Famous for its tailless cats, its historic language, its striking flag, for being the motorcycle racing capital of the world, and its reputation for doing its own thing, the Isle of Man is possibly one of the most intriguing and underrated travel destinations in Europe.
It’s a tranquil place filled with pristine beaches, green valleys, barren hills, and a truly remarkable coastline.
There are no hordes of crowds here and that just adds to its special otherworldly atmosphere. Here are the best and most beautiful places to visit in the Isle of Man…
Road of the Gull – the stunning Isle of Man heritage coastal walk
A premier coastal footpath of the Isle of Man, Road of the Gull provides a perfect opportunity to walk around a complete nation. Winding its way through cliff footpaths, castles, quiet sandy beaches, wooded glens, farmlands, and much more, this path is Britain in miniature.
Also referred to as ‘Raad ny Follian’, the 102-mile path starts and finishes at the Millennium Bridge over Douglas Harbor forming a complete loop.
The walk along the route with different colors of the sea, beautiful flowers, and striking scenery along the island’s coastline makes it a favorite of all stages of walkers.
Peel Castle – a must-see historic attraction on the Isle of the Man
Set on St. Patrick’s Isle, the Peel Castle is connected to the town of Peel by a causeway. A place of worship, Peel Castle was a pious place before becoming the royal residence and center of the Government of the Vikings.
Overlooking Peel Marina, today the buildings within the castle are mostly ruined but the walls remain intact.
Visit St. Patrick’s Church, St. German’s Cathedral, Great Garrison Hall, and the Round Tower, these heritage sites of the Castle are the iconic witness to many historical events spanning across centuries. Stroll the extensive grounds or climb atop the Gatehouse Tower to get panoramic views of Peel and the Irish Sea.
Douglas Bay and City – the capital and one of the best places to visit on the Isle of Man
The capital city and the largest town of Isle of Man, Douglas is located at the mouth of the River Douglas. The best place to begin your journey in this incredible island, there’s a heap of things to do in Douglas.
Learn about the island’s steeped history in the Manx Museum, catch a show at the Gaiety Theatre or take a ride to the Manx Electric Railway, you’ll be mesmerized by the captivating beauty of Douglas.
Take a stroll across Douglas Bay and spot the Tower of Refuge or wander along the Douglas promenade and gaze at the views, this nostalgic journey is something not to miss in the monumental harbour city of Douglas.
Laxey Beach – a beautiful sandy beach to explore on the east coast of Isle of Man
Bordered by rocky cliffs and harbour breakwaters, the small town of Laxey is located approx 8 miles north of Douglas. Deriving its name from the Laxey River which flows into the sea at Laxey harbour, the pebbly beach is easily accessible by bus, car, or using the Manx Electric Railway.
Once a lucrative mining town, Laxey’s traditional village is home to some of the important Manx National heritage sites.
Explore the world’s largest working water wheel, the Laxey Wheel nicknamed Lady Isabella, the Laxey Glen Gardens, and Laxey Woollen Mills as you traverse through the twisted paths of the town.
Castletown – the attractive ancient harbour town
Nestled 20-minutes away from Douglas, Castletown is another classical town in the Isle of Man. Although relatively small, this time-honoured capital is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Man if you are a history buff.
Dominating the centre of the town is the towering Castle Rushen, a 13th -century medieval fortress used by the Lords of Mann.
Comprised of small winding streets and picturesque cottages, this fascinating town illustrates its history with the Nautical Museum, The Old House of Keys and the Old Grammar School, and Hango Hill with stunning views across Castletown Bay.
Port Erin – a scenic seaside retreat and a great day out on the Isle of Man for families
A picturesque seaside village, Port Erin is situated southwest of the Island and is one of the best places to visit in Isle of Man. Bordered by the Tall cliffs of Bradda Head and Calf of Man to the south, the beach sits a sheltered bay.
With its soft golden sands and pristine waters, Port Erin Beach is a family’s favourite beach. Combine your visit with a steam train trip at the Port Erin station for rolling Manx scenery.
Catch the mesmerizing sunsets from the beach looking up to the Key-shaped Milner Tower, explore the Chapel Bay, or visit the nearby Ballachurry Nature Reserve, you’ll be in for a lovely treat with beautiful views of the Irish coast.
St Michael’s Isle – an interesting place to visit with distinctive geological formations
Nicknamed as the Fort Island, St. Michael’s Isle is noted for its attractive ruins. Located off the southeast coast of the Isle of Man, this distinctive island is linked by a causeway.
One of the best scenic viewpoints in the Isle of Man, the rocky island bears two archaeological structures of strategic importance.
On the south side of the island is St. Michael’s Chapel, a Celtic-Norse chapel of the 12th century and the Derby Fort used during the English Civil War. With lots of fabulous bird life, rugged rock cliffs, and pools, this remote island is a genuine hidden gem.
