isle of man

joesan

thinking of going to the isle of man for a couple days

anyone any recommendations? where to stay etc..

Pennywise

Sorry, can't recommend anywhere to stay as we stayed in a cottage for a week.

Douglas has lots of hotels, many on the promenade, and there are also plenty in the other "seaside" resorts of Port Erin, Ramsey, Port St Mary, etc. BUT, the Isle of Man is a "typical" old seaside resort so a lot of small private hotels are run down, converted to flats/bedsits etc, and many appear derelict, so you do need to be careful. There are a few "chains" such as the Hilton, which may offer cheap break deals, but I am sure that the majority of the smaller hotels and B&Bs will be perfectly good enough for you.

The Island has some brilliant beaches for "bucket and spade" activities.

You can get around the Island perfectly well by their brilliant public transport. Buses run just about everywhere, very frequently, and are supplemented by the unique electric trams, horse drawn trams and steam railway (not too expensive and an absolute "must"). You can buy "package" tickets covering all public transport (including trains and trams) which work out very cheap, but fares for individual journeys aren't too bad either.

If you're into the outdoor/walking scene, the Island has plenty of opportunites. Tram up to Snaefell (mountain) and walk back down via the Laxey Wheel to Laxey beach and gardens (just a few miles of easy walking). Plenty of footpaths, cycleways, coastal scenic walks, etc. Plenty of well maintained parks and gardens.

There is a wildlife park at the North of the Island - very good for a day out and geared up for children.

A few museums (some are free) show the Island's history and are very interesting. There is also a motorcycle museum half way up Snaefell (tram or road) if that's your thing.

Douglas and the other seaside towns are showing their age. The usual cafe's, gift shops, B&Bs, amusement arcades. Nothing special at all, except the sandy beaches (you've got to hope for good weather). The larger shops are in Douglas - Tesco, M&S, and a scattering of the usual High Street shops (Woolworths, ELC, Littlewoods etc). Also in Douglas is a KFC and McDonalds. Other than that, shops, pubs and restaurants and mainly small privately owned in the towns and villages but there is plenty of choice and it helps give the Island its character.

People are very helpful and friendly. Loads of local authority staff everywhere - the Island is kept well maintained and tidy. Plenty of police, so very little trouble.

The only real "downside" we experienced: Many attractions only opened on specific days outside the summer school holiday period. For example, the miniature train in the Wildlife park operates only on Sundays, as does the "Groudle Glen" miniature railway. The Cat Sanctuary only opens on (I think) Saturdays and Wednesdays. The excellent indoor swimming pool was only open for family swimming for a couple of hours a day (after school!). Luckily we did our homework beforehand and planned our days when things were open, but still we missed a couple of things. If you go outside school holidays, you can't assume that things will be open! It was very quiet when we went (last month), but it looks geared up to be busy for the main Summer holiday period. Also a warning that virtually all the tourist industry closes down over winter including the trains and trams, and some other attractions.

mcallister1

Anyone know of any discount codes for the ferry?

gingerdad

Discounts on the Isle of Man steam racket, I think you’re having a laugh, the footloose fare is about the cheapest, and some of the airlines do some good offers now esp. Euro Manx and fly be.

As regards to staying, depends on what you want to pay

Sefton Hotel very good, very expensive
Welbeck Hotel nice, and cheaper.
Loads of good b&bs a cheap one is Pleasanton Suite hotel on Broadway, very good breakfast and very nice owners (Jackie and Roy Dixon).

In terms of what to do the story of man sites are very good and all over the island the house of mannin is worth a visit.

The steam trains and electric railway are good, worth a trip up to the top of snaefell and a walk back. Lots of nice walks and glens to visit.

Laxey Wheel.

Very good indoor play area at the Villa Marina. Often lots of good shows on at both the villa and the gaiety.

Hope that helps

GD

gingerdad

The NSC Swimming pool is very good and reasonable, lots of golf courses.

Douglas Museum is very good and free.

Lots of good cafes and restaurants’ if you want to blow a few quid I would recommend Jurgens on the prom.

GD

garret1

We're off to the I of M in two weeks. In laws have a second home there but we are camping in Peel. it's a pretty good base for seeing the island. We stayed in Port Erin for our honeymoon 6 years ago and are now returning with our 5 year old twins.

http://www.peelonline.net/

gingerdad

I like the small campsite in Laxey very quite and only space for about 10 tents (though i think the squeeze a few more during TT)

I lived on the Island for 5 years great place