Douglas and Laxey
Starting in Douglas at the Manx Museum you will find artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man.
Discover the Island’s 10,000 year history through Celts and Vikings, wartime internment and its holiday heyday. Find handmade and bespoke Manx inspired gifts and souvenirs in the Museum Shop.
In walking distance of the museum is the Gaiety Theatre. Designed by Frank Matcham, the Gaiety first opened its doors in 1900 and continues to run a year-round programme of shows, plays, live music and talks.
At the end of the promenade you’ll find the Douglas terminus for the Manx Electric Railway. On a fine day the scenery on the coastal route to Laxey is breathtaking.
Once you arrive in Laxey, take the footpath to the world’s largest working waterwheel, The Great Laxey Wheel
No visit to Laxey Village is complete without a visit to the Woolen Mills where the famous Manx Tartan is produced using traditional methods.
From Laxey you can take the Mountain Railway to the Snaefell summit or Electric Railway to Ramsey for more spectacular coastal scenery.
Also nearby Douglas –
Groudle Glen Railway
The North
The north of the Island is well known for its agricultural and industrial heritage.
Ramsey, known by the Norse as ‘Wild Garlic River’ due to the abundance of wild garlic. Invasions came on Ramsey’s shores in 1079 by King Orry and in 1313 by Robert the Bruce.
The Grove Museum tells the story of the Gibb family from Victorian times. The Gibb sisters lived out their days at the house until their deaths in the 1970’s. The Grove is a time capsule of their lives with much to stir nostalgia.
Milntown House, was the grand home and gardens of the Christian family from the early 16th century. The 15 acres of gardens, orchards and woodlands in the grounds of this beautiful house is a must-see.
Jurby Transport Museum, homed within a World War II hangar was built in 1940 on the former Jurby airfield.
The museum houses a collection of road transport vehicles and artefacts of local relevance.
Also in Jurby –
Jurby Church Manx Stone Crosses and Viking burial sites
The South
Visit the Island’s ancient capital, Castletown by Steam Railway. With four historic sites to see you could spend a full day here. Take your pick from Castle Rushen, the Old House of Keys, Old Grammar School or the Nautical Museum.
Make a stop off at Rushen Abbey in Ballasalla. The remains of this ancient monastery rest in peaceful gardens alongside The Abbey Restaurant.
At the southern tip of the Island is the Sound Café. Enjoy panoramic views across to Kitterland and the Calf of Man. Indulge in some seal spotting with a spot of lunch.
Don’t miss, Cregneash, home to Loghtan Sheep, Shorthorn cows and working plough horses. Traditional craft demonstrations take place most days. For an afternoon expedition follow the country lanes to Meayll Circle or the Chasms. Enjoy some freshly made Bonnag at the Creg y Shee Tea Rooms.
The West
Visit Peel, famous for its thriving fishing industry and Manx kipper smokehouses. On the way make a stop at Tynwald Hill at St. John’s home of the Norse Parliament for over 1,000 years. The annual parliamentary ceremony takes place at Tynwald Hill on July 5.
At Peel explore the town’s narrow streets, working harbour and modern marina. Make time for visits to the ancient fortress of Peel Castle and to the Celtic, Viking and maritime House of Manannan.
Also in Peel –
Leece Museum
Manx Transport Museum
Manx Wildlife Trust