The island is renowned for its stunning countryside. From picturesque seaside towns, to beaches to mountains, the IOM has much to offer. Testament to the islands varied scenery is the fact that the island has doubled for film locations representing Scotland, Ireland, London, a Cornish fishing village and even the Caribbean!
TT Week is for Bikers
Timing a visit to the IOM is important. If you arrive during TT (Tourist Trophy) week, a love of motorcycles and motorcycle racing is a prerequisite. Thousands of motorcyclists descend from all over the world during early June for two weeks of racing; for those two weeks the island becomes a Mecca for motorcycle road racing fans.
As the racers lap the island’s main roads (37 miles) during practice and the races, the roads will, obviously, be closed to regular traffic during those times. (When the police post signs saying the road is closed to regular traffic, believe it, a 200 mph racing motorcycle will come by very soon!)
But the IOM is not just about the TT races; this beautiful island has many attractions for tourists seeking a more leisurely pace.
Learn the Road Signs
Traveling around the island is easy. The roads are very similar to the country roads found in either the UK or Ireland – windy and narrow. And the driving is done UK style – too fast and on the wrong side (they drive on the left). If you are thinking of hiring a car, it is good practice to get to know the road signs before driving; trying to decipher the information from a sign is best done at home, not doing 60 mph! For detailed information, the UK government has a web site detailing all road signage.
If driving in the IOM doesn’t appeal, there are a number of other options. From the worlds oldest working trams (they have electric and horse drawn trams) to reasonably priced taxis, to period steam trains the IOM has a well-organized transport system.
For railway hobbyists, the longest narrow gauge railway in the UK (with 15 miles of track) can be found operating from Douglas to Port Erin via Castletown Ballasalla in the south of the island. The service has been in operation since 1874, and one of the original engines (‘Loch’ number four) is still operating today. (Passengers who need disabled facilities should note that not all stations on the line have access).
Great for Mountain Biking
For mountain bikers (and hikers) the island has many excellent bridle ways (designated for walking, biking and horse riding – no motor vehicles). Mountain biking is very popular in the IOM where riders can choose from an easy (10.9 miles) route, following a disused railway line from Douglas to Peel or, for the more competitive minded, there is the Leg Burner. This 12.4 mile ride starts and ends at the Waterfall Pub at Glen Maye.
For water sports enthusiasts, the 7th Wave company operates (from Easter to the end of October) a commercial center in Port Erin. The company is recognized by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) as a training center and offers dingy sailing, power boating and Kayak hire.
As with most plans for an island outing, a lot depends on the weather – this is after all near to rainy England! Best plan is to have two possible outings in mind, one for dry weather and one in case it rains.
Food on the island is similar to that found in the UK with many restaurants offering locally caught fresh fish – often caught that same day. For some of the best fish and chips in Europe, try one of the many chip shops on the sea front in Douglas or Ramsey.
Accomodation
Being a popular tourist destination, the island inevitably has many possibilities for accommodation. From camp sites, through B&B houses, to luxury hotels, the IOM has accommodation for all tastes and budgets. The IOM tourist board has lists of registered hotels and B&Bs that meet the quality and safety standards of the local authorities. In addition, the CamaMann company offers new, retro VW campers for hire. However, drivers must remember the roads are often narrow and can be very busy.
For anyone taking a vacation in the UK, a visit to the Isle of Man is well worth the effort. With history going back to the Mesolithic period, and a topography that ranges from golden sands on the many beeches, to snow-covered peaks on the Snaefell mountain, the Isle of Man is a unique location.
John Glimmerveen - John Glimmerveen is a freelance writer and author specializing in automotive, motorcycle, and motorsports subjects. In addition, John is ...
