Best Isle of Man restaurants – delicious dishes and drinks to try

For a small island in the Irish sea, we found an amazing number of stylish restaurants on the Isle of Man, offering tasty and inventive dishes made with top quality ingredients. There’s a huge amount of pride in using what’s farmed and fished in the Isle of Man, with unfussy menus designed to let the ingredients shine.

I can’t claim to cover every single restaurant on the Isle of Man – there are just too many! Instead this is a curated list of those places I’ve personally enjoyed or heard great things about.

If you’re looking for cafes and restaurants that feature the best local produce and highlight local Manx flavours or authentic foodie experiences, you’ll find plenty here to enjoy! We’ll cover typical dishes to look out for on restaurant menus and the Isle of Man’s best artisan food producers.

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Restaurants in Douglas

As the island’s capital, Douglas is a great place to start exploring the food of the Isle of Man. If you’re unsure where to eat, head to North Quay, where there are many excellent restaurants, often with outdoor seating overlooking the marina.

Look out for dishes that are marked Manx Menu, which have been chosen to showcase the best of the Isle of Man’s local produce and flavours. We can’t claim to cover all the eating spots, but here are some of our favourites.

Noa Bakehouse – with two cafes: Noa Bakehouse and Noa Markethall, both located near North Quay, this bakery and cafe is known for its sourdough and bakery products. They also roast their own coffee, so it’s a great place to enjoy brunch, and the Noa Markethall also has a co-working space.

14 North – a relaxed but upscale restaurant on North Quay for lunch or dinner, that aims to showcase the island’s finest produce. They work with local farmers and artisan suppliers, with a changing menu based on what’s in season.

Kiki lounge – a cocktail bar with a playful tropical theme, serving cocktails with bar snacks and small plates. It’s a good place to try cocktails made with Isle of Man distilled gin and rum from Outlier and Fynoderee distilleries.

Little Fish Cafe – the more casual sister restaurant to 14 North, also located on North Quay. They offer all day dining, from brunch to lunch and dinner with a strong emphasis on seafood and local produce.

Cycle 360 – a cafe and bikeshop, for coffee and all day dining. It’s a little out of the town centre, but perfect for cyclists, bikers or motorists. They also sell their own brand of Isle of Man roasted Rox Coffee.

For international flavours that still use a lot of Isle of Man produce, you could try:

Fig & Olive – on Castle street in Douglas, this is a Mediterranean restaurant with dishes inspired by Greek and Italian cuisine, using plenty of Manx seafood and meat.

Naadu – serving authentic Indian cuisine in Douglas, this restaurant errs towards fine dining with everything freshly prepared.

L’Experience – a well established restaurant on Douglas seafront promenade, serving classic French dishes, but using lots of Isle of Man produce.

For more about things to do in Douglas and the Isle of Man read my article: 35 Best things to do on the Isle of Man

Restaurants in Laxey

Head north from Douglas on the Manx Electric Railway, to alight at Laxey. It’s best known for the heritage attraction of the Laxey Wheel, but there’s also a pretty harbour and beach promenade.

Shore Hotel – next to Laxey Bridge near the harbour, this hotel was converted from an old brewery. There’s an upscale restaurant and cosy pub bar where you can have lunch, as well as luxury rooms.

The Shed – At the far end of Laxey Promenade, we can recommend this small cafe serving refreshments year round (even in winter). Seating is outside overlooking the beach (grab a blanket), or in a cosy wooden building up some steps behind the cafe. Next door, with seasonal opening, is an ice cream cafe.

Where to eat at Snaefell

From Laxey, hike or take the Snaefell mountain railway up to the Isle of Man’s highest point, on Snaefell Mountain, where on a clear day you can see over to Ireland, England and Wales. At the summit is the Snaefell summit cafe, which is dog-friendly and open March to November.

