the view at the Camera Obscura
The only camera obscura in the world with 11 lenses, this structure on Douglas Head gives you a new perspective of the island with a 60 degree view of Douglas harbour, the lighthouse and horizon.
It’s open from May until mid-September, Saturdays 1pm – 4pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am – 4pm, weather permitting.
Adults £2, pensioners and students £1, kids go free.
27. Spend the day at Onchan Park
Onchan Pleasure Park is a great place to spend a summer day with kids on Isle of Man. It’s got a huge park with sections for different ages, a boating lake for motor boats and bumper boats, go-karts, a race track, crazy golf and mini golf, as well as tennis and bowls facilities.
There’s also a cafe, so you can spend the whole day there.
Free
28. … or Mooragh Park
As well as watersports on the12 acre boating lake, you can also use the tennis courts, bowling green, BMX track and crazy golf course at Mooragh Park in Ramsey. There’s a children’s playground and special water play area.
Free
29. Visit the Calf of Man
Just of the south west of the island lies another miniature island that you can actually visit on a boat trip from Port Erin or Port St Mary.
The 618 acre island is used as a bird sanctuary and keen bird watchers can book the one accommodation there to spend the night on the Calf. As well as birds, you’ll see the local seal colony.
If you’re flying into Ronaldsway Airport, you might just get a birds-eye view of the Calf!
30. Eat chips at Port Erin beach
Port Erin is another must-visit seaside village in Isle of Man, situated in the southwest of the island.
The sandy beach has two swimming rafts that brave kids can jump off (watch out for jellyfish!), and there are plenty of little eateries – I recommend Port Erin Chippy for fish and chips, or Cosy Nook Cafe under the lighthouse on the beach itself.
Free
31. Go seal spotting at The Sound
From the southern tip of the island you can see Calf of Man, the 600 acre islet sitting just a stone’s throw from Isle of Man. This must be one of the best free things to do in Isle of Man for animal lovers because you’re likely to see seals sunbathing on the rocks.
It gets windy, so warm up with a coffee or snack at The Sound Cafe.
Free
32. Pay the retired tram horses a visit
At the Home of Rest for Old Horses, retired tram horses and other older horses and donkeys live out their days in tranquil bliss. The 92 acres of land are looked after by volunteers and the place is sustained by charity.
You can buy horse feed from the gift shop to feed the animals. A fun place to take animal-mad kids on Isle of Man!
Free, donations welcome.
33. Do some star gazing
Home to 26 British Isles Dark Sky discovery sites, the Isle of Man has some of the darkest skies in Europe and you can occasionally see the Northern Lights from the northeastern coast.
There are plenty of stargazing hotspots around the island, including Port Soderick and The Sound.
Free
34. Visit the Manx Aviation and Military Museum
Located right next to Ronaldsway Airport, the Manx Aviation and Military Museum is an interesting place to visit on the Isle of Man. Go back to the island’s wartime days, step aboard real aircraft and take a look at the cockpit and nose section of a Second World War Bristol Bolingbroke bomber.
Entry is free, donations welcome.
35. Walk along Douglas promenade
Douglas seafront is a beautiful place for a walk, and you can also wander through the flower-filled sunken gardens.
If you’re feeling particularly energetic, continue on to Groudle Glen – but be sure to stop somewhere for an ice cream!
Free
36. Eat the national dish
It’s a well-known fact among locals that the Isle of Man’s favourite meal is chips, cheese and gravy. It’s a bit like Canada’s poutine, but we use proper Manx cheddar cheese instead of curds. Best eaten at 3am after a night in The Outback. Ah, the ultimate Isle of Man foodie experience.
Or you could try the more traditional Manx national dish: spuds and herring. Manx kippers are a unique souvenir from your trip.
Read my food guide for tips on the best places to eat in Douglas!
37. Drink the Manx tipples
The best way to get to know a destination is to drink like a local, right?
Order the local Okells ale in the island’s pubs, book a tour of the Hooded Ram Brewery, or try Fynoderee Manx Dry Gin if you’re a G&T lover.
38. Have a picnic in the Villa Marina Gardens
If you’re trying to save money on food during your trip to Isle of Man, you can’t beat a picnic – and why not try to make it using all local produce?
Pick up some Isle of Man Creamery cheese and butter, locally baked bread, a couple of bottles of Roots ‘Ginger Bee’ and lemonade drinks, some locally-grown salad ingredients and whatever else you can find in Robinsons, and take it all down to the Villa Marina gardens for lunch.
39. Get active at the NSC
The Isle of Man’s National Sports Centre is the home of sporty activities in Isle of Man and has loads to do for active kids and adults. Have a swim or use the squash courts, astro pitches and indoor bowling facilities.
