Getting Around Isle of Man
When visiting on the Isle of Man, you will have to consider the best options for travelling around, in order to get the most of the sights that are available. There are a variety of options that you can choose from, and it would be ideal if these can be planned depending on your itinerary for the day.
Car Rentals and Taxis
With hundreds of miles of road to explore, it may be worthwhile to rent a car while on holiday on the Isle of Man. There are many car hire companies available, at the airport as well as in town, and you can choose a vehicle depending on your budget and the number of people available.
If you opt to do this, ensure that your driver’s license is valid and that you follow the rules strictly. The laws are the same as in the United Kingdom and you must be aged between 23 and 75 years in order to rent a vehicle.
Alternatively if you are not inclined to drive along on your own, you can opt to hire a taxi. These are easily available along the streets, or you can even opt to book a taxi for the day, if you are planning a more comprehensive tour of the island
Bus Services
There are several regular bus service routes available on the island. You will find designated bus stops scattered throughout the towns, and if opting to catch a bus while trudging along the countryside, the good news is that the bus will stop anywhere to pick up and let off passengers.
If you plan to primarily travel by bus while on the Isle of Man, it may be worthwhile considering getting money-saving tickets, which can be used on any public transport including trams and trains. You will be able to purchase these at Tourist Information centers and don’t forget to pick up route details and timetables as well.
It may also be possible to allocate about half a day on your visit for a professional tour of the island. There are many coach companies available that provide a variety of tour options and this is a good way to see the island and to hear the history through a tourist guide. You can opt for a round island tour, or even a specific trip to see Lady Isabella and Mills, or evening tours that are lovely.
Trains and trams
Travelling around the Isle of Man on the variety of trains and trams can be a huge adventure, and if you have children travelling with you, this is something you absolutely must do. There are several options available including the Isle of Man Steam Railway. This has been around since 1873 and runs for 16 miles between Douglas and Port Erin. When you arrive at Port Erin don’t forget to stop at the Museum to learn about the rich history of the steam railways on the island.
The island also boasts an electric railway system that has been around since 1893 between Douglas and Ramsey. This is a vintage track of 18 miles and you will be seated on the oldest working tramcars in the world on this journey.
A must-do train ride is the one to Snaefell Mountain. This travels from Laxey to the top of Snaefell Mountain, and the views are just breathtaking. Do this in the daytime and if you are lucky and it is a clear day, you will be able to catch glimpses of the Scottish, Irish and Cumbrian coastline. Do plan to spend about an hour at the peak and enjoy the scenery and perhaps a hot cup of chocolate as well. Don’t forget your camera for this little adventure!
If you are traveling with very young children who are fans of Thomas the Tank Engine, then take a little time to visit the actual engine and train stations that were used in making the original movie – Thomas and the Magic Railroad. The kids will just love it!
Cycling Around the Island
If you are a cyclist, and enjoy the casual activity of pedaling along and absorbing the beautiful views on the Isle of Man, then a cycling trip may be just the trick! While there are areas that have cycle tracks along the countryside, as well as along the promenade in Douglas, there will be times when you will have to cycle along the roads.
If you opt to cycle on your visit, be careful of narrow roads and the lack of streetlights. It is recommended that unless you are very familiar with the terrain, you should avoid cycling after dusk when it becomes difficult to see. Also do be careful around bends and corners and listen out for oncoming traffic.
There are plenty of opportunities to rent bikes on the island, and you can ask your hotel for the relevant information.
On Foot Around the Isle of Man
If you are the type of tourists who prefers to put on a pair of walking boots or shoes and wander around exploring the little nooks and crannies of your holiday locale, then the Isle of Man is perfect for this. There are many footpaths available and depending on your interest and your willingness to stroll along, you can opt for the more straightforward routes or the ones that are built for hardy walkers.
If you would like a long but casual walk, then consider Raad ny Foillan also known as the Road of the Gull. This coastal walk is about 100 miles and scattered throughout the coast. Although it is unlikely that you are actually going to walk the hundred miles, these footpaths provide you with a beautiful glimpse of the coast.
Another, a favorite amongst Manx fishermen, is the 14-mile walk between Castletown and Peel. If you are planning to explore this route (to which a footpath is clearly marked out), you should start early in the morning as it will take you a few hours to explore and complete the journey.
There is also the Millennium Way, and this is recommended as it provides the link between King’s Highway and the palace at Ramsey, in Castletown. This walking adventure has a more historic feel to it, and you can almost imagine the soldiers of ancient times marching along the route to the castle.
Boating
Yet another attractive option could be to attempt to navigate the island’s shoreline by using a boat. There are no ferry services or other tours geared to explore the Isle of Man like this. However, there is the distinct possibility of renting a dinghy or chartering a fishing tour. This might serve you well with a friend or two in exploring the coastline of the Isle of Man and get a chance to fish at the same time. Exploring by sea opens up another opportunity that land based explorers will surely miss out. The small islands surrounding the Isle of Man are only accessible through small boats, and the lack of inhabitants on these islands probably makes them exciting places to visit. A night out in a campsite on one of these islands could be an experience worth remembering an entire lifetime.
