Visitor Guide: Must-See places during your holiday on the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is the world’s first entire country to be awarded the UNESCO Biosphere status thanks to its natural beauty and remarkable projects that help make the island unique. But it’s not just its natural beauty, diverse landscape and stunning coastline that draws in visitors, the island has a rich heritage stemming back thousands of years with plenty of cultural attractions to keep you busy during your visit.

Step back in time and choose a trip to one of the many museums and Heritage sites on the island. Take a traditional steam train along the coast or an electric tram up Snaefell Mountain for a relaxing afternoon. Get the family active and have fun at one of the local parks and adventure centres. Get your fix of Victoriana at the Grove museum or plod along on the beautiful horse trams. With so much to see and do we have put together a snapshot of the must-see places during your holiday on the Isle of Man. Enjoy!

Isle of Man Steam Railway

Opened in 1874, the Isle of Man Steam Railway is the longest narrow gauge railway in Britain, it offers a truly unique experience!

Castle Rushen

Located in the ancient capital of the Isle of Man, Castle Rushen is a fortress which was once home to the Kings and Lords of Mann. It was originally built for a Norse king in 1265. 

Snaefell Mountain Railway

With over 5 miles of line, the Snaefell Mountain Railway travels from Laxey up to the summit of Snaefell Mountain. At the summit, you may get a glimpse of the Seven Kingdoms!

Peel Castle

Located on St Patrick’s Isle, Peel Castle was built by the Vikings and is one of the best heritage sites on the Island. Visitors can walk around the extensive grounds and even climb to the top of the Gatehouse Tower! 

Douglas Horse Trams

Douglas Horse trams were introduced to the island in 1876 and travel along Douglas Promenade between Derby Castle and the Villa Marina

The Great Laxey Wheel

Situated in Laxey, the Great Laxey Wheel or Lady Isabella (as she is also known) is the largest working waterwheel in the world! She was built in 1854 to pump water from the Laxey mines.

Manx Electric Railway

Over seventeen miles of railway line along the Manx coastline, the Manx Electric Railway is the longest narrow gauge vintage electric railway in the British Isles. 

Manx Museum

The Manx Museum is a great way to find out about the Island’s 10,000 year history. It has a range of artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man.

Cregneash

Situated in the South of the Island, Cregneash is a “living museum” and provides an illustration of a traditional crofting way of life. You will be able to step inside the original cottages to find out how the crofter lived and also see some indigenous Manx animals. 

Groudle Glen Railway

The Groudle Glen Railway is a 2ft narrow gauge railway. It operates throughout the summer months and runs a number of annual special events such as Easter Egg hunts and Santa trains.

Isle of Man Motor Museum

Located in Jurby, the Isle of Man Motor Museum features a collection of over 300 vehicles which includes classic cars and motorcycles. 

House of Manannan

Located in Peel, The House of Manannan takes you on a journey through a life sized reconstruction of a Celtic roundhouse. You will be able to join the crew of the Odin’s Raven Viking longship and see how they lived in a Viking longhouse.

The Great Laxey Mine Railway

Located in the village of Laxey, the Great Laxey Mine Railway is a quarter of a mile railway that travels from the former washing floors to the mine’s main underground entrance.

Grove Museum of Victorian Life

Situated in Ramsey, the Grove Museum tells the story of the Gibb family. The house was the Gibb family home and has been beautifully preserved to provide an insight into the life in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Gaiety Theatre

Located in Douglas, the Gaiety Theatre was built in 1899 as a theatre and opera house. It regularly runs a wide range of shows and operatic productions.

Rushen Abbey

Located in Ballasalla, Rushen Abbey originally was the home of the Sauvignac Order of Monks. It used to house literature and information for the Island. Now, visitors can walk around the gardens and view the medieval buildings.

Curraghs Wildlife Park

The Curraghs Wildlife Park is a 26-acre animal park located in Ballaugh. It's home to around 100 species and is a great day out for all the family.

Ayres Visitor Centre and Nature Trail

The Ayres Visitor Centre was established to increase the understanding of the area and provide information about its wildlife. The centre has a wooden platform for enhanced viewing.

The Sound and Calf of Man

The Sound restaurant and Calf of Man are located in the South of the Island. The Calf is a great location to study bird life, flora and fauna. 

Onchan Pleasure Park

Onchan Pleasure Park is located in Onchan, just outside of Douglas. The park caters for the whole family and has something for everyone. 

Ape Mann Adventure Park

Ape Mann Adventure Park is located in South Barrule and consists of a family ropes course. It has one of the UK's highest Monkey tree's and a 300 foot long zip wire!

Mooragh Park

Mooragh Park is a great day out for all the family. It has a 12 acre boating lake, children’s park, BMX track, crazy golf, bowling green and so much more!

Great Union Camera Obscura

The Great Union Camera Obscura is a Victorian landmark located at Douglas Head. Built in 1887, the camera obscura comprises of a darkened room of 11 lenses and mirror which enables visitors to view the surrounding area.  Enjoy a 360 degree view of Douglas Harbour, the lighthouse and seascape.

Fairy Bridge

The Fairy Bridge is located on the A5 Douglas to Ballasalla road.  The Manx superstition is to greet the fairies. It's considered unlucky not to greet them!