Halfway down Snaefell, next to the Bungalow mountain railway stop, we also loved the Victory Cafe. It’s a stylish motorbike themed cafe in an old radar station, beside the course of the TT Road Race. In addition to the large cafe, there’s a shop selling motorbike clothing and a mini cinema screening TT films.

At Victory Cafe you’ll find a fun and cozy setting, serving hot drinks, local ciders, gin and beer and specialising in warming home made pies (peas, mash and gravy) and cakes.

Discover 10 tasty foods and restaurants to try on Ireland’s Causeway Coast

Where to eat in Ramsey

Continue north on the Manx Electric Railway and you’ll reach the island’s second largest town of Ramsey, known for its historic pier and popular leisure lake in summer.

Fynoderee Distillery is located by the Manx Electric Railway stop in Ramsey. You’ll see their seasonal gin varieties, craft vodka and rum in many bars and shops on Isle of Man, but this is the best place to buy (and taste!) the full selection. We particularly love the beautiful labels inspired by fairies and folklore and designed by local artist Julia Ashby Smyth.

You can taste some of the different blends at the bar, accompanied by a mezze plate from the menu. Full bottles and miniature sizes of the whole range can be purchased in their shop area.

Milntown Estate – On the edge of Ramsey, this historic house dating back to the 16th century is surrounded by 15 acres of gardens. The gardens have something to see in all seasons, with spring bulbs, flowering azaleas, rhododendrons and summer roses as well as autumn leaf colour.

Milntown Estate also has a lovely conservatory cafe serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas all year round. You can visit the cafe independently of the gardens, and there’s a sheltered courtyard to sit in fine weather.

Where to eat in Kirk Michael

The small village of Kirk Michael on the north west coast is close to the sand dunes of the Ayres Nature Reserve and the wallabies that roam wild near the Curraghs wildlife park.

The Dovecot Tearoom – a vintage style tearoom with gift shop attached in Kirk Michael. They serve the full afternoon tea as well as home baked cakes, breakfasts and light lunches.

Restaurants in Peel

The west coast town of Peel has plenty to see, with an attractive beach and harbour, historic ruined castle and the House of Mannanan museum of social history. There are plenty of restaurant options too, and we recommend the following:

Creek Inn – a cosy pub by the harbour which is a great place to try the island’s national dish of Queenies and Bacon.

Davison’s Ice Cream Parlour – a beachside favourite, this ice cream parlour offers ice cream flavours made in the Isle of Man and chocolates.

The Boatyard – overlooking Peel harbour, this restaurant offers nautical decor and menu featuring local fresh fish and seafood.

The Fish Bar Delicatessen – this mobile stand on Peel’s beach promenade sells fish dishes to take away, an inexpensive way to try locally caught seafood.

For more about things to do in the Isle of Man read my article: 35 Best things to do on the Isle of Man

Where to eat in St John’s

If you’re shopping at Tynwald Mills in St John’s, there’s a cafe and deli within the shopping complex. On the main road we also recommend Green’s cafe, a good spot to stop after visiting Tynwald Hill, ancient site of the island’s parliament, or a walk in the nearby Tynwald Arboretum:

Greens cafe and Deli – a long established pet friendly cafe serving homemade dishes with fresh local ingredients. It’s a great place for coffee, brunch or lunch and the Woodbourne Deli next door sells fine foods, featuring many Isle of Man artisan producers.

Where to eat in Port Erin

On the Isle of Man’s south west coast, Port Erin offers one of the island’s prettiest beaches and a good place for a coastal walk, to either Milner’s tower on the headland, or south to The Sound and Calf of Man.

Foraging Vintners – On Port Erin beach, Foraging Vintners has a seasonal beach cafe, serving their non-grape sparkling wines made on the Isle of Man. Try a glass of their rhubarb, elderflower or apple fizz as the perfect sundowner, with your toes in the sand. They also offer light bites and BBQ in summer.

