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Isle of Man - Tourist Attractions, Amusements,
Theme Parks, Walks, Viewpoints, Zoos, etc |
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This section covers
general Tourist Attractions such as Amusements Parks,
Boat Trips,
Theme Parks, Specialist Shops, Guided Walks, Country Parks,
Viewpoints, Zoos etc.
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Not all the
attractions in an area are listed.
If you know of an
activity provider who does not yet have an entry, please
submit the information
here.
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Groudle Glen Railway
Groudle Glen, Onchan, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 622138
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This is a 2ft gauge steam
railway which was opened in 1896
originally to cater for the
tourists who were visiting the area in
ever
increasing numbers.
It runs from Groudle Glen,
just east of Onchan for three quarters of a
mile around the headland
to Sea Lion Cove where
there are plenty of picnic spots, cliff-top walks,
sea views and a small café.
For
connections, both buses and the Manx
Electric Railway trams stop at Groudle Glen and
the railway station is just a short walk away. |
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Groudle Glen Station -
Photo: IOM Tourism
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Douglas Horse Trams
Douglas Promenade, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 675222
Web:
www.douglashorsetramway.net/
This tram service,
which runs along the promenade at Douglas, links
the port area with the electric tram service at
the northern end of the promenade. The oldest
surviving horse-drawn tram service in the world,
it dates back to 1876 and runs the entire two
miles of the promenade.
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Isle of Man Steam Railway
Tel: 01624 663366
This
3ft gauge railway runs for just over
15 miles from Douglas to Port Erin and is the last
remaining line of a network that once covered
several other routes in Victorian times. Even so, it is
still the longest narrow-gauge railway in the
British Isles and its rolling stock dates from the
1870s so you can really travel
back in time.
From Douglas, the train
passes through Port Soderick, Santon, Ballasalla,
Ronaldsway, Castletown, Ballabeg, Colby, Level,
Port St Mary to reach Port Erin.
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Douglas Station -
Photo: IOM Tourism |
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It
provides an excellent way to explore
some of the attractive
towns and villages on the
southern part of the island
and at Port Erin is the Railway Museum
with its extensive collection of historic
locomotives and rolling stock.
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Manx Electric Railway
Tel: 01624 663366
Web:
www.mers.org.im/welcome.html The Manx Electric
Railway is a narrow-gauge tramway which first
opened in 1893 running from Douglas to Laxey but
eventually extended to Ramsey. All the trams
running today are original, all built between 1893
and 1906.
The route from Douglas to Ramsey has stops at:
Onchan, Groudle, Baldrine, Balla Beg, Fairy
Cottage, South Cape, Laxey, Minorca, Dhoon, Glen
Mona, Ballaglass, Cornaa, Ballajora, and Ballure.
Many of these are by request and passengers notify
the conductor of required stops. |
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Manx Electric Railway trams
at Laxey
Photo: IOM Tourism
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From terminus to terminus takes around 90 minutes
with many magnificent views of sea and countryside
along the way. The railway was built to cater for
tourists and there is usually a choice of indoor
or outdoor seating |
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Snaefell Mountain Railway
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SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
Tel: 01624 675222 Snaefell
is the only mountain on the island and, apart from
walking, the only way to the summit (2036 ft) is
by the Snaefell Mountain Railway. This is single-track
and runs for four miles from Laxey to the summit.
Built in 1895, the steepest part of the
track has an incline of 1 in 12 and caliper brakes
grip a central rail to help control decent.
There is only one stop midway on the journey for
those who wish to join the train half way. |
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Snaefell Mountain Railway
Photo: IOM Tourism
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During the journey, passengers can enjoy views of
some ot the island's magnificent scenery. From the
summit, on a clear day, Manx tradition says you
can see six kingdoms - England,
Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Mann and
the Kingdom of God.
The
Summit Cafe provides
refreshments and is especially welcome for those
who have walked!. |
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Onchan Pleasure Park
Onchan, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 675564
This park offers any visitor a great day out.
There are many things to do and the facilities
are suitable for the whole family.
Several activities are free of charge and many
visitors enjoy picnics and access to the large
children's play area. The park also hosts a
number of interesting events throughout the
year.
