Top Things to do in Isle of Man
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10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Isle of Man That You Shouldn't Miss
The Isle of Man is simply magical, an enchanted journey back in time that somehow still feels modern. The island is peppered with stone churches, castles, forts and intricately carved Celtic crosses, all in varying states of preservation. A ride on the steam engine Heritage Railway is a wonderful way to take in the splendid countryside. Don’t miss the Victorian-era Laxey Wheela or Curraghs Wildlife Park, a fun way to get up close and personal with some of the island’s most adorable natives.
Restaurants in Isle of Man
1. Ballaglass Glen
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By 856kerryg
First stop on our first trip to Isle of Man. My daughter loves waterfalls so we headed in here in search of some. Easy enough to find with the help of Google maps. Lovely walk round and the river more than filled the waterfall criteria..... It seemed like a never ending series of waterfalls! And the water is so clear! We had a lovely time walking round, looking at the leaves, mushrooms and all things autumn!
2. Close Sartfield Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
This delightful nature reserve forms part of the Ballaugh Curraghs, the Island's largest wetland. Here you will find hay meadow, grassland, curragh (willow scrub), woodland and bog habitats. This site is famous for its wildflower meadows with thousands of orchids from May to July. Level paths, boardwalks and a bird hide help you see a variety of wildlife including curlews, hen harriers and more.
3. Ballachurry Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This is a woodland, wildflower and pond nature reserve where you can see a variety of species such as sedge warblers, willow warblers, chiffchaff, dragonflies, butterflies and more. Enjoy a nature trail, bird hide and wildlife pond.
4. Calf of Man Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
The island is a nature reserve and a bird observatory. You can visit for the day or stay overnight. It is an important breeding site for seabirds and tens of thousands of birds occur on migration. The Calf also has numerous sites of historical interest including two lighthouses built in 1818 by Robert Stevenson.
Reviewed By IOMtravelgirl - Douglas, United Kingdom
We only went for the 3 hour stopover but it was a great day. I recommend the boat trip from Port St. Mary. It was a nice trip with seals and different sea birds as well as a peregrine falcon. Once on the Calf you can walk around and it could take around 2 hours. Of course it wasn't so isolated as we were about 20 walking around, although all spread out so you wouldn't have known it. Beautiful rugged scenery and views and plenty of curious seals popping up their heads. If you like basic living you can stay for a couple of nights. We are now thinking about it.
5. Mann Cat Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Mann Cat Sanctuary is a registered charity in the Isle of Man, No. 705. It is a safe haven for neglected and unwanted cats. We operate a strict non-destruct policy, unless an animal is suffering from a terminal illness or has injuries that are beyond veterinary help. If you don't like old age and imperfection then this is not the place to visit! We Welcome visitors during the summer on Wednesday and Sunday from 2pm-5pm. The entrance fee is a six pack of cat food!
Reviewed By ellebtn - Brighton, United Kingdom
We came here for a visit and were lucky as it's not open very often. There are hundreds of different types of cats roaming around and happy to have a cuddle and more importantly some dreamies (only £1). We also befriended the turkey (that thinks it's a cat!) who liked a stroke as well. The cats all get on remarkably well with eachother and enjoy the human interaction. There are gifts to buy and donations to be given but it's crazy they don't ask for entry fee. If you are cat mad, this is the place to visit.
6. Bishopscourt Glen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By 974JillP
Darn it ! I wanted to be the only person who had discovered this little gem ! I have lived only a couple of miles up the road from the glen for the last 20 years , and walked up it for the first time recently. It just goes to show , the island is a paradise for anyone wishing to get away from it all , especially in these challenging times.
7. Curraghs Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
The Curraghs Wildlife Park is on the Ballaugh Curragh which is a site of special scientific interest and designated as an internationally recognised wetland habitat of importance (Ramsar site). With nearly 100 different species set in over 30 acres of open walk through exhibits and a beautiful tranquil setting this is a wildlife Park with a difference. The Park is s laid out in geographic regions; African Bush, Asian Swamp, European Marsh, Amazon forest, American Trail, Outback and the Pampas. In the popular children's adventure play ground area you will find the Meerkats and Prairie dogs. The Orchard line miniature railway is one of the longest miniature railway line in the British Isles and is loved by all ages, it runs every Sunday as well as other holiday days. With the Giant Bouncy Jumping Pillow and Mni-diggers this is the premier all day attraction on the Isle of Man. For rainy days there is an indoor soft play area to keep the kids entertained.Summer 2014 will see the adition of an exciting new play area called 'Enchanted Wood'. The restaurant is open every day and serves everything from snacks, home baking and ice creams to sit down meals. The nature trail is an excellent easily accessible way to see the Curragh (Manx willow bog) and all the diverse indigenous species it supports. You can spend a whole day here and just relax but even if you only have a couple of hours it's still worth the visit. We are open every day from 10am-6pm from Easter until the end of October, in the winter we are open weekends and school holidays. We are a BIAZA and EAZA member attraction.
Reviewed By 300andrew - Douglas, United Kingdom
Whenever my daughter visits the Isle of Man, she insists we go to the Wildlife Park. She's 37, and mad keen on animals and photography. It was very quiet when we visited this time, being a cold out-of-season schoolday, so we had the place much to ourselves. It's a delightful way to pass a few hours - our favourites are the penguins (wonderful to watch at feeding time)' the lemurs (natural acrobatic clowns); and the pelicans (impossibly absurd-looking creatures) - my daughter ignored the sign warning that they have sharp beaks, and let them try to swallow her arm, so her hand stank of sardines for hours!). We rounded the visit off with an excellent snack at the Mangrove Cafe. The whole visit was really good value for money, as you can stay as long as you like, and there's masses to see.
