Isle of Man is a small paradise. Thirty three miles long and thirteen and a half miles wide, the island is almost equidistant from the British and the Irish shores. It is a little wonder with scores of attractions, perfect for a weekend and equally satiating for a long holiday. Your holiday will not cost a small fortune if you know about the various fun yet inexpensive things to do.
Here is our list of the best activities on a dime:
- You can attend the International Isle of Man TT. The motorbike races will start in the last week of May.
- Attend the World Tin Bath Championships. You can participate or just be at Middle Harbour in Castletown as a spectator.
- Go to the Tower of Refuge and walk out of it during a low tide. It is a fun thing to do but not always pleasantly fragrant.
- If you are someone who runs a marathon or want to, the Parish Walk is ideal for you. It is a walking race. You have to cover the eighty five miles circumference of the island in twenty four hours.
- Visit the Manx Museum. Admission is free. You will be at Douglas Promenade anyway so a swing by is not just convenient but also an obvious consideration.
- Visit Laxey Beach, take a picture with the lighthouse in the backdrop and marvel at the cliffs. You can pack a picnic if you want.
- Visit the south or southwest shores of the island to spot basking sharks. They are not the only interesting species here. Cats in Manx are unique too. They do not have tails and are common pets. Head to the southern tip to spot seals sunbathing.
- Head out to Inneen Vooar in Dhoon Glen. The forty metres high waterfall is against a steep valley in a pleasantly secluded cove. Photographers will have an awesome time, so should hikers.
- Hike to the top of Sneafell, which is the highest mountain. The summit is at over two thousand feet. You can see all the seven kingdoms from the summit on a clear and sunny day. If you are unaware, the seven kingdoms are England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the kingdoms of heaven, the sea and the Isle of Man.
- You can spend some time at Onchan Pleasure Park and indulge in boating, mini golf or crazy golf, tennis, bowling, go-kart or simply a bit of unwinding.
- Check out the House of Keys, Tynwald Hill, Mooragh Park, Port Erin, Home of Rest for Old Horses, Port Soderick, The Sound and of course Douglas Promenade.
- You must ride one of the horse draw trams. They operate throughout summer. It is a heritage dating back to nearly a hundred and fifty years. There are a few special double-decker trams too. A single journey costs £10 for a family of two with a maximum of three kids or £3 for an adult and £2 for a child.
- Visit Castle Rushen in Castletown, a former fortress and royal residence, subsequently a mint and also a prison. Admission is £8 for an adult and £4 for a child.
- Have some inexpensive ice cream at Peel Beach. Davisons’ parlour is a favourite among locals and tourists. Explore Fenella Beach and swing by The Creek by the quay.
- While you are at Peel, visit the House of Mannanan. Learn more about the maritime history, Viking and Celtic past of Isle of Man. Admission is £10 for an adult and £8 for a child.
- Explore Peel Castle. A fortress known for its grandeur offers an amazing view over Peel Marina. Enjoy panoramic views from Gatehouse Tower. Admission is £6 for an adult and £3 for a child.
- Go to the Gaiety Theatre that is over a century old. Tours are operated on Saturdays for only £8.
Check out the Dome, try scuba diving or snorkeling at Port St. Mary, climb the Laxey Wheel, take the Isle of Man Steam Railway train, visit Cregneash, hop aboard an electric tram, toy with Camera Obscura, embark on a cruise from Douglas Harbour and rejuvenate at Villa Marina Gardens.