Motorboats, Bumper boats, Putting, Crazy Golf,
Miniature Golf, Swing Ball, Battery Operated
Kiddie Cars, Mini Marina, Crown Bowls, Flat
Bowls, Tennis, Lady Tavernier's Playground.
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Onchan Park - Photo:IOM Tourism
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Silverdale Glen
Silverdale Glen, Ballasalla, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 823474
The centre, dating from the Edwardian era,
offers a cafe, shop, amusements, radio
controlled boats, boating lake, picnic area,
play park, a beautiful glen to explore and a new
craft centre. Near public transport.
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The Isle of Man is the perfect place for
walking.
There are many footpaths to offer
visitors, from the long distance Raad ny Foillan
(Road of the Gull) coastal footpath and the
Island-long Millennium Way, to others including
Bayr ny Skeddan (Herring Road) and the old
Railway Lines.
Shorter paths
also run through
villages, towns and the country-side. |
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Raad ny Foillan (The Road of the Gull) is
a 100-mile coastal footpath
circling the island and offering stunning
clifftop and coastal views.
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Bayr ny Skeddan (The Herring Road)
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14-mile walk between Castletown and Peel, based
on the route once used by Manx fishermen.
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The Millennium Way, 28 miles long, is an
historic King's Highway linking the royal
landing place at Ramsey with Castle Rushen
in Castletown, once
the seat of government.
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The Heritage Trail, 10.5 miles in length,
runs from the Quarterbridge
in Douglas to Peel and offers
easy walking
along disused railway lines.
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The Sound Visitor Centre,
on the southwest of
the island
on Mull Hill, is
accessible from the Port St Mary
to Port Erin road.
This
modern building with glass walls and a turf
roof houses a cafe
with seating for 40
diners and additional
seating
on
the outside terrace.
There is also an exhibition
giving information about
Calf Sound
including an auto/video presentation.
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Sound Cafe overlooking Calf
of Man - Photo: IOM Tourism
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From the Centre, there are some excellent
views of the Calf of Man and some
pleasant walks
around the sound.
There are outside
eating areas and a
car park located just
outside the visitor centre
providing excellent disabled access. |
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Noble's Park
Onchan, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 621132
A beautiful, well maintained park, between Douglas and Onchan.
There is something for both children and adults
with an 18-hole
mini golf, tennis,
bowling greens,
an aviary,
children's
play
areas,
and skate
park. There is ample
parking and the paved pathways
make access around the park very easy. Well
worth a visit, especially since most of the park
is free! Mini Golf Course, Refreshment Kiosk.
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Tynwald National Park
Tynwald National Park (Arboretum)
is located in the
village of St Johns near Peel. Paved pathways wind through
grass and trees providing
easy access through the park.
There is a small lake
which is home to a variety of ducks
which are always
happy to be fed!.
Benches
are provided throughout
park and there is a small
enclosed playground
for children.
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Curraghs Wildlife Park
Ballaugh, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM7 5EA
Tel: 01624 897323
Web:
www.gov.im/wildlife/
In this well designed park, the animals live in
large enclosures designed with their natural
habitat in mind. Paved paths allow visitors to
go through the enclosures, where the animals
roam freely. Feeding
times are always exciting and
visitors particularly enjoy the exploits of the
penguins. The park offers an
opportunity to relax with a chance to see a
variety of animals, birds,
butterflies and other insects
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Home of Rest of Old Horses
Bulrhenny, Richmond Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 674594
With excellent facilities,
well maintained by volunteer staff,
this is a great place to visit. The horses are not shy and really enjoy
the company of
visitors. Children love to
feed them. Buy something to feed
them from the gift
shop and you will help
support the venture and also stop the horses
feeling hungry!.
The location is
picturesque with
excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
Refreshments are available
from the cafe and a
small museum gives
details of the centre's history.
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Mann Cat Sanctuary
Ash Villa, Main Road, Santon, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 824195
Web:
www.manncat.com/
Visit the many rescued cats and kittens (inc. Manx
cats) in
this pleasant country setting.
There are also rabbits, ducks and goats. Gifts. On bus route.
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