A Scenic Tour to introduce you to the Isle of Man
Are you visiting the island for the first time? If so and you would like an introduction to this little gem in the middle of the Irish Sea, this tour would be perfect for you.
We start in Douglas, with views from Douglas Head to see how the development of Douglas created such a strong tourist industry during the mid-1800’s. We then head along the east coast following the Manx Electric Railway to Laxey, where we will have quick stop at the Laxey Wheel, the largest Water Wheel in the World, built in 1854. After Laxey we visit the first of our Neolithic sites, King Orry’s grave and then follow the coast up to Kirk Maughold,
A short trip through Ramsey will take us to the world-famous TT course where we will join in for a short trip over the mountain before following one of the valleys down towards the west coast St Johns and Peel. Peel is the site of one of our two castles and a beautiful marina, so a great place to stop for lunch.
We will follow the west coast heading south to visit the old village of Cregneish as well as the Sound, the breeding ground of the Atlantic grey seal, as well as on a good day a feeding ground for the elusive Basking Shark. We then travel to Castletown for a last look at what the island has to offer. This is the home of the best-preserved medieval castle in Europe with its small Georgian Square and harbour.
Itinerary
09:00 Collect from meeting place of your choice, views of Douglas from Douglas Head
09:15 Travel to Laxey
09:40 The Great Laxey Wheel
10:10 Laxey Woolen Mills
10:50 Leave for King Orry’s Grave Neolithic burial site
11:20 Maughold Church Yard the site of the earliest monastery and ancient crosses
11:50 Leave Maughold for Ramsey
12:00 Drive through Ramsey over the mountain road and travel west
13:00 Arrive Peel lunch views of Peel town and Castle (Choice of places to have lunch)
14:30 Tynwald Hill and St Johns the site of our ancient parliament
15:00 Travel South towards Cregneish
15:45 Cregneish and the Sound
16:40 Leave for Castletown
16:50 Arrive at Castletown for views of the Castle and town before returning to Douglas
Meeting Point
Meeting Point Options: Collect from Cruise Ship or place of choice
Duration: 7 hours 30 min +
Transportation
By car. A 2017 modern, clean and air-conditioned car. Seats up to four passengers. Three passengers with comfort
Estimated Local Cash Needed
35 British Pounds – Payments will include lunch, any souvenirs
What’s Extra
Lunch is not included but entry into heritage sites are. Castles can be seen without entry, and there are outdoor sites where you can take photographs.
Recent Reviews of this tour
“Jane was amazing! She showed us so much and was so well informed. We were thrilled with her knowledge, her professionalism, her sense of humour and her kindness. My husband and I could not have received better treatment or more value for our money. Jane is a GEM!!!”
“Very good tour. Jane included everything one would want to see on a day trip around Isle of Man. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. She easily adapted the itinerary to the inclement weather. She is a good careful driver who knows her way around. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jane H and this tour.”
“Highly recommend this tour. We did a big loop around the island. Lunch in Peel at a pub called The Creek Inn. Recommend scampi and “queenies” in a mornay sauce. Stopped at Niarbyl Beach to see fault line where two plates collide. Rock formations there are fascinating. Don’t miss. Toured Manx Aviation Museum. Small museum next to airport. Then off to see Viking sheep (aka Manx Loaghtan sheep). They’re a rare breed of sheep native to the Isle of Man. Jane will tailor to your specific interests.”