Versa – This restaurant has a big focus on sustainability and zero waste, using ingredients from the Isle of Man, some of them foraged from its beaches and countryside. During the day lighter dishes are on offer, while in the evening there’s a multi course tasting menu. The dishes change daily with the seasons, and chef-owner Pippa Lovell also offers foraging courses.

Where to eat at the Sound

At the Isle of Man’s most southerly point is the Sound, with beautiful views of another small island, the Calf of Man, which is a wildlife sanctuary.

The Sound Cafe – stop for lunch or afternoon tea at The Sound Cafe, which has panoramic views of the Calf of Man and was named by the Guardian in 2022 as one of the best cafes with a view. They also run a small cafe serving Manx dishes and picnic area at nearby Cregneash heritage village.

Restaurants in Port St Mary

Continuing around to the south east coast, you’ll reach Port St Mary, a popular seaside holiday spot which can be reached on the Isle of Man Steam Railway.

The Boathouse – This restaurant in an old fishery has an open, airy feel serving lunch, brunch and dinner. Although the name implies it’s all about the seafood, in fact the menu is quite broad, using locally sourced steaks, lamb and chicken dishes as well as the seafood favourites and vegan dishes, with brunch served from 10am.

The Shore Hotel in Gansey – This old Georgian Inn is located around the point from Port St Mary, overlooking the rocky shore in Gansey Bay. Their bar incorporates old wood and leather, with a relaxed pub style menu. You can also stay at The Shore Hotel in Gansey Bay with rooms overlooking the sea.

Restaurants in Castletown

The Isle of Man’s ancient capital offers an interesting harbour overlooked by the forbidding walls of medieval Castle Rushen.

Kizuna – I normally home in on restaurants that feature local dishes, but so many people raved about this Japanese restaurant that I’ve got to mention it. Kizuna offers top end Japanese dishes that draw on the best seafood and produce that’s available locally, and you can see Chef Lin preparing some of the dishes in the restaurant.

The George Hotel – This traditional pub in Castletown is a good choice for home cooked and locally sourced food, accompanied by cask ales, wines and spirits.

Manx Menu

The Isle of Man has recently launched its Manx Menu, with restaurants and food producers all over the island entering dishes that feature local produce and flavours. When you visit the restaurants, dishes are marked with a Manx Manu symbol on their menus, so you can easily discover some tasty local flavours.

The people of the Isle of Man will be voting for their favourite Manx dishes. Expect to be inspired by dishes using the local Queenie scallops and seafood, Loaghtan lamb, Isle of Man cheese and milk, not to mention inventive cocktails using the local gin and rum.

What is the Isle of Man’s national dish?

In days gone by, staple food on the island was Spuds and Herring or Priddhas an’ Herrin’, using the boiled potatoes and locally fished herring that every family could afford.

More recently the takeaway favourite of chips, cheese and gravy, similar to the Canadian poutine, was a popular and warming choice.

However in the latest poll the Isle of Man’s national dish was voted to be Queenies and bacon, using the sweet and meaty miniature queen scallops that are fished in the Isle of Man’s coastal waters.

Afternoon tea on the Isle of Man

There’s something about the leisurely pace of life on the Isle of Man that lends itself to the ritual of afternoon tea. Here are a few places you might try for everything from a freshly brewed cuppa to the the full three tier extravaganza.

The Abbey – Country House style in rural surroundings near Castletown, with a full afternoon tea selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones.

Tea Junction – this tea shop in Douglas serves twenty different varieties of loose leaf tea. As well as cakes and light lunches they serve cream teas and afternoon teas from 2pm, with an optional glass of prosecco or home infused G&T.

Milntown Estate – the cafe is open all year round, even if you’re not visiting the beautiful gardens. Tea and home baked cakes are available through the day, with formal afternoon tea served from 2.30 to 3.45 (bookable in advance). On sunny days, tea can be taken in their sheltered courtyard adjoining the conservatory cafe.

