The 10 Best Tours in Douglas, Isle of Man

July 16, 2021 Matilde Konrad

Nestled along the east coast of the Isle of Man, the small holiday resort of Douglas oozes charm. Visitors may enjoy horse-drawn tram rides along its pedestrian shopping promenade, dotted with restored 19th century buildings and lining the shore with independent boutiques and High Street shops. The new Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre Complex entertain with all sorts of performing arts and films, while the gardens and museums sprinkled throughout the town promise relaxation and culture.
Restaurants in Douglas

1. Full day Private Tour of the Isle of Man with experienced qualified driver guide

Visit Mann Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Setting off from Douglas we head north to Laxey and visit the famous Lady Isabella Water Wheel - onto King Orrys Grave for our first taste of one of the Islands Neolithic sites. Then to Maughold Church - Ramsey - St Johns and Tynwald Hill. Peel with its Castle and House of Mannanan museum. Niarbyl then over the mountain of South Barrule down to the Calf Sound - Cregneash folk village - Castle Rushen and return to Douglas over the Fairy Bridge

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By MetrowLa

My mother and I went on this tour with John! My mom loved it, and we agree it's been the best part of our entire trip! I am not exaggerating when I say this tour was not only the best tour I have had, but one that has deeply affected me. I have Manx heritage, and already had resonance to the culture with my current beliefs. Until this tour, I didn't realize just how much it did. His knowledge in history of the island, its cultures and influences over history were amazing. He also helped us connect with some family, and see our family's old farm and grave! When visiting my great great grandparents grave, he beautifully played the bagpipes for us. He is an amazing guide and an amazing person. I can't pick a best part of the tour, because it was the best part of our trip and my first trip to the IOM. Thank you

2. Enjoy exhilarating experience of one of Open Top Car Tours listed on the site

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Open Top Car Tours offers several different tours that take you to the most scenic and historic places in style - they are displayed on this page. Alan Cooper is the owner, chauffeur and tour guide. He has lived on Isle of Man for nearly twenty years and has written several best-selling guides, so is an authority on all the important places to visit and the Island's history and culture to help you really enjoy your visit. Alan is also an experienced TT Marshal so you will really be entertained by our Total TT Tour. We travel in VW Cabriolet which is very spacious both in front and back seats. Having the roof down really adds to the experience and appreciation of the Island: of course the roof goes up if weather is ever inclement.

Inclusions: Binoculars to look at the wildlife, Guide to Island's heritage sites & attractions

Exclusions: We can stop for you to buy your own snacks and drinks

3. Southern Super Scenic Tour - 3hrs. Seaside villages, castles, stunning views

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

This Open Top Car Tour takes in the picturesque landscapes, coastlines and beautiful villages in the west and south of the Island. It is an ideal tour for those who would like to visit some of the most photographed places on the Isle of Man. The tour visits Douglas Head (panoramic views), St John's (site of Viking parliament), Peel castle and kipper smokehouse, Niarbyl's stunning cliff scenery, Port Erin, Cregneash (1860's crofting village), The Sound (wonderful view of Calf of Man), Castletown (ancient capital) and returns to Douglas.

Inclusions: This tour takes in the picturesque landscapes, coastlines and beautiful villages in west and south, Stops at Douglas Head, St Johns, Peel, Niarbyl, Port Erin, The Sound, Cregneash and Castletown

Exclusions:

4. Full day tour of the Isle of Man with a qualified Isle of Man Tour Guide

Guided Tours of Mann
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

This tour is for visitors to the Isle of Man who would like a day out seeing as much as possible. Due to time constraints we do not go into sites other than outdoor heritage sites which have no entry charges. Most of the sites can be self guided although I am quite willing to guide in them. I am a qualified blue badge guide with an operators licence to drive visitors around the island, fully insured with public liability. Although a set tour has been set up I am quite happy to adjust the tour to suit the visitors needs.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By iancG8615AD

if like me you love railways this one is for you the smell of smoke from the engine while travelling on this line about 4 miles an hour through some most beautiful countryside in Britain great for all the family wonderful journey just great

5. Photography Tours around the Isle of Man - South Western Coastline - Half Day

Photography Tours, Isle of Man
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Perfect for the enthusiastic photographer, this is the ideal way to privately tour and photograph the beautiful Isle of Man. David will take you to the most photogenic locations our gorgeous Island has to offer and ensure you return home with an amazing collection of photographs. You will travel in luxury around the Island with the Isle of Man’s most experienced, qualified and awarded photographer. We carry a maximum of five passengers and a minimum of two persons. Capture your own stunning land and seascapes with the help, advice and knowledge from David, your driver, guide and educator. He is an accomplished and well respected photographer throughout the industry. 
He is a regular speaker, judge and educator at many prestigious events and societies throughout the world. You will also receive guidance and tuition on how to achieve the very best results from your camera. You are in capable hands !

