Isle of Man Holiday Guide

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Summary

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Many people who have never visited the home of the world famous TT motorbike race have little idea where the Isle of Man actually is. Lying in the Irish Sea, 60 miles west of the English coast, this tax haven of an island boasts dramatic scenery, fabulous seafood and around 26 miles of sandy beaches.

Those who prefer exploring to lazing on the beach while on holiday will find plenty of interesting villages and towns, and history buffs will enjoy the medieval castles, prehistoric forts, ancient burial sites and stately homes that are dotted about the place. There’s even a chance that you’ll bump into the odd A-list film star, as the low local taxes have seen in the Isle of Man become a bit of a film-making hot spot.

  • Sightseeing on The Isle of Man

    The main beach near Castletown is long and sandy and the windy conditions make it a great place to try some windsurfing on holiday. The much-photographed Port Erin beach has golden sand and lots of rocky inlets to explore. It’s a great place from which to start a walk up to Bradda Head too. Explore the coastline and take in the picturesque towns of Port St Mary, Port Erin, Ramsey, Castletown and Onchen. One of the prettiest harbour towns is Peel on the west coast and Peel Castle dates from the 11th century. It sits strikingly on St Patrick's Island, joined to Peel by a causeway.

  • Family Attractions on the Isle of Man

    There are plenty of choices of places for visitors and people on a short break to the Isle of Man. Visit Castletown's Nautical Museum for tales of smuggling, the Craftworks Studio in scenic Silverdale Glen where kids can paint and decorate ceramics, or enjoy a mountain tram ride to Snaefell Mountain for stunning views. Young wildlife lovers will enjoy Curraghs Wildlife Park which is home to 100 species of birds and animals. If your kids are adventurous, Discover Diving, based in Ballasalla offers snorkelling to the over-eights and diving to anyone over the age of 12. Alternatively, Onchan Pleasure Park has different rides and attractions while Mooragh Park has a boating lake and children's playground. The capital of Douglas is also worth a visit.

Isle of Man TT Races

26 May - 8 Jun 2012 (annual) The Isle of Man braces itself as bike enthusiasts from all over the world descend for two weeks of all things motorcycle-related at the TT Races. Practices start a few days before the actual race for anyone keen to watch.

Mananan International Festival

Jun - Jul 2012 (annual) The Erin Arts Centre on the Isle of Man hosts performers from across the world during the annual Mananan International Festival in the summer. Past performers include Nigel Kennedy, Paco Peña, Tasmin Little, Emma Johnson and Julius Drake.

Isle of Man TT Races

May - Jun 2013 (annual) The Isle of Man braces itself as bike enthusiasts from all over the world descend for two weeks of all things motorcycle-related at the TT Races. Practices start a few days before the actual race for anyone keen to watch.

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