The Sound Cafe – set on the southern tip of the Isle of Man, overlooking The Calf of Man, this is certainly a cafe with a view! While they don’t serve a formal afternoon tea, there’s tea and cakes on offer throughout the day and they also run the cafe at nearby Cregneash heritage farming village.

The Dovecot Tearoom – a vintage style tearoom with gift shop attached in Kirk Michael. They serve the full afternoon tea as well as home baked cakes, breakfasts and light lunches.

Tea and tours – Albany Tours can combine a tour of the Isle of Man, with afternoon tea using the best local ingredients. Your afternoon tea is set up to enjoy al fresco in a local beauty spot and tour guide Nigel also acts as your personal butler for the occasion.

Vegan and Vegetarian on the Isle of Man

Nearly every cafe or restaurant you’ll visit will have some vegan and vegetarian options. However, for place that are entirely veggie or vegan, we recommend trying:

Vibe Plant Based Cafe – set just back from North Quay in Douglas, this cafe offers plant based dining at lunchtime and in the evening. Everything is freshly prepared using many Isle of Man ingredients.

Aloha – this vegan takeaway cafe and juice bar in Douglas is open until 2pm, serving smoothie and salad bowls, juices and healthy lunch dishes.

Dishes and local produce on the Isle of Man

Local ingredients are very much the star of the dishes that you’ll find in many cafes and restaurants, with a strong emphasis on provenance. You can find the highest quality of meat, seafood and vegetables on the Isle of Man, and other ingredients like flour, butter, honey and preserves are produced locally. Another reason to use the local produce is that it doesn’t rely on the ferry, which sometimes gets cancelled in bad weather.

The biggest fresh food supplier on the Isle of Man is Robinson’s, who run both supermarkets and a wholesale food operation. The family run business has grown from a fruit and veg stall to a large operation, that’s a big supporter and stockist of smaller artisan food producers. Robinson’s have acquired some local food brands, such as Paddy’s Fish Market and Ross Bakery, and work very closely with many others such as Davison’s Ice Cream and Staarvey farm’s organic salads.

Seafood on the Isle of Man

Much of the fishing fleet off the Isle of Man is devoted to shellfish rather than fin fish, due to the sheltered and unpolluted waters that seem an ideal place for shellfish to thrive.

Manx herring and kippers

Historically the main fish caught was herring, since they ran in shoals off the Isle of Man’s coast and so were easy to catch. In the days before refrigeration, these oily fish could be salted and stored through the winter months, becoming a staple in the island’s diet.

Some of the herrings are also preserved by smoking, making the famous Manx kippers that can be found on many hotel’s breakfast menus, or are made into pate. Devereau’s in Douglas are one of the local companies selling kippers as well as other seafood, and you can order some to be sent home throughout the UK.

Scallops

Both the King scallops and smaller Queen scallops are caught off the Isle of Man, the ‘Queenies’ being especially plentiful. Queenies and bacon was voted the Isle of Man’s official national dish, and you’ll find variations in many local pubs and restaurants, eaten with brown bread and butter.

The Queenies are a sustainable choice, since they are fished only with nets, rather than the more damaging dredge gear that destroys the sea bottom. They have been awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), meaning that only the Queen scallops landed on the Isle of Man can be called Queenies.

Crab and lobster

Crabs are caught in crab pots, especially in the south of the island, with the fishing season running from April to November. Their meat is traditionally served in a crab bap, or can be found ready dressed in fishmongers. The same crab fishing boats also catch lobsters, which are most plentiful in the summer, so look out for them on restaurant menus.

Smoked Salmon

Salmon swim in the waters around the Isle of Man and some of the glens such as Laxey Glen and Glen Helen have traditionally been salmon spawning grounds. Salmon is smoked on the Isle of Man by producers such as Paddy’s Fish Market (owned by Robinson’s) and Devereau’s.