40. Play a round of golf
Keen golfers will love discovering the Isle of Man’s eight 18-hole golf courses – but remember, the island is very hilly! Castletown, Ramsey and Peel boast three of the best golf courses on the island.
41. Go gorge scrambling
Adventurous sorts can take advantage of the island’s easily accessible coastline by trying their hand at coasteering or gorge scrambling. Follow an expert guide as you scale a route with natural obstacles, and get wet in the process. Find out more on the Adventurous Experiences website.
From £40pp
42. Drink in the island’s cheapest pub
Isle of Man nightlife wouldn’t be the same without this place. Pay £1 to get through the turnstile at Quids Inn on Douglas promenade for the cheapest drinks on the island. This is a good place to start your night out if you’re on a budget!
Where to stay in Isle of Man
On such a small island, it doesn’t really matter where you stay because everything is within easy reach. That being said, I recommend booking accommodation in Douglas, the ‘capital’ which has the most amenities.
Some of the best hotels on the seafront there are The Sefton, Claremont Hotel and The Empress. There are also plenty of guesthouses on Douglas promenade.
Search all Isle of Man accommodation prices and availability
Booking.comHow to get to Isle of Man
You can travel to Douglas, Isle of Man on the Steam Packet ferry from Dublin, Heysham or Liverpool. You can bring your car if you travel by sea, at an extra cost.
You can also fly to Isle of Man’s Ronaldsway Airport from various airports around the UK ‘mainland’. Travelling to Isle of Man isn’t always straightforward or cheap, but I promise it’s worth it!
If you’re planning a trip to Isle of Man and have any questions, please feel free to comment here or message me on Instagram. I’d love to give some more local insight! And my Dad might even be available to play tour guide…
Manxies, have I missed anything? Leave your recommendations for more things to do in Isle of Man in the comments so we can share the best of our island with the world.
Please share this article with anyone you think may be interested in visiting Isle of Man!
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Sam | North East Family Fun Travel Blog says
Ah looks fabulous – can you visit for the day from Liverpool or is the ferry trip too long?
Eve Kelly says
Ferry schedules wouldn’t normally work for a day trip to the island. Check http://www.steam-packet.com
Angelika says
Ferry trip takes 4 hrs approx –
I can promise you that 3 days are not enough for visiting everything on IoM.
I spent altogether 8 days there and am still missing many spots.
TeaPartyPrincess says
So much to do!
I really want to visit Isle of Man, even more so now!
Cora
Tschubi says
Hi, I visit the Island since 1982 nearly every year for TT. My first visit is -after the Hotel or Farm- the Icecafe in Port Erin, next day -always- the Castle and Manx Museum. I found friends here to visit and I have worked here in Towerhouse in 2001 for the Security. It takes me 2 full days from Berlin to Douglas. It is always risky to drive the long way over Rotterdam, the Hamburg-Harwich is cancelled a long time ago. But the Isle of Man is very special among all those places in the world I have visited. The culture and people are very different.
And I see some progress in the development, my money is going into new streets, public places, toilets etc.
I am back in August and pretty keen to see places, I havent been before.
I wish all visitors and Islanders a great time and : Drive safe !
Tschubi
Joy cowell says
Trip to the Calf of man. Just done it with shona boat trips from Port Erin. Great day.
Loni Evans says
A round of golf at Castletown Golf Links! It’s one of Great Britain and Ireland’s top courses and the setting is amazing
Away With Maja says
Great post!! I’ve been thinking about trying to make a visit to the Isle of Man happen in the next year or so and this has given me even more of a push to make it happen! I would love to know what transportation you find easiest or cheapest from the Northeast (flying vs. ferry)?
alison netzer says
Sadly I have never heard of Isle of Man, but you have made it sound so enticing with your post. What a wonderful place.
Brian says
if your in Laxey on a Saturday take a ride on the Great Laxey Mines Railway which runs from the Valley gardens to the Laxey Wheel only £2 return runs from 11AM till430pm till October also you get to travel through the only railway tunnel on the island
Peter Cowin says
Lady Isabella and Lady Evelyn ,Laxeys two great watersheds
Our megalithic and stone age sites all as old ,or older than stonehenge
Anne says
Went on the railway to mount Snøfjell! For sunset dinner on the 16th of May this year. Love the island been 3 times.
The Girl Next Door says
I’ve never had a chance to visit the Isle of Man, but your list has me totally fascinated. I so want to visit the place now! 🙂 I love how you have listed out cheap, local experiences that would give a traveller a real feel of the place! Great post!
Clara says
Walking the Raad Ny Foilan
Kayaking- 7th wave port erin
daviddemaine says
With regards to Manx cats, I’d recommend the Mann Cat Sanctuary, near Santon: A large bungalow where a multitude of cats are free to wander around a large conservatory and surrounding grounds. You can sit in the conservatory, and fuss over the residents. It’s also home to some donkeys, an aviary and a macaw called Booboo who greets visitors on the way in.
