Isle of Man - any advice?

ellay864

I'm thinking of what to do for our 1st wedding anniversary in mid October and would like to go away for a few days. Not sure if budget will stretch to Europe and had started thinking about Isle of Man which neither of us have been to.
We live south Cheshire so could fly from Manchester, Liverpool or Blackpool, or get ferry and take car.
That choice may depend on budget but if we flew would we be hampered without a car? I know it's not a big place but how easy is it to get around?
We like going out and about, visiting towns, attractions, nice walks (not too strenuous!) and like pretty villages and nice country pubs :beer:
Apart from the Scaefell railway and Laxey wheel I know very little about what the place has to offer, or how pricey it is to get and stay there. So hoping some of you lovely folks out there may be able to offer advice/hints/tips

Poundshoplover

Hello its one of my favourite places in the whole world. We went last October and loved every minute we were there. Its like going back in time as shops are independent, very few fast food chains and proper pubs. The scenery is spectacular with so many contrasts. We hired a car as stayed in the North of the Isle but next time we go wont bother with a car as buses run regularly to everywhere. We will probably stay near Douglas as there is more going on in the South and its probably easier to get around. Funnily enough we didnt manage to fit Laxey wheel or the railways in but will visit next time. The castle at Peel was wonderful and we spent many hours enjoying the beautiful beaches and countryside. We didnt find it expensive at all and I would thorougly recommend it. However if you are expecting Blackpool or Brighton you will be disappointed. I hope this helps!!!

ellay864

Sounds great...and I have no expectations to shatter...though as somebody familar with both Blackpool and Brighton I see them as poles apart anyway! I doubt we'd bother with car hire but may consider taking our own if ferry prices are reasonable. Loving the fact there's a lot of independent places...my pet hate is going abroad and finding ourselves by the golden arches!!

oscarward

We had relatives who lived in the IOM we used to go around 2/3 times a year.

Just go, it is fantastic. Having a car is not essential as public transport is plentiful and easy. But a car to go over the mountain circuit is fun! Or even better a motor bike .

Check what is going on when you plan to visit as the GP and TT weeks can get very busy and they close roads for practice/race days. If it's not your thing then avoid.

Take good walking shoes too!

Peel is worth a day on it's own with the Mananan experience and the castle.

And look on the back of a £20 note and see if you can spot the fonz!:rotfl:

Our relatives have moved off the island otherwise we would be going back again.

ellay864

Ok you got me with the fonz!!!! It sounds just the sort of place we'd love...am now wondering why we've never tried it before

oramgepekoe

We went a few years back and stayed at this B&B in the south of the island. You can walk 10 minutes into Port Erin or Port St Marys to eat. Although we took the car, you could easily manage a few days without one as the B&B is only a 10 minute taxi ride from the airport. You can get around by bus and there's a steam train from Port Erin to Douglas which then connects with electric railway up Snaefell. From the B&B you can walk all round the south end of the island including visiting the folk museum of Cregneash. We also enjoyed Castle Rushen which you could get to by bus.

http://www.ballahane.co.uk/bhindex.htm


http://www.gov.im/mnh/heritage/museums/cregneashvillage.xml
http://www.gov.im/mnh/heritage/museums/castlerushen/

PompeyPete

Hire a car for at least one day, and stop at some of the places that the buses go straight past.

moaninggit

its an expensive place to visit eg burger and chips in a pub £10 ,Petrol £1.35 a litre and everything in poundland costs £1.20.

littleg_2

We lived there for 10 years and I've just been back for the weekend. A beautiful place, I'd move back like a shot if I could. I would recommend a car even though petrol prices are higher and would have a look at self catering. Places to visit; Ballaglass Glen, Glen Helen, Groudle Glen, Laxey is beautiful, Creg Nesh (sp?) Peel Castle/beach, Castle Rushen, Langness, Douglas Head all fantastic walks. There's a great douglas to peel cycle route on the old railway line (bike hire in Douglas) and lots of basking shark tours have started up. A Wildlife park, Silverdale park, The Arboretum in St Johns next to The Mill shopping Centre, tram rides on the prom.....We're going back for our family holiday next year....get the tourist board to send you some brochures.

ellay864

Well I think I'm pretty convinced. Will try to get brochures sent to somebody else as I'm doing it as a surprise. I'm now wishing we'd have more than just a long weekend to play with!

tnor_fo_tkcab

I'd fly from Blackpool if I was you. Nice small airport, cheap enough (compared to ferry), short flight & you can (could) park for free. Also, manx2 let you use the vip lounge in the airport. Few years ago I stopped in a nice hotel in Douglas, i think it was called the Welbeck.