Top Things to do in Isle of Man
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Isle of Man, Isle of Man
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. Gaiety Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By Jessisaw
Whether you see a show or tour the building, visiting the theatre is a must-do whilst in town. Calendar Girls was especially fantastic and it was a privilege to be their on the first night - with no social distancing - a fantastic performance.
2. Manx Aviation and Military Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 210 reviews
This independent museum features the aviation heritage of the Isle of Man and tells the stories of the Island and its people in wartime. The museum, a registered charity, tells TWO exciting stories - the aviation and military heritage of the Isle of Man and the history of the Manx Regiment - the most successful light anti-aircraft regiment in the British Army.
Reviewed By themads28
Hiw I haven’t been here before when it’s on me doorstep amazing place about the history of Manx soldiers in the war and the history and stories behind them and the stuff on display is quality well worth a visit
3. Murrays Motorcycles Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By colina350 - Worcester, United Kingdom
An absolute must visit. Just allow plenty of time, there's so much to see and Peter is a font of knowledge!
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. 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.
6. Manx Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 963 reviews
From Viking treasure finds, natural wonders of the world, the famous TT Races and wartime internment – you’ll find something to appeal to everyone at the Manx Museum.The museum has plenty of interactive displays, films and a wide range of exhibits which will help you uncover the Isle of Man’s history and heritage.Make a beeline for the Manx Museum early on in your visit as it’s a great starting point if you are looking to explore the Island’s heritage attractions. The National Art Gallery in the museum contains work from a number of famous artists including Archibald Knox, William Hoggat and John Miller Nicholson and there’s also a national library and well stocked archives for those visitors keen to explore the Island’s history further.There is also tearoom and gift shop located within the museum. NB. Library & Archives Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm
Reviewed By 675shayd - Barcelona, Spain
The museum is well worth a visit , we were meet my a friendly gentleman at the front desk and advised us to have a look at the short film about the history of the island .This was very informative and we were able to identify places later when we were travelling around the island , The collection has been very well presented and is a credit to the island
7. Snaefell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
Reviewed By iancG8615AD - Leeds, United Kingdom
not so good for very young children or the elderly because the very thin air is not suitable can be fun on a sunny day not nice in low clouds
8. 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.
9. Isle of Man Bus and Rail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,270 reviews
Reviewed By underwhisky
We purchased a Go Ticket for £52 which gave us unlimited travel on the Buses, Steam Railway, Electric Tram, Groudle Glen Railway and the small Mines Train in Laxey. We found all the public transport workers and volunteers on the railway very helpful and went out of their way to help us. We managed to see the whole of the Island during our 11 day stay. We stayed in Douglas which made local transport a viable option.
10. 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.
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