The island is reached from all major UK airports and there are regular car ferry services from Heysham, Liverpool, Dublin and Belfast, continuing a link with the tourist industry that goes back 150 years.
At just 33 miles (53 km) by 12 miles (19.3 km) the island can be explored by car or public transport. The Isle of Man is a crown protectorate with its own currency, language and the oldest continuous parliament in the world. There is no exchange rate as Manx money is based on sterling and English is the common language. Visitors can view the spectacular scenery on the fast and efficient bus service or take a more leisurely ride on the vintage Electric Railway, horse-drawn trams, mountain railway or the steam railway. Manx National Heritage boasts ten major sites of historical importance with many more, smaller sites island-wide.
Douglas, with its Victorian architecture, National Museum, hotels, guesthouses and two-mile (3 km) promenade is the capital of the island. However, with accommodation from hotels to farmhouses to be found all over the island, there is no need to stay in one place. If you’re seeking motorcycle thrills or just quiet contemplation of our natural beauty then this is certainly a destination not to be missed.
Must see and do
- Manx Museum, Douglas
- Castle Rushen, Castletown
- The House of Manannan, Peel
- Manx Grand Prix Motorcycle Fortnight, Douglas (August)
- The Nautical Museum, Castletown
- Snaefell Mountain Railway, Douglas
- Laxey Woollen Mills, Laxey
- Kipper Museum, Peel
- Cregneash Village Folk Museum, Cregneash