Campsites on the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man boasts a wealth of attractions to appeal to explorers and adventure-seekers of all ages, from amazing ancient monuments to spectacular natural scenery, engaging historical and cultural allures and a renowned motorsport heritage, all of which cement the island as a top-notch holiday destination.

The area is steeped in history and you can learn much by taking a trip to one of the islands castles. The Medieval Castle Rushen is one of the best preserved in Europe, you can discover the world's largest working waterwheel in Laxey and Neolithic burial tombs here too. Peel Castle sits on the water's edge and was originally built by the Vikings, and Peel Cathedral is also worth visiting. 

The Leece Museum is dedicated to the history of Peel -the Islands so called 'city' due to the cathedral that is based there. The Manx Museum in Douglas is home to many prehistoric artefacts and pottery and flints from the Iron Age. The Jurby Transport Museum will delight transport enthusiasts and is where you can find the world's smallest road legal car. The Aviation Museum in Castletown also boasts interesting displays.

Exciting walks around the Isla of Man are plentiful; you can take a boat across to the Calf of Man a small 618 acre island off its shores, or head to Snaefell the highest mountain on the Island. A walk to Chicken Rock -a tiny Island with a lighthouse is also a must see. The Langess Peninsula stretches right out into the sea, or if you fancy a hill walk the South Barule or Mull Hill will not disappoint. For excellent sea views, head to Maughold Head, the islands most easterly point. Bradda Hill and North Barule are also popular walking spots. For picnics and gentle strolls head to the Tynwald National Park and Arboretum where you can admire the Milntown gardens and feed the ducks in the pond. The Calf of Man nature reserve and bird observatory is another attraction families can enjoy.

Our favourite attractions

• Castle Rushen
• House of Manannan
• The Sound and Calf of Man
• Manx Museum

Sightseeing

The Isle of Man is home to a fascinating assortment of ancient monuments and architectural attractions. Peel Castle is steeped in history, having served as both a place of worship as well as a fort for the 11th century Viking King of Mann, Magnus Barefoot. Alternatively step back in time and discover one of Europe’s best preserved medieval castles, Castle Rushen, located in Castletown which is the former capital of the Isle of Man and one of the oldest towns located within the British Isles. Other historical highlights include the island’s magnificent collection of Celtic and Norse crosses as well as Cashtal yn Ard, an ancient Neolithic tomb which dates from about 2000 BC.

The Manx Museum is a great starting point for discovering the island’s history and the many varied displays offer something to suit all tastes. From the National Art Gallery to exhibits on WWI, silver and gold Viking hoards, the TT Races and the island’s wildlife, there is plenty to keep visitors with diverse interests intrigued as they learn about the Isle of Man. To experience the island’s rich heritage in the present day, visitors can explore the crofting and farming community in the village of Cregneash. This open air folk museum has many fascinating attractions to entice people who are keen to discover the island’s culture and heritage, from thatched cottages that are open to the public, to demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills, traditional clothing and local farm animals.

A visit to the Great Laxey Wheel provides the opportunity to see a magnificent example of Victorian engineering. Visitors can climb to the top of the wheel which is the biggest waterwheel in the world, from where they are greeted with spectacular panoramic views. Why not also take a trip on the Great Laxey Mine Railway and discover the mining history of the Isle of Man or enjoy a relaxed stroll of discovery courtesy of the village of Laxey’s heritage trail.

The Sound is situated on the southernmost tip of the Isle of Man and is a great location for spotting seals, while basking sharks and dolphins can also be seen in the surrounding waters. The Sound Visitor Centre provides plenty of interesting information about this beautiful area. The nearby Calf of Man, an island that is both a nature reserve and a bird observatory, will also entice nature enthusiasts. It is possible to enjoy daytrips to the island as well as stay overnight.

Anyone who is fascinated by the night sky will be in their element on the Isle of Man as it boasts the British Isles’ biggest concentration of dark sky sites which are fantastic for stargazing.

Food lovers who are keen to sample local foods will find an assortment of tempting treats for the taste buds, from honey and ice cream to cheese, Queen Scallops and Manx kippers. The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival is also a delicious opportunity to indulge in the island’s wide assortment of excellent food and drink.

Activities

The island offers a wonderful selection of walks that enable visitors to take in the superb natural surroundings which range from wetland and heathland to woods, cliffs, valleys and coastland. Bishopscourt Glen is a picturesque glen that is ideal for walkers who are looking for a relaxing woodland stroll. On the other hand, walkers who are looking for a strenuous but rewarding route should try the Raad Ny Foillan, a long-distance coastal footpath stretching for 95 miles. The annual Isle of Man Walking Festival hosts a number of guided walks to accommodate walkers of all experience levels, though there are great guided walks to enjoy outside of the festival as well. Alternatively ramblers who are keen to discover self-guided walks have an excellent selection to choose from too.  

One of the best ways to see the Isle of Man is by cycling and with self-guided routes that range from easy to difficult it’s possible for cyclists of all riding abilities to enjoy this engaging activity. Plus there are bike hire facilities on the island, so cyclists don’t need to bring their own bikes if they don’t want to. The island is also a superb location for mountain biking and mountain bikers may want to test their skills and their endurance with the annual Longest Day Longest Ride challenge as well as the End 2 End Mountain Bike Challenge.

Watersport enthusiasts will have no problem finding a fun range of water-based activities to try, from sea kayaking to sailing and yachting, with beginners right up to experienced watersport enthusiasts catered for.

One of the most famous motorsport events in the world takes place on the Isle of Man, the annual TT Races, though there are many other exciting motorsport events to attend such as the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling.

Visitors who are keen for something a bit different that’s full of fun can plan their trip to coincide with the World Tin Bath Championships, an annual fundraising event which attracts competitors from all over the world. The event promises enjoyable spectating and even more enjoyable participation for people who are keen to get involved themselves. Alternatively people who are passionate about music, dance, arts and crafts will enjoy exploring the Isle of Man during the Yn Chruinnaght festival.

There are also great opportunities for horse riding, golf, rock climbing, archery and shooting to name a few, so visitors certainly won’t be lacking for fantastic activities to get involved in during their stay.

Family Days Out

Curious about Celtic history? Have a voracious appetite for all things Viking? A trip to the House of Manannan provides family-friendly entertainment that will engage children as well as adults. This fascinating interactive museum provides insight into the Isle of Man’s rich and diverse history, with a Celtic roundhouse and a full-sized Viking longship just some of the attractions to look forward to.

For a diverse selection of wonderful wildlife herd up the family pack and trot over to the Curraghs Wildlife Park where pelicans, porcupines, lemurs, lynx, otters, monkeys and penguins are just some of the delightful residents. Plus with an indoor softplay area, an outdoor adventure playground, mini diggers and a miniature steam railway there’s no shortage of fun things to see and do here. The animal residents at the Home of Rest for Old Horses and the Mann Cat Sanctuary are also sure to delight visitors of all ages.  

Onchan Pleasure Park offers entertainments to suit all members of the family such as stockcar racing, a children’s playground, crazy golf, go karts, a boating lake as well as sporting facilities for tennis and bowling. Getting active outdoors at the Ape Mann Adventure Park is also a superbly fun family outing, with a rope course, zip-line and pedal karts just some of the exciting things to get stuck into.