Isle of Man Tourist Information

Let us help you plan your ideal vacation in Isle of Man...

It may not enjoy a tropical climate but the Isle of Man is still a ‘treasure island’ for holidaymakers, with its own unique history, Neolithic monuments and plentiful 21st century attractions. Fiercely independent, it has the curious distinction of belonging neither to the United Kingdom nor the European Union and proudly boasts its own laws, postage stamps, language and Viking-founded parliament, the ancient Tynwald.

This tiny island of wild moors, rugged glens, secluded beaches & verdant hills squats in the middle of the Irish Sea halfway between the teeming cities of Liverpool & Belfast.

Niarbyl Coast Scene - Isle Of Man Tourism Niarbyl Coastline - Photo: IOM Tourism

Touring is relatively easy since it is just 33 miles long and 13 miles wide.

At its heart lies the 620m-high Snaefell mountain which looks down imperiously over a landscape packed with historical features, from stone circles, Celtic earth ‘chapels’, majestic castles, modern seaside resorts and a up-to-date tourist attractions.

Most famous for its TT motorcycle races, which have taken place each summer since 1907, it has also given the world the tail-less Manx cat and the unique four-horned Loaghtan sheep. The island’s strange symbol The Three Legs of Man represents independence and means "Whichever way you throw me I stand". These armour-clad legs have a common link to both the Swastika and Sicily’s distinctive emblem of three naked legs surrounding Medusa’s head – all reminders of ancient sun worship. The isle even has its own tartan whose colours refer to its landscape and flora – pale blue (for the sky), yellow (for gorse), white (representing its cottages), green (for its hills) and purple (for heather).

A place given to warm welcomes, in recent years the island has become something of a hotbed for both movies and TV dramas thanks to the Tynwald’s investment policy and the plethora of interesting locations. Typical of its unusual charms is a sea fog which occasionally descends upon lowland areas and is known as Mannan’s Cloak, a picturesque reference to an old sea god.

The isle also has two fine castles at Peel and Castletown. Peel Castle dates back to 1392. Built within its walls is the Cathedral of St German, the oldest Celtic cathedral in the British Isles. Thirteenth century Castle Rushen, at Castletown, is one of the most complete castles in the British Isles. Its tallest tower rises 80 feet – with walls that are 12 feet thick.

Attractions for families and children are numerous and range from leisure-sports parks and nightspots to angling, surfing, sailing, golf, riding, bowls, wildlife parks, the Manx Museum, the House of Manannan and narrow Victorian electric and steam railways.

The Manx Museum tells the story of the island during the days of the Norse occupation and has natural history, archaeological and folklore collections besides. Bird-lovers should take a trip to the southern tip of the island and the two-square kilometre islet called Calf of Man, a bird sanctuary run by the Manx National Trust, though there is a more adventurous quarry to be spotted around the west coast – giant basking sharks.

Although it is British, the Isle of Man is not part of Great Britain and people born here are called Manx. Queen Elizabeth is head of state (Lord of Mann), represented by a Lieutenant Governor.

Cyclist Enjoying the Coastal Views Photo- IOM Tourism

The island has strong associations with the Celts and the Vikings and its most startling man-made structure is the four-tiered mound of earth called Tynwald Hill, a burial mound ‘adopted’ by the Vikings as a place for open-air law-making.

Early Christian priests lived in small earth sod ‘chapels’, or Keeils, built on more than 200 sites. Much later, Rushen Abbey became a significant religious building, housing Cistercian monks who also founded a nunnery on the outskirts of Douglas.

An important modern building is The Gaiety Theatre which opened on the prom at Douglas in 1900; it is one of the world’s finest surviving Victorian theatres, with multiple entrances and exits designed to prevent social classes from intermingling!

Isle of Man Countryside View - Isle Of Man Tourism Isle of Man Countryside View Photo: IOM Tourism

If you are looking for accommodation, first choose the type you require:

   Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, etc.

   Self Catering Cottages, Villas, Apartments, Static Caravans, Holiday Parks, Lodges, etc.

   Camping and Touring Caravan Sites

   Boating and Sailing Holidays

Please note that if you are wanting to stay in an apartment, some may be listed as "Aparthotels" in the Hotels section. These tend to offer more services than a normal apartment, eg restaurants, bars, and "Reception" staff more associated with hotels. Normal apartments are listed in Self-Catering.

If you are planning a holiday in a static caravan or mobile home, these should be listed in the Self Catering section.

Don't forget we offer lots of information on Activities, Attractions and Travel to help you plan your vacation.

Tourist Information Centres

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
Sea Terminal, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RG
Tel: 01624 686766 Fax: 01624 686800
E-mail: tourism@gov.im
Open throughout the year, April-September 7 days a week; October-March Mon-Fri

AIRPORT
Tel: 01624 821600

CASTLETOWN
Tel: 01624 825005

PORT ST. MARY
Tel: 01624 832101

PORT ERIN
Tel: 01624 832298

PEEL
Tel: 01624 842341

RAMSEY
Tel: 01624 810146

LAXEY HERITAGE TRUST
Tel: 01624 862007

ONCHAN
Tel: 01624 621228

BALLASALLA
Tel: 01624 829526

Trailer caravans are not permitted on the Isle of Man without a permit.

In some larger towns and villages parking discs are required.
They can be obtained free from the Sea Terminal, airport, car hire companies and local Commissioners Offices

Information about disabled facilities can be obtained from the Manx Foundation for the Physically Disabled (628926) or CIRCA (613713)

Useful links

Manx Weather

Isle of Man TT Races

Isle of Man Tourist Information

Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, etc. Self Catering Cottages, Villas, Apartments, Static Caravans, Holiday Parks, Lodges, etc. Camping and Touring Caravan Sites Boating and Sailing Holidays

Tourist Information Centres

Useful links

Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, etc.

Self Catering Cottages, Villas, Apartments, Static Caravans, Holiday Parks, Lodges, etc.

Camping and Touring Caravan Sites

Boating and Sailing Holidays