Many restaurants serve dishes based on the Isle of Man’s plentiful seafood, but a good place to try it is the Fish Bar Delicatessen, a kiosk at the end of the beach in Peel. They cook and sell locally caught seafood to take away, such as kippers, smoked salmon, Queenies, potted crab and lobster.

Meat on the Isle of Man

The strong sense of provenance extends to the meat that’s produced on the Isle of Man, mainly grass fed local beef, lamb and pork. Most of the meat is marketed through Isle of Man Meats, and because livestock is also slaughtered on island, it’s traceable back to individual farms.

It’s not uncommon to see the name of the farm the meat came from listed in butcher’s shops or on restaurant menus. Many of the farms also have their own farm shops, so keep a look out as you travel around the Isle of Man.

Chicken and eggs are also locally farmed, and because there are no foxes on the Isle of Man, the free range chickens really can run free.

A local favourite is the meat of the Manx Loaghtan sheep, an ancient breed that is well suited to the Isle of Man and is thought to date back to Viking times. The Loaghtan sheep are distinctive for their four horns and the meat has a rich and mildly gamey flavour, which you’ll often see mentioned on restaurant menus.

Milk and dairy on the Isle of Man

Most of the Manx dairy products come under the Isle of Man Creamery brand. This acts as a cooperative for 33 dairy farms that provide milk from grass fed cows to the creamery. The Isle of Man creamery cheeses are widely available, mainly cheddar style cheeses with different levels of maturity and flavourings.

Also look out for The Dairy Shed yoghurts made from grass fed Ayreshire cows on a farm in the north of the island and soft feta cheese from Isle of Man Goats in Kirk Michael.

With such high quality of milk and dairy, paired with some lovely beaches, it’s not surprising that much of it is made into ice cream. The best known ice cream producers are Davisons, who have an ice cream parlour overlooking the beach at Peel, and Manx Ices who use the milk of local producers.

Bakery on the Isle of Man

In the north of the island, wheat is grown to supply the Isle of Man’s flour mill at Laxey Glen Mills. Look out for the Laxey Mill flour in grocery stores and it’s widely used in restaurants and cafes for their bread and bakery products.

Noa bakery makes fantastic sourdough and other breads, using the wheat and rye flour grown on the island and produced by Laxey Mills. You’ll find their full range of breads and pastries to take away and to eat in their two cafes in Douglas at Noa Bakehouse and Noa Markethall.

Excellent bread and sourdough is also produced Ross bakery who supply many restaurants and food shops on a wholesale basis. They have now been acquired by Robinson’s the island’s leading supermarket, and you’ll see their name mentioned on restaurant menus.

A Manx teatime favourite is Bonnag, which is somewhere between a flat unleavened bread and a scone. In the old days it was made at home with oat or barley flour mixed with buttermilk and cooked on the griddle.

This was a staple of the Manx diet, along with herring, potatoes and vegetable broth. These days Bonnag is often served like a sweet scone, with the addition of dried fruit.

More Manx produce

There’s plenty of fresh seasonal veg to be found on the Isle of Man, and it’s used to make the traditional dish of Manx Broth. This hearty soup uses plentiful root vegetables with perhaps a bit of extra flavouring from some beef or mutton bones. It was a staple of the Manx diet and traditionally served to guests at weddings.

For organic veggies, salads and herbs, a well known name is Staarvey farm, who also produce their own range of jams, chutneys and preserves.

Isle of Man Salt company harvest sea salt by hand from the shores of the Isle of Man, also sold in blends with locally grown herbs and in salted caramel sauce and brownies.

There are many more small artisan producers on the Isle of Man, making sweets, jams, preserves and other items that are a great souvenir to take home. Manx Honey is produced on many local farms, with strict controls having ensured that the bees have not been affected by the Varroa disease that has decimated many UK hives.

Drinks on the Isle of Man

While international drinks brands are widely available, look out for the local Isle of Man tipples in pubs, bars and restaurants.

