What to do and see in Isle of Man, Isle of Man: The Best Free Things to do

August 15, 2021 Janette Largent

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

Rhenab Road Halfway between Laxey and Ramsey, Maughold
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

Ballaglass Glen

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. Manx Aviation and Military Museum

Ronaldsway Airport, Ballasalla IM9 2AT +44 1624 829294 [email protected] http://www.maps.org.im/museum
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 210 reviews

Manx Aviation and Military Museum

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. The Tynwald Library

Finch Road Legislative Buildings, Douglas IM1 1EJ +44 1624 685520 [email protected] http://www.tynwald.org.im/links/tls/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
89%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

The Tynwald Library

Take a free guided tour of the historic Tynwald Chambers, the national parliament of the Isle of Man and the oldest continuous parliament in the world! The tour encompasses the three chambers of Tynwald: the House of Keys, the Legislative Council and the Court of Tynwald. While on the tour, you'll learn the history of the Isle of Man's political system and how it came into existence as well as the history of these landmark buildings. The tours last approximately 1:30 to 2 hours and commence on Mondays at 2:00pm and Fridays at 11:00am. Tours at other times may be possible, call ahead to check availability.

4. Calf of Man Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve

Calf of Man, Douglas +44 7624 462858 [email protected] http://manxnationalheritage.im/visit/stay-with-us/calf-of-man-bird-observatory/
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Calf of Man Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve

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. Road of the Gull

IM1 1EX +44 1624 686806 http://www.visitisleofman.com/things-to-do/activities/walking-and-hiking/raad-ny-foillan-coastal-footpath/bite-size-rnf
Excellent
50%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Road of the Gull

The Raad ny Foillan, Manx Gaelic for 'The Gull's Way', is the Isle of Man's premier long distance footpath at almost 100 miles. Explore some of the best coastal walking in the British Isles on cliff footpaths, quiet sandy beaches, wooded glens and farmland as you travel through a whole variety of landscapes. Each part of the Island has its own character as you move from one landscape to another in what is sometimes called 'Britain in miniature'

6. Manx Museum

Manx Museum Kingswood Grove, Douglas IM1 3LY +44 1624 648000 [email protected] http://manxnationalheritage.im/our-sites/manx-museum/
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 963 reviews

Manx Museum

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. Sound Visitor Centre

Sound Road, Cregneash IM9 5PZ +48 01624 838123 https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sound-Caf%C3%A9/377357498977315
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 168 reviews

Sound Visitor Centre

Here you can learn about the history of this isle, enjoy the spectacular views and dine.

8. Mann Cat Sanctuary

Main Road Ash Villa, Santon IM4 1EE +44 1624 824195 [email protected] http://www.manncat.com/
Excellent
78%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 94 reviews

Mann Cat Sanctuary

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.

9. Home of Rest of Old Horses

Bulrhenny Richmond Hill, Douglas +44 1624 674594 http://www.iomguide.com/douglas/home-rest-old-horses.php
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 278 reviews

Home of Rest of Old Horses

Reviewed By mw314

We are regular visitors with one or more of our grandchildren and always enjoy seeing and feeding the horses and donkeys. The shop provides containers of food for the animals while the cafe looks after the food and drink needs for us. There are some sheds with books and bric a brac for sale while others contain rocking horses for use by children.

10. Glen Maye National Glen

Peel IM5
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Glen Maye National Glen

Reviewed By gavin678 - Radstock, United Kingdom

My wife and I had a lovely walk through the glen from the car park at the top right down to the beach. Fabulous scenery including the waterfall, flowers, butterflies and bees. Quite a lot of steps downwards towards the beach so we walked back up via the road

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