Local Interest
The Isle of Man offers un-spoilt countryside, picturesque glens, coastal scenery and a fascinating history.
Margaret is happy to advise you on places to see and activities to help make your holiday a memorable one. Here are some of Margaret’s favourite places and activities of local interest.
Castle Rushen
One of the Isle of Man’s iconic landmarks is the ancient Castle Rushen.
Standing proudly on the edge of the little fishing harbour in the heart of beautiful old Castletown, it is located in the south of the Island. Dating back to Medieval times, it has winding stairs, fantastic views and is very interesting to explore.
The town has plenty of charm and independent shops to browse, or you can stretch your legs on the huge beach.
Taking the steam train would make this a very memorable day out!
Peel
One of the prettiest towns on the Island, also known locally as ‘Sunset City’.
Peel is a little fishing town on the west coast, with a golden beach, and an ancient Viking castle on St. Patrick’s Isle.
Although only small, there’s actually lots to see. Explore the little lanes with old fishing cottages, visit the Cathedral, stroll down the prom and have an ice cream, or walk around the harbour and sample some Manx kippers. You can cross the swing bridge to tiny Fenella beach with it’s scallop shells and a statue of Lady Fenella, walk around the castle and spot seals or dolphins, or take a look up the breakwater. There are walks up to Corrin Tower, along the coast or up the river – really you’re spoilt for choice.
The House of Manannan
Peel is also a great place to head on a rainy day.
The large museum called The House of Manannan can take a couple of hours to see fully in order to find out about the Celtic, Viking, and maritime history of the Island. With interactive displays and scenes there’s plenty of variety. It has a cafe and gift shop.
There are also some smaller museums within walking distance. The small Leece museum documents the history of the town, the Manx Heritage Transport Museum is home to the P50 – the smallest, road legal car in the world, and Moore’s Traditional Kipper curing museum is fascinating. All these are with in a short distance of each other and there is plenty of parking behind the House of Manannan.
Trike Tours
For something a bit different why not try an Isle of Man Trike Tour.
The Isle of Man is known as the Road Racing Capital of the World, and here is a unique way to enjoy our roads. Despite many of the Island’s roads having no speed limit, the emphasis of the tours is on enjoyment rather than high speed, and there are hundreds of miles of quieter roads that will take you through places of historical interest and breathtaking scenery. (NB payment is cash only!)
Trike Tours comes highly recommended by previous guests!
Niarbyl bay
Niarbyl is a little bay in a tucked away spot on the west coast and is an idyllic place with a picture postcard view.
It has little old Manx fishing cottages on the edge of the shore, used to film the well known ‘Waking Ned’ film. There is a visitor centre and cafe here and it’s a great spot for wildlife watching. In the summer months the west coast is a good spot to see basking sharks, and there are numerous species of coastal birds here, and of course it’s another spectacular place to see the sun set.
The Sound
The Sound is the stretch of water separating the island called the Calf of Man from the main land.
This is your place for seal spotting. It’s in the south of the island near the towns of Port St Mary and Port Erin, which are lovely places to see too. There is a cafe at the Sound with panoramic glass windows – if the weather happens to be inclement, and picnic benches for sunny days. The seals and often pups can be seen basking on the rocky shores of the Calf and it is a very special place.
Shona Boat trip
There is perhaps no better way to see the varied wildlife of the island than by boat.
Shona boat trips run from May to September from Port Erin and you can take a trip around the Calf of Man, to Fleshwick Bay or around Port Erin bay. There are lots of local rock formations to see as well as basking sharks, dolphins, seals, porpoises and many different species of bird.
This certainly will make for a memorable holiday or vacation trip.
This comment from an Englewood Lodge guest sums up what a great place the Island is for a holiday.
