Weekend in the isle of man

I'm looking at picking up a couple of cheap flights to the isle of man for my wife and I to celebrate our wedding anniversary in august

As we won't have a car, is there much to do?

Hotel/b&b?

Its either this or jersey

Any thoughts would be gratefully received!

Ash
«1

Comments

  • Piggo_2
    Piggo_2 Posts: 263 Forumite
    Hi We went to the Isle of Man as foot passengers on the boat for a long weekend sailing from Heysham to Douglas so we didn't have transport while there. It was a lovely place, we spent time in Douglas, went on the Manx Electric Railway & the Snaefell Mountian Railway, and caught the train to Port Erin which was a lovely place. We also caught the bus to Peel from Douglas and visited the ManxKippers shop (http://www.manxkippers.com/) whilst we were there.

    You might find this website helpful: http://www.gov.im/tourism/explore/

    Hope you have a lovely trip.
  • kazzad_2
    kazzad_2 Posts: 45 Forumite
    Hi - I live on the IOM so am more than happy to help if I can. What sort of things do you like to do?

    The scenery on the island is spectacular, the walking is good and Douglas is well placed to travel from as a base. There are some nice bars and cafes in Douglas but if it is night life that you are after you will be disappointed although there is a casino and a number of bars that stay open until really late.

    The railways and horse trams are lovely to travel on and some of the small towns and villages are beautiful with great beaches. The local produce is good (particularly the ice cream) and the island is very friendly.
  • DB9
    DB9 Posts: 117 Forumite
    This looks good on Travelzoo, here is the direct link

    http://www.premierholidays.co.uk/offers/ciiom4219/_nocache?_$ja=tsid:29184
  • ahall41116
    ahall41116 Posts: 211 Forumite
    kazzad wrote: »
    Hi - I live on the IOM so am more than happy to help if I can. What sort of things do you like to do?

    The scenery on the island is spectacular, the walking is good and Douglas is well placed to travel from as a base. There are some nice bars and cafes in Douglas but if it is night life that you are after you will be disappointed although there is a casino and a number of bars that stay open until really late.

    The railways and horse trams are lovely to travel on and some of the small towns and villages are beautiful with great beaches. The local produce is good (particularly the ice cream) and the island is very friendly.

    Hi

    Thanks for your reply.

    Night clubs are not an issue - a couple of bars/pubs to frequent for a glass or two of wine would be perfect

    I've also been looking at giants causeway in n/Ireland, which will give us a relaxing break, with room for a walk etc

    Not sure if flying is best option or ferry to give us a car - thoughts?

    Ash
  • oramgepekoe
    oramgepekoe Posts: 574
    First Post First Anniversary
    Forumite
    If you're into walking then this B&B we stayed in a few years ago is great, and only 15 mins by taxi from the airport. If you are only going for a few days you could manage without a car. You can walk into Port Erin for evening meals.
    http://www.ballahane.co.uk/bhindex.htm

    You can walk from the the B&B all round the coast at the southern end of the Isle of Man and to the folk village of Cregneish. From Port Erin catch the steam railway into Douglas and continue via the Manx Electric Railway & the Snaefell Mountain Railway passing the Laxey Wheel to the top of Snaefell. It's a long day out but worth it. Also catch a bus to Castle Rushen at Castletown.
    http://www.gov.im/mnh/heritage/museums/castlerushen/
  • gingerdad
    gingerdad Posts: 1,919
    Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary
    Forumite
    ahall41116 wrote: »
    Hi

    Thanks for your reply.

    Night clubs are not an issue - a couple of bars/pubs to frequent for a glass or two of wine would be perfect

    I've also been looking at giants causeway in n/Ireland, which will give us a relaxing break, with room for a walk etc

    Not sure if flying is best option or ferry to give us a car - thoughts?

    Ash

    to take your car on the ferry is steep..

    some great spots on the island, and some really great unspoilt walking which for an island so small its great.

    pleanty of options in douglas in terms of hotels & b&bs.

    but its not a cheap place to get to and stay in sadly (used to live there and love it).
    The futures bright the future is Ginger
  • ahall41116
    ahall41116 Posts: 211 Forumite
    kazzad wrote: »
    Hi - I live on the IOM so am more than happy to help if I can. What sort of things do you like to do?

    The scenery on the island is spectacular, the walking is good and Douglas is well placed to travel from as a base. There are some nice bars and cafes in Douglas but if it is night life that you are after you will be disappointed although there is a casino and a number of bars that stay open until really late.

    The railways and horse trams are lovely to travel on and some of the small towns and villages are beautiful with great beaches. The local produce is good (particularly the ice cream) and the island is very friendly.

    But we could cope ok as foot passengers?

    Ash
  • kazzad_2
    kazzad_2 Posts: 45 Forumite
    Yes fairly easy to manage as footpassengers. Once off the boat Douglas is accessible by a flat, straight promenade which is easy walking. Taxis outside the terminal if you prefer. From Douglas you can get to Port Erin and the south by steam train. Laxey, the mountain and the north by electric railway and Peel by bus. All of this can be done easily and they are all lovely places to visit. Horse trams run up and down the Douglas promenade to link you to the two railways which are based at opposite ends of the prom.

    Douglas has a really nice free museum which is worth a look and some nice bars overlooking the sea. Manx Grand Prix is at the end of August which makes Douglas really busy but other than that it is quiet and relaxing.
  • kazzad_2
    kazzad_2 Posts: 45 Forumite
    Forgot to say get a three day Rover ticket for Isle of Man Transport if you are going to travel about by train, tram, bus etc as it covers all of them and works out much cheaper than the individual costs which can be quite steep. As someone has already said the island is not cheap but is really lovely so well worth a visit.
  • ahall41116
    ahall41116 Posts: 211 Forumite
    agreed - from looking at the ferries, its going to be cheaper to go to jersey than isle of man!

    will keep thinking, thanks for all your help.

    ash
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 342.5K Banking & Borrowing
  • 249.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 234.6K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 607.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 172.8K Life & Family
  • 247.4K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.8K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards