7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Isle of Man

When I mentioned I was visiting Isle of Man, not a single person I knew had ever visited. I asked my UK friends and they weren’t even able to offer up “I have a friend who went there and had a lovely time.” It sounded like a beautiful destination that presented an interesting logistical opportunity for me to get from the UK to Ireland. I took a ferry from Liverpool to Douglas, IOM. From Douglas I then took a ferry to Belfast.

Isle of Man is classified as a “Crown Protectorate,” which means that it is not part of the United Kingdom but is not a sovereign state either. Queen Elizabeth II is technically the “Lord of Mann.” With a shared history, currency, language, and culture, it would be easy to think you’re in the UK when visiting Isle of Man. While English is the dominant language, Isle of Man historically spoke its own language of Manx.

Isle of Man might not be on your list, but it’s very accessible from the UK and has plenty to keep you busy.

1. You can ride ride a steam engine train

Isle of Man is naturally beautiful, and the best way to get around is via its various rail systems. There’s something really charming about boarding a steam engine train and letting it transport you through lush Manx countryside.

2. The incredible coastal views

The Island of Man is, after all, an island. There are gorgeous coastal views from various points on the island. Peel hill is a highlight, with a steep climb to the top and legendary sunsets. From the hill you can see the town of Peel as well as Peel Castle.

Port Erin is another great place to check out the coast. A short hike will take you to the top of Treadwell tower. Port Erin is the very last stop on the steam engine train and the beach there is a lovely way to spend a sunny day.

If steam is not your thing there are also more modern options as well. While the steam engine train goes South from Douglas, the electric train goes North all the way to Ramsey. Some of the views off of the train were truly impressive, with massive cliffs and beautiful coastline. It’s an experience in and of itself apart from being a pretty efficient way to get from point A to point B.

3. You can walk on top of the largest functioning water wheel in the world

The Great Laxey Wheel was built in 1854 and is the largest functioning water wheel in the entire world. For £8 you can walk to the top and hike the nearby mining trail.

4. It’s home to the Manx Cat

I’m still not sure if this just isn’t a cat that had a bad accident

The tailless cat may be a rare sighting these days on Isle of Man, but the breed originated on the island.

5. You can view the 7 kingdoms from Snaefell

No, you won’t see the 7 kingdoms of Westeros but you might see Isle of Man, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, Heaven, and Mannanán (The Sea). Ok, so I recognize that the last two kingdoms sound a bit like a bit of a stretch. To get there you can take the Snaefell Mountain Tram up to the summit of the mountain Snaefell, the highest point on Isle of Man. “Snaefell” got its name from Isle of Man’s viking invaders, literally translating to “snow mountain” in Norse. The ride on the historic Victorian tram is part of the fun. Make sure to bring a jacket as the temperature difference between Snaefell and the rest of the island can be pretty severe.

6. The fantastic castles

Isle of Man occupied a strategic military location for centuries, which meant that it needed to be fortified accordingly. Perhaps the island’s relative isolation helped preserve these castles.

Caste Rushen

Castle Rushen is an extremely well-preserved 13th century castle in the appropriately named “Castletown.” It was most recently a prison in the 19th century but was restored and now displays rooms from various eras of the castle’s history. As you enter the castle there are motion-sensored mannequin archers that shout at you through what’s called a “murder hole.”

The recreations are fascinating, with my favorite being a medieval feast with peacock on the menu. Apparently they skinned the peacock, cooked it, and then put the skin with all of its feathers back on the cooked bird. A+ for presentation, F for food safety standards.

£8 admission
Website

Peel Castle

This viking-constructed castle was originally a place of worship before being converted into a fort in the 11th century. It can be appreciated from the outside but there there are also panoramic views from inside the castle.

Admission: £6
Website

Finally…

7. The Island of Man is inhabited by fairies

If you take the bus South from Douglas, the voice that announces each stop will say, “Please join us in observing the Manx tradition of greeting the fairies when we pass the fairy bridge.” Seconds later this is followed it up with “Hello fairies!”

The bridge pointed out by the recording is actually the “New Fairy Bridge.” The original bridge is tucked away and only accessible by foot. It’s worth it to see the bridge, complete with offerings and letters from locals.

Admission: Free

How to visit the Old Fairy Bridge

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