| About the Isle of Man
Many people who have never been to the Isle of Man are not sure exactly where it is! The
answer is that it lies in the Irish Sea, between England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales,
less than 60 miles west of the Lancashire coastline, and it is easy to get to thanks to
excellent air and sea services.
The Island is a unique self-governing kingdom - a Crown dependency which belongs to
neither the UK nor the European Union. It has its own parliament (called Tynwald), laws,
traditions, culture, cuisine and postage stamps. But as a holiday island it is best known
for its very agreeable and relaxed pace of life, along with a wealth of attractions and
places to stay. And while other differences include the Manx language and currency (though
English is the spoken tongue and English and UK currencies are accepted everywhere), there
are also reassuring familiarities - such as driving on the left and road signs in English.
How big is the Isle of Man
It is 33 miles long, 13 miles wide and covers an area of 227 square miles. More than 40%
of the Island is uninhabited.
Douglas is the main centre of the Island
The thriving east coast town and port of Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man. The
hub of much Islandactivity, it offers a great variety of accommodation, holiday
attractions and other visitor facilities such as first-class shopping, banks, building
societies, and car hire. Douglas is 16 miles from the northern coastal town of Ramsey, 12
miles from Castletown on the south coast, and 11 miles from the west coast port of Peel.
Where else is there to stay
You're spoilt for choice! Whatever your taste and budget - from campsites to first-class
hotels - the Isle of Man can accommodate you comfortably. Other popular holiday towns and
resorts are Port Erin, Ramsey, Peel, Castletown, Port St Mary and Laxey. There are also
many lovely villages nestling in beautiful countryside and offering idyllic rural
accommodation. The Tourist Information Centre in Douglas will be happy to advise you, or
alternatively you can visit our accommodation section.
Is the Island a good place to shop and browse
Yes! There are familiar High Street names, local speciality stores, the Woollen Mills at
Laxey, heritage shops, excellent new facilities in Douglas and many other traditional
shops across the Island. The superb Tynwald Mill Craft Centre at St John's is one of
several outlets selling Manx rural craft products made right here on the Isle of Man.
Are there fun places for kids?
Plenty! They can really let their hair down at fun attractions such as the Wet Zone,
Manxland, Superbowl, Curraghs Wildlife Park, Onchan Pleasure Park, and the interactive
hi-tech Manx Museum and House of Manannan. Not forgetting beaches, swimming pools, Mooragh
Park at Ramsey and Silverdale's boating pool, carousel, picnic area and wildlife and
nature trails.
What about entertainment?
Venues such as the beautifully restored Victorian Gaiety Theatre, Summerland, Palace
Cinema, Erin Arts Centre and Douglas's many lively nightspots provide great holiday
entertainment for all ages.
What sort of holiday can I expect on the Isle of Man?
Any sort of holiday you want it to be. On the Isle of Man there's never a dull moment,
whatever your age and interests.
Fabulous scenery, enchanting glens, miles of uncrowded beaches, medieval castles,
Victorian railways and trams, beautiful parks and gardens, international motorsport,
countless opportunities for first-class angling, golf and watersports and other
activities, fascinating museums and heritage centres, delicious Manx wining and dining...
Just how much more can you pack into one holiday? Read on and find out!
Is it easy to get around the Island?
Yes! Enjoy the freedom to explore this ancient kingdom at your leisure. Wherever you want
to go there are plenty of ways to get there!
Is it good for motorists?
The Island has 688 miles of roads and car hire is widely available. So bring your own car
or rent one at attractive rates.
Is it feasible to see the Island by bus or coach?
There are frequent bus services on routes all over the Island. Money-saving Explorer
Tickets can be used on buses, trains and horse trams for even easier and cheaper travel.
Does the Island have its own railways?
Not only trains but trams too! One of the unique aspects of the Isle of Man heritage is
the Island's remarkable Victorian transport system - still going strong after more than
100 years of sterling service. You can also enjoy summer trips on the clifftop riding and
combine a visit to Curraghs Wildlife Park with a memorable ride on the Orchid Line - the
smallest passenger-carrying railway on the Island.
Discover the Island at a more leisurely pace?
No problem! For example, cycle hire is widely available, and in addition to miles of quiet
country lanes there are six designated cycle trails to explore. If you prefer travelling
by horse or pony, stables and riding schools can be found at various locations across the
Island. But if you want to catch every viewpoint, every sunset, there's probably no
greater Island adventure than discovering the Isle of Man on foot!
Fascinating fact...
The Three Legs of Man is the island's symbol of Independence. While there is much local
argument about which way the legs run (officially it is clockwise), the symbol's meaning
is undisputed: Quocunque Jeceris Stabit - 'Whichever way you throw me I stand'.
Isle of Man Ferries allow you to also book a ferry
ticket to the France, Ireland,
England (UK), Scotland, Holland,
Greece, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, and
Norway.
You can book a ferry using all the major ferry operators
including: |
