My 3-night Journey packed with Coastal Charm and Verdant Green Heartlands
Floating between England and Ireland, the Isle of Man is a destination that often flies under the radar when it comes to staycations or holidays in the UK - but it shouldn't. With its quaint harbour towns, rugged coastlines, vintage railways and lush interior, this little island packs in far more than you'd expect.
Recently, I explored the Isle of Man for the first time, basing my short stay around some of its most charming towns: Port Erin, Port St Mary, Castletown, Peel, Ramsey, and Douglas. In just a few days, I was completely swept up by the island’s atmosphere, dramatic seascapes, and welcoming local energy.
A Taste of Coastal Life
Peel quickly became a favourite, where I enjoyed a classic British seaside moment - fish and chips on the beach, with a view of the imposing silhouette of Peel Castle and watched Viking longboats practising for the World Championship Viking Longboat Races that coming weekend. The beach here feels untouched and timeless, with locals and visitors enjoying sand between their toes, and evening picnics whilst the gentle tide came in.
It's worth noting if you’ve travelled with your car or hired one that parking here can be difficult at peak times or on event days but busses in the area are regular and reliable, so you won’t be short on transport options.
On my next visit I shall invest in a Heritage pass and visit sites across the island. In Peel alone, I’d love to visit The House of Manannan and learn more about the islands Viking and Celtic past and wander the ramparts of the castle.
In Douglas, I strolled along the elegant promenade, feeling the sea breeze in my hair and listened to the waves as they rolled in. Did you know the Bee Gees are from the Isle of Man? I learnt this and more from a quick detour through the Douglas Promenade Gardens. Looking out across the Irish sea, with the Tower of Refuge reminding me of a giant sandcastle in the distance, my mind would quieten and drift with the tide, settling into the peaceful rhythm of the island. But there’s not much time for that! I’ve got more exploring to do.
From here, I caught the Manx Electric Railway—an experience in itself, especially if you ride an open tramcar. This vintage tram winds its way north through Laxey, past quaint villages and rolling coastal views, to the northern town of Ramsey. Along the route, the views stretched out across empty bays and hidden coves, endless seas and rolling hills, verdant green forest and tamed farmlands. You can easily see why the Isle of Man is a UNESCO nation. There were a number of quaint tram stops where you’re able to stop at - ideal if you’re looking to explore some of the countryside lanes, villages and walks or switch to another line.
Top Tip!
If you’re looking to explore the island, invest in a Go Explore Pass! Valid on all scheduled bus, train and tram services island wide, it’s a unique way to explore such a unique island. Imagine catching a steam train from Port Erin, hopping on a horse drawn tram along Douglas promenade or catching a bus from one side to the other.
When in Ramsey, I’d highly recommend popping in at the Fynoderee distillery, which you can’t miss if you jump off the electric railway here. The menu looked great and although we didn’t stop to eat, we had the opportunity to taste a few of the spirits they had on offer. I picked up a rather lovely, spiced rum as a souvenir – I couldn’t resist.
Heading towards the Quay, we passed a cluster of independent boutique shops, their windows brimming with local wares and handmade souvenirs, before reaching a small square where locals lounged in deck chairs, deep in conversation and laughter. Wandering the quayside, the path opened up to Ramsey Beach—a long, golden stretch of sand that seemed to go on forever, framed by dunes and backed by the soft murmur of the sea. It was quiet, spacious and unspoiled and the kind of place where you could lose track of time.
Coastal Trails and Quiet Reflections
Port Erin was my first stop after landing that afternoon and I was not prepared for what I saw. Looking out across the bay, spotting Milner’s tower on the coastline, and watching the sun break across the water made me almost speechless. Only one word came to my mind – nostalgic. Reminiscent of all those trips to the seaside, building sandcastles, walking my dog along the beach or stopping for an ice cream.
One of the most memorable parts of my trip was a walk along a section of the Raad ny Foillan, or “Way of the Gull,” near Port St Mary. Starting from the harbour filled with small fishing boats, I wandered the coastline past the Dunkirk memorial and the Purt le Moirrey bombing practice marker. Along the way, telescopes and benches are perfectly placed for quiet reflection, sea-gazing, or even a picnic break. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and simply breathe it all in.
Though I couldn't cover too much ground this time due to recovering from a broken ankle, this walk gave me a glimpse of the island’s magic, it’s influence on UK heritage - and a strong reason to return.
Looking Ahead: Laxey, Landscapes and Inland Wonders
The Isle of Man is the greatest secret of the Irish sea and it has so much more to offer than I thought! What else is there to do in the Isle of Man?
Next time, I plan to stop and explore Laxey properly. From glimpses on the tram, the village looked like a fairytale scene, and of course, no visit would be complete without standing beside the great Laxey Wheel—a true icon of Manx engineering.
But what surprised me most was not just the rugged beauty of the coast—it was the lushness of the island's interior. The vibrant greens, rolling hills, and ferny dells seem more like something you'd find in a jungle than on a British isle. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say the Isle of Man’s heartland is just as captivating as its coast.
I’ll be back, walking boots in tow, ready to explore further along the Raad ny Foillan, hike up to Boghlane Mooar to see the view over Peel castle, harbour and town and trapse deep into the island’s green, pulsing heart with the challenging Railway Ramble up to the islands highest point, Snaefell.
What I loved most about the Isle of Man was how instantly at home I felt. The friendly towns, fresh sea air, and ever-present Irish Sea on the horizon made for a perfect, grounding getaway. There's something both wild and gentle about this place and I can’t wait to share it with my friends and family on my next adventure.