Admission fee is either a six-pack of cat food or £5.
Close Sartfield near Ballaugh is free place to visit for butterflies, hares and flowers; especially at dusk, when many of the the island’s estimated 110 feral red-necked wallabies are hopping about.
Glen Maye and Glen Helen perhaps vie for most scenic of the glens. Calf Sound is great for watching sound.
Jurby Transport Museum was a freebie, last time I visited.
Eve Kelly says
Isle of Man Ghost Tours! Ghost Tours around Douglas on Tuesday evening, Peel on Wednesday evenings and Castletown on Thursday evenings. From the first week of July to the end of October – and they will do private bookings too! Alan Shaw on 07624 416824 is the person to contact or check Isle of Man Ghost Tours on Facebook!
theRands says
This sounds absolutely amazing! I have definitely heard of your little island but never really knew anything about it. Now I want to take the kids! Most of the things on this list sound really cool, tin bath races included! I’m afraid my husband and kids would prefer the TT though 🙂
P.S. Didn’t know you had the longest running parliament!
Nafisa Habib says
That’s really cool to be able to do many cheap and free things in Isle of Man. Loving the option to ride the steam train. Great to know all about your home town for first-time. Seems worth to visit!
Kathleen says
What about the Ballaugh Curraghs Wildlife park, great for all ages and family orientated then walk out into the curraghs to do some Wild wallaby spotting at dusk!
Pujarini Mitra says
Wow you make Isle of Man sound a lot of fun. I like the list covers so many things and it’s really helpful to plan a trip. This place is definitely going up in my bucketlist.
Christine Callister says
As a local, fantastic article. I hope the department of tourism give you a job!
Ballaugh Curraghs worth a mention, as is Ramsey Pier and the Albert Tower.
Sally White says
Oh wow, what a list! Waterfalls, water wheels, castles & even a steam train! I’ve always wanted to visit the Isle of Man- it seems like such a neat place- you are so lucky to live there! Thanks for sharing your island!
Sandy N Vyjay says
Most of the times we travellers are so much focused on faraway shores that we tend to ignore the treasures right under our nose, guess that happens with all of us. But the Isle of Man looks like sheer indulgence for the senses. A complete holiday destination for the entire family. There are so many things to see and experience. In a way it is a blessing in disguise that not many visitors now, and that has helped keep the place pristine and charming too.
neha says
Great list. It literally contains anything that one can think of to spend money at, not just places to see in isle of man. It’s really good to see that there is a money saving economical way of doing anything here, be it shopping or eating or visiting places or things to do.
Hilary Morgan says
Follow the path through Glen Maye past its beautiful waterfall playing pooh-sticks in the stream. When evening comes visit Peel. Walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse then back along the upper level. Walk around Peel Castle walls as the sun is setting then go down onto Fenella Beach, kick off your shoes and paddle. Happy days!
Ana O says
I would love to visit the Isle of Man! I’ve watched TT races on TV, the speed and skills of the rides are amazing.
The Isle of Man kind of reminds me of Jersey, I mean that British island feel, with great views, good food, and a medieval castle, of course.
Yukti says
I would love to visit this Isle of Man. Though this beautiful island is small but it has loads of wonderful places. Also there are activities for all tastes. I would love to see those finest motorbike races.
Pam says
I went to the Isle of Man last week for 7 days with my two boys. We are from Orlando, FL and love to visit new and out of the ordinary places. We did 17 of the things that you listed and tried to do many of the others but many things were closed during the week like the boat cruise, golf and restaurants that said they were open but simply did not open without a reservation. We enjoyed ourselves immensely clay pigeon shooting with an old Manx pro, touring the island’s historic Viking and Celtic relics (which you would never find without our guide Jane), visiting the castles, watching the Viking boat race in Peel, seeing Avenue Q at the beautiful Gaiety Theatre, waving over the fairy bridge, running every morning on the Douglas peer, seeing all 4 countries on the ride up from the Laxey Wheel (a little scary) and our beautiful views from Seascape over Laxey Beach where Michelle went out of her way to accommodate us. I recommend reservations for everything before you go- people don’t just open for business or keep to hours- we found that really interesting and at times frustrating. And we learned that you order your food, then the rest is up to you to be served again and get your check. But we truly, truly loved this island. The people are extremely friendly, the scenery and vistas second to none and we had the gift of the heat wave (ha!) and not even a cloud! I recommended IOM as a great place to visit for families, couples and even a single traveler since it is so safe! I wish they had direct flights from Heathrow or Paris!
Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad says
Yay, so many awesome things!! There are still a few things I need to do – including the TT! It may be cheap, but it’s not cheap to go there for it. 🙁 Also where’s the platform 9 3/4 sign?!? I totally missed that one, haha!