Inclusions: Tripods and filters are available to loan, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Photography tuition

Exclusions: Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, Entry fees, Gratuities, The cost of hiring a wheelchair

6. Steam Trains and Castles with qualified Isle of Man Tour Guide (6 hours)

Douglas, Isle of Man Guided Tours of Mann
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is a sixhour tour intended for those who want to take a trip back into the past travelling on a restored Steam Train and visiting one of the best-preserved Norman Castles in the United Kingdom. After Visiting Castletown we will travel to the Sound for Lunch, a breeding ground in the summer for the North Atlantic Grey Seal and have lunch at the Sound Café which has floor to ceiling windows providing uninterrupted views of the Calf of Man and the Sound After lunch a visit Cregneish Folk Village which was founded in 1935 by Manx National Heritage, where traditional farming methods are in place, the elusive Manx cat is to be found and the native Loaghtan sheep are bred. The village was also used in the making of the film ‘Waking Ned (Devine)’in the 1990’s We then return to Douglas. Guests can be picked up at a location of their choice

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Blue Badge Guide , Free pick up from hotels and airport, Government Registered Driver Guide

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By joe2d2

Jane's enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor seemed endless as she whisked us from one amazing location to the next. It was an amazing and sometimes emotional day to finally connect with my heritage on the island. Jane crafted a tour based on my limited heritage information and with her help, we were lucky enough to find some of my ancestors gravestones. We felt so welcome, so connected, and so fortunate to have stumbled on Jane as our introduction to this amazing place. Thank you again!

7. Full Day tour Laxey and Northern plains with qualified Isle of Man Tour Guide

Guided Tours of Mann
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

From Victorian Douglas we will head north along the coast road, stopping at Laxey an old mining town that is home to one of the most spectacular water wheels in the world. A visit to Laxey Woolen Mills where the weaver makes Manx Tartan and other tweeds on looms that are powered by man, before heading for King Orry's Grave, a neolithic burial site A visit to the site of the first monastery at Maughold on the island founded in 550 and the site of many of our ancient crosses that were carved by Celts and Vikings. A short visit through the town of Ramsey takes us north to the Point of Ayre and the flat glacial plains of the island taking in the small churches and villages along the way. After a lunch break a q burst of adrenaline, following the famous TT course to Peel, with its castle, cathedral, marina and old fishing cottages is a delightful place to stop before heading for St Johns and Tynwald Hill: a four-tiered hill which is of the Island's most distinctive landmarks.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Blue Badge Guide , Free Pick up from hotels or airport , Government Registered Driver Guide

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By iancG8615AD

if like me you love railways this one is for you the smell of smoke from the engine while travelling on this line about 4 miles an hour through some most beautiful countryside in Britain great for all the family wonderful journey just great

8. Total TT Tour - 2hrs. Full-on experience of this famous motorbike racing course

Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 3 reviews

This Open Top Car Tour lets you enjoy thrills and scenery of the famous TT Course and find out about interesting TT history, stories of the riders and some amazing incidents during the races. You will see photographs of how the TT Course looked a 100 years ago. As well as giving a complete TT experience, we also travel through pretty villages and along the atmospheric Mountain Road. It is guided by an experienced TT Marshal. The tour completes an entire lap of this famous course. We have stops at TT Grandstand to see the start-finish line, pit lane, winners podium and the century old scoreboard; Quarterbridge (site of Mountain Course first start line in 1911); St John's (where first ever TT started in 1907); Ballaugh (dramatic humpback bridge and site of an historic rider memorial); Snaefell to see Joey Dunlop's memorial and appreciate spectacular mountain course scenery; the lap finishes back at TT Grandstand.

Inclusions: Stops at several places of interest and importance for TT Races

Exclusions:

9. Island Highlights and Heritage Rail Tour - Full day, inc. all main attractions

This Open Top Car Tour combines our Island Highlights Tour with a heritage electric tram ride to the summit of Snaefell, horse tram ride along Douglas Promenade and the historic steam railway in the South. Ideal for those who want to experience all the Island's principal attractions, historic sites and breath-taking scenery in one day. Check with tour operator dates of heritage railways before booking. The tour visits Douglas Head (panoramic views), Victorian Promenade, Laxey Wheel, Laxey station where you catch electric tram to ride to the summit of highest mountain Snaefell, site of 6th century chapel, join horse tram to ride the length of Douglas Promenade, travel TT Course to St John's (site of Viking parliament), Peel castle and kipper smokehouse, Niarbyl's stunning cliff scenery, Port Erin. Cregneash (1860's crofting village), The Sound (wonderful view of Calf of Man), Castletown (ancient capital) where you join the historic steam train to travel back to Douglas..

Inclusions: Stops at a dozen attractions and places of interest. Enjoy steam train, horse tram, mountain rail

Exclusions: Rail fares are approx. £15 per person

10. Island Highlights Tour - Half day, visits numerous attractions & historic places

This Open Top Car Tour is ideal for those who want to experience all the main sights and delights of the Island in one tour. It takes in the scenery, coastline, villages, attractions and places of historical significance in all four corners of the Island. The tour visits Douglas Head (panoramic views), Victorian Promenade, Laxey Wheel, site of 6th century chapel, TT Grandstand, St John's (site of Viking parliament), Peel castle and kipper smokehouse, Niarbyl's stunning cliff scenery, Port Erin. Cregneash (1860's crofting village), The Sound (wonderful view of Calf of Man), Castletown (ancient capital) and returns to Douglas.

Inclusions: Visit over a dozen places across the length of the Island that highlight Island’s beauty and history

Exclusions:

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.