Top 5 Must Do's

Located in the British Isles between Great Britain and Ireland, the small island of Isle of Man is a popular getaway on a trip to London, offering small towns and plenty of watersports. Take a flight to the island from all over England or Ireland, or take a ferry from Liverpool to experience this unique island’s must do activities.

1. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

The shelter of the Irish Sea makes the waters here perfect for exploration and sea life abounds. Look for octopus and the non-aggressive Basking Shark while enjoying the nice calm scenery and sea exploration. If you want to experience some sea life without getting in the water, join a Shark Watch Weekend sailing trip departing from Peel to get a chance to see one of the Basking Sharks which can reach up to three tons at maturity.   
 
2. Hiking the Road of the Gull

Filled with lush, green valleys and rolling hills, the island is a picturesque spot to explore on foot. Hiking the Road of the Gull trail that circles the entire island is not to be missed to land lovers. Its rocky and jagged cliffs are the thing of many legends in the folklore of the inhabitants of the island, known as the Manx people.

3. Climb Snaefell Hill

At 2,000 feet, this is the highest point on the island and offers some stunning views. Leaving from Douglas, there is a walking trail and it is not a difficult hike at all. Also, the nearby town of Laxey offers a tram ride to the summit which can be especially nice after a day of walking or swimming.

4. Castle Touring

No ancient land would be complete without a couple castles. Here the 13th century Castle Rushen provides a great vantage point from its flagtower to view the entire island. The 14th century Peel Castle, which has been abandoned since the 1700s, was once a home to kings and princesses and the defenders of the land. You can often hear locals speaking traditional Manx, a Gaelic dialect, here as well as playing traditional Manx music.

5. The Laxey Wheel

This is by far the best known tourist attraction on the island. The largest water wheel in the world, it draws 250 gallons per minute. Originally used to pump water from the local mines starting in the 1800s, it now operates as an attraction for visitors since mining came to an end on the island.