Peel Marina – a sparkling gem on the Isle of Man’s west coast
One of the largest towns on the island, Peel is surrounded by the beautiful Irish Sea. A vibrant harbour with sandy beaches, restaurants, shops, and museums, Peel Marina offers a perfect coastal walk day or night.
Dominated by the ancient castle on one side and the town on the other, Peel gives a Mediterranean feel with its surrounding lush hills and proximity to Ireland.
Tour the 1,000 years old ruins at the Peel Castle and the House of Manannan Heritage centre to delve into the island’s history. Dip your toes on the beach, sail your boat or take a lazy walk, this quaint town has its charm.
Spooyt Vane Waterfall – a stunning natural beauty spot
In 2016 Unesco designated the Isle of Man a biosphere reserve (one of just five in the UK) so make the most of the unspoiled nature while you’re visiting.
Hidden away in the Glen Mooar Valley on the west coast of the Island, Spooyt Vane Waterfall is the highest and the most photographed of all the waterfalls on the island. Also known as ‘White Spout’, the beautiful waterfall cascades through the trees and walls of rocks forming a pool below.
Located just outside the glen’s boundary, the waterfall is found in a tranquil hollow that allows visitors to enjoy the secret waterfall in peace.
Walking up to the Glen will lead you to the listed ancient monument of a chapel dedicated to St. Patrick and a viaduct of the old railway that ran through here.
Castle Rushen – one of the best medieval castles to visit in Europe
One of the finely preserved medieval castles in the world, Castle Rushen is located in the heart of the Island’s former capital, Castletown.
A dwelling place of the Kings and the Lords of Mann for over hundreds of years, Castle Rushen provides stunning views of the town and the sea beyond. From a royal residence, a mint, a law court, and a prison, today the castle serves as a museum and an educational center.
Explore the rooms and their furnished chambers, wall hangings with spectacular displays and life-like settings, or visit the surrounding gardens with beautiful blooms to admire the castle’s immaculate beauty.
Snaefell – a soaring Isle of Man mountain range
The highest mountain range with a height of 2,037 feet above sea level, Snaefell Mountain is a popular walking spot for hikers. The trail with slate stones, grass, gravel, and rocks steepens as you ascend the summit.
Crowned by a railway station, Snaefell Mountain has a scenic railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway operating between Laxey Tram Station and the mountain.
On a clear day, visitors can watch the six kingdoms of Isle of Man, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Heaven from the top of Snaefell.
Mooragh Park – a popular Isle of Man attraction perfect for outdoor lovers 
A popular attraction with the residents and visitors of Ramsey, Mooragh Park is located on the north side of the island.
Once a tidal swamp, today the 12-acre boating lake with special water play area, bowling green, golf course, tennis court and much more to keep you entertained throughout the day.
Opened in 1887, the park offers excellent leisure facilities for visitors of all ages. Try your hand at canoeing, enjoy a picnic or stargaze at some of the darkest skies of Europe, Mooragh Park remains a beloved public gathering place for the island.
Glen Maye National Glen – a spectacular bridged gorge and waterfall
A must-see place to visit for a natural Isle of Man experience, Glen Maye or the Luxuriant Glen is located approx 2 miles south of Peel.
Comprising a magnificent waterfall, fern-filled woodland, and relics of the ancient forest, the Glen covers 11-acres of land on either side of Rushen River.
The spectacular bridged gorge and the waterfall form the centerpiece of Glen Maye. At the bottom of the Glen is the Mona Erin wheelcase, the only visible evidence of Manx lead mines.
Take a walk down the waterfall following the river which leads to a quiet little beach.
Point of Ayre Lighthouse – the oldest operational lighthouse in the Isle of Man
An active lighthouse of the 19th century, Point of Ayre Lighthouse forms the northerly tip of the Isle of Man. Engineered by Robert Stevenson, the lighthouse was first lit in the year 1818.
With its distinctive red stripes and towering height, you’re closer to Scotland than you are to Douglas when you stand at the top.
Take a pleasant walk along the beach or watch the seals playing in the sea, this wild and wonderful place offers fabulous views year-round. Automated in the year 1993, the lighthouse continues to be operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
Tynwald National Park and Arboretum – a tranquil place with an attractive backdrop
Set in more than 25-acres of pretty countryside in St. Johns, Tynwald National Park forms an attractive backdrop to the Tynwald Hill and Parliament Field.
Opened in 1979 to commemorate the Millennium Anniversary of the Parliament of Tynwald, the National park has trees planted by the Manx Parishes.
With a vast selection of ornamental and native tree species, constructed shelter, picnic areas, and a beautiful pond, the park provides a perfect place to get some fresh air and feed the ducks with fantastic views of St. John.
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Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fuelled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organisations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specialising in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find him on Instagram @garynansome, Twitter @garynansome and his website https://garynunn.co.uk/