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Lying on the east coast and
the island’s capital, Douglas is an interesting
combination of Victorian grandeur and impressive
21st development. Not only is it the seat of the
Manx Parliament but it is an important offshore
commercial centre boasting a galaxy of pubs,
restaurants, golf courses, family attractions,
quality shops, casinos, amusements and nightlife.
The backdrop to its
crescent-shaped promenade is stylish new
architecture in the shape of the Villa Marina and
Gaiety Theatre complex. A more traditional aspect
is the use of horse-drawn trams. Dating from 1876,
the trams are the oldest in the world and offer
two-mile tours of the prom in the summer months. |
Douglas Bay - Photo IOM
Tourism |
From Douglas tourists can
explore the entire eats coast, utitlising both
old-fashioned steam and electric railways, car and
cycle hire, buses and boat trips. You can even
travel to Laxey and thence to the summit of the
island’s highest mountain, Snaefell.
The Isle of Man Steam Railway
is the longest narrow-gauge steam line in the
British Isles while the Manx Electric Railway runs
for 18 miles from Douglas to Ramsey.
The award-winning Manx Museum
is the perfect starting point to discover more
about Manx history through ‘The Story of Mann’
which looks back over 10,000 years.
Family attractions include the
Superbowl, Noble’s Park, Tot Lot, Jungle World and
the colonnaded Villa Marina Gardens, complete with
Victorian bandstand, which were donated to Douglas
by Henry Bloom Noble.
The Douglas to Peel Heritage
Trail travels 10 miles along disused railway lines
while Douglas also offers superb leisure
facilities at the National Sports Centre which
has, among other things, pools and slides
(including an eight-lane competition pool), indoor
flat green bowling, sports hall, squash, athletics
and an astroturf pitch and outdoor arena.
Abbeylands Equestrian Centre
and GGH Equestrian Centre cater for horseriders.
The Victorian Gaiety Theatre
has been fully restored and is one of best
surviving examples of a Frank Matchman theatre.
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