Beer on Isle of Man

Okell’s Beer

The main local beer to look out for on Isle of Man is Okell’s owned by Heron and Brearley, who have been brewing here for 170 years. They are proud that the Isle of Man has a unique Brewing Purity Law, meaning that only the natural ingredients of water, malt, yeast and hops may be used in the locally brewed beers. Okell’s offer a wide range of permanent and seasonal cask beers as well as bottled beers, which you can find in shops and pubs across the island.

Bushy’s

Also look out for Bushy’s beers, especially if you’re on the Isle of Man during TT fortnight, when they run Bushy’s TT Village music festival fuelled by their beer tent. Their Rover’s Return pub in Douglas is a traditional boozer stocking their range of local ales.

Distilleries and wine makers on Isle of Man

Fynoderee distillery

If you take the Manx Electric Railway to Ramsey you’ll alight right by the Fynoderee Distillery. Their beautifully labelled gins are found in bars and shops all over the Isle of Man, and this is the best place to buy ( and taste!) the full selection of seasonal gin varieties, craft vodka and rum. Distillery tours and cocktail making classes can be arranged by appointment.

Outlier distillery

The location of this distillery in a converted milking shed at the northern (windiest) end of the Isle of Man, may have provided inspiration for the naming of the Outlier Hurricane and Hoolie Rums. They also do a Twisted Arm spiced rum and Hedge Fund wild berry schnapps. We love the colourful and bold labels from collaborations with local artists.

Seven Kingdom Distillery

Seven Kingdom distillery and bar in Douglas makes small batches of its classic and flavoured gin, vodka and liqueurs. Their bar is at the end of North Quay in Douglas, with a Pan Asian menu. Gin tours and tastings can be arranged by appointment.

Foraging Vintners

From their seaside winery in Port St Erin, Foraging Vintners make craft from local fruit and flowers. Try their Rhubarb, Elderflower or Apple fizz, ginger beer or cask matured apple brandy. The HQ is in the Old Coal Shed in Port Erin and there’s a seasonal “Cosy Nook” beach bar with an outdoor terrace, serving food in collaboration with local chefs. It’s the perfect place for a summer sundowner!

Top foodie experiences in the Isle of Man

Knockaloe Beg Farm – in addition to offering a range of accommodation, this farm near Peel runs activities such as Lambing Live that allow you to experience life on the farm and get close to the animals. Adventure Days during school holidays are aimed at families with camp fire cooking and pizzas from the mobile oven.

We were also able to enjoy the recently launched farm to table suppers, with a tasty set menu created with produce from the farm itself or from nearby Isle of Man suppliers.

Smeale Farm Tour – this farm on the north of the island runs tours of their working farm to show you food production and wildlife conservation in action.

The Cook Shack – this cookery school runs half day cookery events and experiences in their kitchen in the north of the island. The emphasis is on cooking dishes that highlight local Isle of Man produce and tastes, with the cooking activity normally followed by lunch to enjoy the dishes cooked.

Tea and tours – Albany Tours can combine a half day or full day tour of the Isle of Man, with a lunch or afternoon tea using the best local ingredients. It’s set up to enjoy al fresco in a local beauty spot and tour guide Nigel also acts as your personal butler for the occasion.

Versa foraging courses – Chef Pippa Lovell trained with top chefs in Copenhagen, where foraging is a big thing. In addition to her Port Erin restaurant, she runs private foraging tours, to show guests the wild bounty of the Isle of Man in its fields, hedgerows and coastline.

Ice cream on the beach – sitting on a sunny beach, licking an ice cream is the quintessential Isle of Man summertime experience. Perhaps the best known place to try Isle of Man ice cream is Davison’s Ice Cream Parlour on Peel beach. Also look out for Gelatory in Ramsey and Douglas, Isle of Gelato in Castletown and Douglas, The Gelato Shed in Laxey, and Manx Ices at Silverdale Glen.

