The 12 best things to do on the Isle of Man – just hand luggage

Drenched in history, the Isle of Man is an amazing island to visit while exploring the British Isles. Located in between United Kingdom i Ireland, this crown addiction is wonderful to visit. And not only that, there are a bunch of the best things that can be done on the Isle of Man, dotted all over the coast and hills.

All this makes it a completely epic place to relax over the weekend (or even more if you have the time).

Driving along the incredible North Coast 500 Scottish Highlands ... (4)

By boarding a ferry from Liverpool, Heysham or arriving from larger cities in the UK, you will probably start your journey in the capital, Douglas. Although it won’t be your only place to visit on the Isle of Man.

For island trips like this, we recommend renting a car! This gives you the freedom to truly explore at your own pace and visit all the beautiful places you would normally miss without transportation.

To help you get the most out of your trip around the Isle of Man, I wanted to share some total gems you really shouldn’t miss. I hope that this way you will be able to concentrate on all the sightseeing without getting too involved in the details.

Check out the best things you can do on the Isle of Man below. Enjoy an amazing island adventure!

1.) Douglas

As I mentioned, your first dock will probably be Douglas. Take this as a sign and spend some time wandering the quaint alleys and coastline.

While you are here, stop at The Manx Museum, which is one of the best things on the Isle of Man to learn about the island’s heritage. You see, the museum covers more than 10,000 years of the island’s history and is a treasure trove of information. though, truth be told, if you’re not for your museums, you might want to miss this one!

Alternatively, take a walk along Douglas Bay and spot the Tower of Refuge built as a safety spot for potential shipwrecked people!

Are you becoming peckish? Jump in Jak’s bar and smokehouse for their delicious and juicy steaks. They are so good.

Finally, right in front of Douglas are the dramatic cliffs around Marine Drive. Get close Pigeon Stream (behind Camera Obscura) before carrying to Port Soderick which is also stopping at Steam train on the Isle of Man.

2.) Castletown

Located 20 minutes from Douglas, Castletown is another historic port city that is ashamed of its main airport.

Although relatively small, exploring this ancient capital is one of the best things on the Isle of Man if you love its history.

Upon arrival, head towards Rushen Castle explore the 13th century ruins that dominate the coastline. The rooms are amazing, including some of the original prisons that are still present here.

Afterwards, go to the Old House of Keys, the Nautical Museum and the Old Gymnasium. You can easily spend the whole day in Castletown and even take a walk along Castletown Beach.

3.) Manx electric railway

Crossing the island, via Douglas, Laxey and Ramsey, riding the Manx by electric train is one of the best things on the Isle of Man that is completely unique.

The views from the tram are amazing and take you back to Victorian times. In addition, along the way you will see some of the highest points on the island.

4.) Enjoy veal from man

Right off the coast of the Isle of Man, Calf Man is a much smaller island that is absolutely stunning. Now, to get here, you’ll need to sail across Calf Sound by ships sailing from the ports of Port St Mary and Port Erin. Although they usually only work in good weather, don’t be surprised if they cancel when the time goes by!

When you arrive at the human calf, you will enjoy watching a flock of birds on this beautiful and protected island. Just amazing if you love your wild world and want some time “offline”.

5.) Large Laxey Wheel

20 minutes northeast of Douglas Big Laxey Wheel is a unique place you can’t miss on the Isle of Man.

Built as far back as 1854, to pump water from the Great Laxey mine, it is one of the best places on the Isle of Man to explore the island’s heritage. Here you can learn about the life of miners, the historical significance of this place.

Oh, and don’t forget, you can only see down the road Tomb of King Orry, the largest megalithic and ancient tomb on the entire island of Man.

Do you feel pecked? Go close Ballacregga Bar for a quick lunch before heading further along the coast.

6.) Luke Erin

A visit to the port of Erin is easily one of the best things on the Isle of Man if you love a good sea gallant. With a sandy cove of Port Erin beach and nearby Chapel Bay, a beautiful treat awaits you for a beautiful sunny day.

The harbor contains a number of activities, including rowing and cycling if you feel a little more active.

Even though you’re like me, you’ll probably visit Nutrition of winegrowers which produce sparkling wines without grapes and fiery ginger beer.

If that’s not your thing (and you want some more time in the wild), visit the Ballachurry Nature Reserve, where you can see a variety of birds and views of this stunning region.

7.) Ramsey

Right near the northeastern point of the island, Ramsey is a beautiful little place to explore some of the island’s histories.

See, it’s here The Grove Museum is, which is great when you learn more about Victorian life here and its impact Liverpool dealer Duncan Gibb on the island. Here you will explore the leisure rooms and cool off completely in the pleasant gardens.

Then jump for a walk Ramsey Beach and get one of the best lunches at the pub Harbor Bistro.

8.) Peel

Right on the west coast of the Isle of Man, Peel is a crowded town – in fact, I’d say it’s one of the biggest cities to visit after Douglas.

Once you arrive, head to Peel Castle which stands proudly on Ise St Patrick’s and is fastened through a small skewer of earth. Here you will be able to visit the ruins of a castle almost 1000 years old! It’s absolutely stunning and reminds me of that Whitby Abbey for some reason.

Do you want a closed place? Head towards Manannan House, a museum named after the mythological sea god Manannan. Here you can learn more about the history of the Vikings on the Isle of Man that is so impressive to learn about. In addition, there are plenty of pretty epic exhibits that show what life on the Isle of Man looked like in ancient times.

Oh, and don’t forget to take a bag of fish and chips Cod and Castle. Freshly fried, they are great for eating on the seashore.

9.) The Seagull Road (Raad ny Foillan)

Literally, your chance to walk all over the island nation!

With nearly 100 kilometers of hiking trails to explore, the Seagull Trail (Raad ny Foillan) is one of the best things on the Isle of Man if you love hiking.

Here you can walk the hiking trails and enjoy the stunning views of the whole island. Although it may take between 4-12 days to complete completely. So, if you want a challenge, then The Seagull Road is for you!

You can see the complete route at Weapons Survey a site that describes the trail pretty well.

10.) Glen Helen

Something inland from the town of Peel, Glen Helen you have to explore if you want to go out in the countryside.

With beautiful trails along the river and small waterfalls, Glen Helen is an amazing place to visit with your family as it is not too strenuous and is a pretty nice little pit stop to stretch your legs if you drove a lot.

It’s not really an all-day experience, but it’s still worth exploring this area.

11.) Niarbyl Bay

Just southwest of Pila, a visit to Niarbyl Bay is one of the best things on the Isle of Man if you love the pristine beauty of the island.

With beautiful cottages by the sea and historic promenades, this stunning area of the island is worth several hours of exploration. You can then warm up with a hot cup or homemade soup from Niarbyl Cafe.

Oh, and from the coast you might notice how quiet and summer days the sharks relax!

12.) Groudle Glen

Right off the coast of Douglas, Groudle Glen is an unusual little stop on your journey around the Isle of Man.

Here you will hop on the Groudle Glen Railway, open the view to Groudle Glen water wheel and a walk along the coast near the Sea Lion Rocks tea rooms.

The views are stunning on a beautiful clear day.