Top Things to do in Isle of Man
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10 Sights & Landmarks 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. Yn Thie Thooit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Yn Thie Thooit is a registered historic building and one of only 23 remaining examples of thatched buildings on the Isle of Man. Full of charm and character, this beautiful cottage is situated at The Lhen, the perfect location for nature lovers who can enjoy the adjacent shoreline. Admire the cottage from the roadside or book a stay with Manx National Heritage.
2. Baha'i Memorial Arboretum
3. St Michael's Isle
4. Lonan Church Crosses
5. Old Kirk Braddan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By 257nigelk - Belfast, United Kingdom
A step back in time and a very interesting visit and must see attraction. Beautiful old church, set in the centre of a graveyard covered by trees and surrounded by colourful flowers and fauna and just off the TT track. A plethora of very interesting headstones and exhibits within the church and grounds to astound and puzzle. I took some time to sit within the church and enjoy the still peace I found there, just what one needs after a busy day.
6. The Great Laxey Wheel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,009 reviews
Designed by the Victorian engineer Robert Casement, the Laxey Wheel was built in 1854 to pump water from Glen Mooar which was part of the Great Laxey Mines industrial complex.Standing at over 72 feet high the wheel, which is also known as Lady Isabella, has been one of the Isle of Man’s most popular tourist attractions for well over 150 years.You’ll have the opportunity to watch the wheel turning before attempting to climb to the top where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across the Glen Mooar Valley. Once back on solid ground you can walk through the valley to find the Great Laxey Mines – learn about the lives of the miners, walk into the mine audit and take a trip on the Great Laxey Mines Railway which was once used to carry lead and zinc ores from deep inside the Great Laxey Mine.
Reviewed By alisonmarylockett - Cheshire, United Kingdom
We visited the Laxey wheel, although the £8 entrance fee seemed a bit steep, we enjoyed our visit, after climbing the 95 steps you get a great insight into the workings of a water wheel & also great views of the valley.
7. Castle Rushen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
Castle Rushen is one of the world’s most finely preserved medieval castles and can be found in the Isle of Man's former capital, Castletown. Once a royal palace, Castle Rushen was home to the Kings and Lords of Mann, with the Castle’s oldest part dating back to the time of Magnus, last Norse King of Mann. Later on, Castle Rushen served as an administrative centre, a mint, a law court and for over 100 years until the late 19th Century, as a prison. Today, spectacular displays illustrate the Castle at various times in history, with figures in period costume, historical furnishings and wall hangings, realistic food, contemporary music and medieval speech brining the Castle’s medieval and 17th Century periods to life. Only a short drive away, the ancient ruins of Rushen Abbey can also be enjoyed.
Reviewed By andreh526 - Epping, United Kingdom
My 9 year old son loves exploring Castles and this one, set right in the centre of Castletown, can rate as one of the best. Many battlements, staircases, rooms, nooks and crannies to discover - all with a very interesting history. A good couple of hours well spent. You can also use your English Heritage membership to visit Manx Heritage sites.
8. Peel Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 623 reviews
Situated on St Patrick’s Isle, Peel Castle was originally a place of worship before becoming the fort of Magnus Barefoot – an 11th century Viking King of Mann.The castle’s curtain wall encircles the ruins of many buildings which are a testimony to the site’s religious and secular importance in the Isle of Man's history.Visit St Patrick’s Church and the Round Tower which date back to the 10th and 11th centuries and step underground into the atmospheric crypt of the 13th century Cathedral of St German.You’ll have the opportunity to stroll the castle’s extensive grounds and climb to the top of the Gatehouse Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views of Peel and beyond as well as entering the 16th century Great Garrison Hall.And look out for the Moddey Dhoo – a ghostly apparition of a black dog which is said to haunt the castle!Peel Castle remained a royal residence and centre of government for more than 200 years until power moved south to the Medieval fortress of Castle Rushen.
Reviewed By SamLar30 - Cosham, United Kingdom
This morning we visited Peel Castle or the ruins of it shall we say. We thoroughly enjoyed a wander round the ruins at our own pace, the audio guides were brilliant, as normally there would be board after board of historical information which can be tiresome to read especially for children who get bored easily. But this kept our 6 year old interested for quite some time. We loved listening to all the history from point to point around the grounds. This is a fair weather activity as it is all outdoors. There are great views across Peel harbour from the castle. And if you visit when the tide is out, there is a little beach (Fennella) by the car park to the left of the castle where the most amazing shells can be collected. I highly recommend this trip & I would suggest a few good hours is required.
9. Milntown House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Milntown is set in over fifteen acres of beautiful gardens in the North of the Isle of Man, near Ramsey and is one of the Island’s most historic houses. Originally the home of one of the leading families on the Isle of Man -the ‘Christians’ - Milntown has also been a school for young ladies and a hotel. More recently it once again reverted to being a private house owned by Lady Edwards and subsequently her son Sir Clive. Upon his death, in 1999, a Trust was created to maintain the house and gardens for the benefit of the Manx people, in line with the wishes of Sir Clive. Milntown House is open for tours each Wednesday and Saturday from April - September. Garden Tours are held monthly, please visit our website for further information regarding tours and other events held at MilntownMilntown also has a restaurant that can cater for up to sixty private diners or an elite fine dining experience for up to 14 guests in the old Milntown dining room. Larger numbers can also be catered for with a bespoke marquee in the stunning garden.
Reviewed By DebraT957
I had a lovely walk around these beautiful gardens which are well tended and very peaceful to meander around.
10. The Cathedral Church of St German
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
The Cathedral Church of St German was consecrated as a Cathedral relatively recently, though its shared history goes back a long way with the Cathedral ruin on St Patrick's Isle. Built as a Parish Church in 1893, St German's became the Cathedral Church for the Diocese of Sodor and Man in 1980. It is also one of 5 churches that form the Parish of the West Coast, serving the communities in Dalby, Kirk Michael, Patrick, Peel and St John's.
