Isle of Man

Destination

The Isle of Man is situated in the middle of the Irish Sea and covers an area of 227 square miles (588sq.km.), 40% of which is uninhabited. The varied scenery includes stunning coastlines, deep valleys and a spectacular mountainous landscape. The Island’s history goes back 10,000 years and is depicted at a number of heritage sites. The capital, Douglas, is a very popular centre with a wide variety of accommodation and holiday attractions. It boasts a two-mile promenade which visitors can travel along on horse-drawn trams. Other interesting places to visit include Castletown, Port Erin and Port St Mary in the south, Ramsey in the north and Peel in the west.

What's on Offer

Beach & Amenities

The Isle of Man has a 100 mile coastline and 26 beaches. Many of these have golden sands and clear still waters, ensuring perfect conditions for a wide range of watersports. The most popular family beaches are Port Erin, Peel and Laxey.

Places to Visit

Manx Museum, Douglas.
Peel Castle, House of Manannan Heritage Centre and Leece Museum, Peel.
Curraghs Wildlife Park, Ballaugh.
Grove Museum, Ramsey.
Cregneash Village Folk Museum and Sound Visitor Centre, Cregneash.
Castle Rushen, Nautical Museum and Old House of Keys, Castletown.
Rushen Abbey, Ballasalla.
Transport Museums can be found in Port Erin, Peel and near Castletown.
Steam Railway: Douglas-Castletown-Port Erin-Port St Mary.
Victorian Electric Railway: Douglas-Laxey-Ramsey. Laxey-Snaefell Mountain
Victorian horse trams: Douglas Promenade.

Entertainment

Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre Complex, Douglas.
Centenary Centre, Peel.
Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin.

Shopping

Douglas: Pedestrianised streets, many famous brand-name stores.
Ramsey: Traditional shops.
Peel: Traditional, village-style shopping.
Castletown: Small shops and Callow’s Yard shopping area.
Port Erin/Port St Mary: Traditional, village-style shopping.
St John’s: Tynwald Mills Craft Centre and art gallery.

Eating Out

A variety of restaurants and pubs around the Island offer varied menus to suit all tastes and budgets.
Seafood is extremely popular, especially the famous Manx Kipper and "Queenies", a type of shellfish.
Manx lamb is another delicacy and is well accompanied with a local beer or Manx spirit.

Recreation & Sport

Nine golf courses, cycle and walking trails, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, diving, angling, pony trekking, coasteering, climbing and quad biking.

Holiday & Activity Centres

Venture Centre, Maughold.
Tel: 01624 814240.
Adventurous Experiences, St John’s. Tel: 01624 843034

Conference & Business Facilities

With a wide variety of venues the Isle of Man plays host to many different types of events and conferences.
The Island's flagship venue - the Villa Marina - has had a £15 million refurbishment and hosts a number of prestigious conferences.

Accommodation

Total bed spaces: 5,060
Serviced premises: 140
Self catering: 350
Serviced rooms: 1,842
Ensuites: 1,537
Serviced bed spaces: 3,695
Self-catering rooms: 704
Self-catering bed spaces: 1,365
Campsites: 19 registered sites around the Island
Hostels: 9

Getting There

Sea

From Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin.

Air

From 18 UK and Irish Airports