Foraging Vintners – based at Port Erin, they also have a seasonal beachside bar, where you can try their elderflower, rhubarb and apple fizz, accompanied by some light bites or BBQ.

Fynoderee distillery – enquire about the gin tastings and distillery tour at their Ramsey distillery, where the flavoured gin, rum and whiskey is produced.

Recipes from the Isle of Man

If you visit, look out for this cookery book with recipes from the Isle of Man: The Island Kitchen. It has some great recipes from some of the Isle of Man’s best restaurants, as well as information about the different food producers and history of the island’s food.

Food festivals on the Isle of Man

If you’re visiting the Isle of Man, it’s worth checking for any food events that may be happening. The main ones are:

Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival – the festival takes place over 2 days in September in the Villa Marina Gardens, just off the seafront in Douglas. Expect talks and cookery demonstrations, with a marquee full of local producers and plenty of chance to try the island’s top gin, beer and fruit wines from the bar tents.

Isle of Man CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival – taking place over 3 days in April in Villa Marina’s Royal Hall, Douglas. On offer will be over 120 real and craft ales, ciders, perries, fruit wine and mead.

Royal Manx Agricultural Show – taking place in August, this 2 day agricultural show near Peel offers entertainment with pets, livestock and motorbike displays. It’s a good place to sample food from local producers and food stands as well as see something of Isle of Man’s farming community.

Southern District Agricultural Show – taking place in July at Ballasalla near Castletown, there are prizes for livestock, pet and equestrian entries, as well as marquees for food and produce, a beer and tea tent.

Getting around the Isle of Man

If you want to go car free on holiday, the Isle of Man is an excellent place to do it, with a regular bus service that links with the heritage railways. Cycle hire is available or you can walk around the whole island on the Raad ny Foillan coastal path, taking in most of the main towns and sights on the way.

By bus

The bus service known as Bus Vannin runs regularly throughout the year, with more frequency between April and October. Buses connect the main towns of Douglas, Castletown, Laxey, Ramsey, Peel, Port Erin, Port St Mary and Ronaldsway Airport. Routes and timetables can be found at Isle of Man Transport.

If you are visiting on holiday you may like to consider a Go Explore Card, which gives you unlimited bus, rail and tram travel over a 1, 3, 5 or 7 day period. A Go Explore Heritage Card also includes entrance to Manx National Heritage Sites. The Go Explore cards can be purchased from the airport, railway or bus stations.

By Heritage Railway

Isle of Man is unusual for the heritage trams and railways that still run around the island. The 5 different lines run from around mid March to early November and you can find the timetables on the Isle of Man Transport site. The main railways are:

Manx Electric Railway – running from north end of Douglas via Laxey to Ramsey

Isle of Man Steam Railway – running from Douglas Harbour via Castletown to Port Erin

Other local railways and trams include the Douglas Bay horse tramway, Snaefell Mountain railway, Great Laxey Mine Railway and Groudle Glen Railway. There is a miniature Orchid Line Railway at Curraghs Wildlife Park.

Tickets can be individually purchased for each journey, or you can purchase a Go Explore Card that covers the heritage railways as well as bus routes.

By Bike

If arriving by ferry as a foot passenger, you can bring your bike for free and then use it to get around the island. The Isle of Man has a leisurely pace of life and the roads are well maintained. Bike hire is also available from various providers, such as Erin Bike Hut (Port Erin) or Outdoors Ramsey (Ramsey). Isle of Man cycle tours can organise escorted cycle tours for small groups.

By Car

If you prefer to hire a car for your stay on the Isle of Man, we recommend that you compare options and prices with Rental Cars. Most hire cars are available for collection from Ronaldsway Airport, just south of Douglas. There is a system of parking discs used in the Isle of Man, and you can pick one up on the ferry or at the airport, although any hire car should already have one.

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This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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