2026 Douglas Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

📌 Laxey, Isle of Man 🇮🇲 Here's exactly why you must consider a trip to the Isle of Man, where British meets Irish influence to form breathtaking scenery and beauty: 🏞️ Unrivalled rolling hills and beauty 🧭 Excellent walks and hikes 🏘️ Beautiful seaside villages and towns 🚢✈️ Easily accessible from many European destinations 🏍️ And of course, the bustling adrenaline of the world-famous TT races Day 1: 🚢 Our 11:15am ferry over from Liverpool, UK took us across the calm Irish Sea at a respectable pace, and allows passengers to stretch their legs out while making their way to the beautiful Isle of Man on foot or with their car in tow. 🚗 After our prompt arrival to the port of Douglas, the island's small capital city, we took the car along the bay to the suburb of Onchan to take in the views across the Douglas promenade (Picture 2). 🏠 Onwards to Laxey, a seaside village on the east side of the island, built around a former mine with houses and small quaint, local shops that span the top and bottom of the cliff. We dropped off the bags at the accommodation and took a walk from the lower part of the village down to the seafront, stopping mid-way to get a lovely view of the village (Picture 1). Day 2: 🏰 The weather was not on our side today but we weren't going to let this stop us. We explored the town of Peel on the west of the island, featuring it's striking 11th century castle, built during the time of the island's Nordic control (Picture 3). 🌊 A walk around the perimeter of the castle offers excellent views across the sea and a chance to look back on Peel town (Picture 4). 📷 Glen Maye Waterfall is not to be missed and is just 10 minutes' drive from Peel. Parking at the top, it's just a 5 minute walk down the steps to view the naturally beautiful waterfall (Picture 5). Keen hikers can take a 30 minute walk down to the beach from there. Day 3: 🚋 The weather cheered up very nicely today and offered some sun, perfect timing for our day of travelling the island's vast rail and tram network. Starting at Laxey, we took a view of the small station and headed up the 2,000ft Snaefell Summit via traditional tram (Picture 6) for impeccable views across the island (Picture 7). On a clear day, it's possible to see Northern Ireland, England and occasionally Wales. 🚂 We then took the electric tramway down to Douglas in order to eventually catch the steam train down to Ballasalla and back (Picture 8). The schedule didn't quite afford us enough time to reach Castletown. Day 4: 🏰 Our final day afforded us enough time to visit Castletown, a delightful southern settlement built around the site of the castle, another relic of Nordic control of the island. A cosy area, you can enjoy lovely strolls around the seafront when the tide is out and also take views of the bay looking towards the castle (Picture 9). 📷 Briefly before our return ferry home, we headed out of Castletown to St. Michael's Island (accessible by car) for views of the south coast and short peaceful walks (Picture 10). Planes can be seen landing and taking off from the island's airport. 🚢 Time to head back to Douglas for the 3.5hr ferry journey over to Heysham. 🇮🇲 All in all, a magical weekend and one I'd love to repeat in the future. It's so massively overlooked and offers great peace when booking at alternative times to the island TT week in May/June. #aprilblooms

#uktrip #hellonewyear The Isle of Man feels like a place slightly out of step with the modern world—in the best possible way. Sitting quietly in the Irish Sea, it’s an island that resists being rushed. Time here seems to move at its own pace, shaped by tides, traditions, and the steady rhythm of everyday life rather than outside trends. The landscape is surprisingly varied for such a small island. One moment you’re following a coastal road where cliffs fall sharply into the sea, the next you’re crossing open glens stitched together by dry-stone walls and dotted with grazing sheep. Inland, rolling hills rise gently toward Snaefell, the island’s highest point, where on a clear day you can see England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales—a rare sense of standing at the centre of something much larger. History is woven deeply into the Manx identity. Ancient stone crosses, Norse place names, and medieval castles sit comfortably alongside working harbours and modern cafés. Peel Castle, half-ruin and half-legend, watches over the west coast, while Laxey’s giant waterwheel turns steadily as it has for generations, a reminder of the island’s industrial past. The Manx language, once close to disappearing, is heard again in schools, street signs, and everyday conversation, giving the island a voice that is distinctly its own. What truly defines the Isle of Man, though, is character. There’s a quiet independence here—reflected in its self-governing status and fiercely protected traditions. This spirit comes alive during the TT races, when the island transforms from calm and contemplative into a roaring, adrenaline-fuelled spectacle that draws visitors from around the world. Yet even at its busiest, the Isle of Man never loses its sense of authenticity. It’s an island where people still greet each other by name, where folklore feels close to the surface, and where the natural world is never far away. More than just a destination, it’s a place that invites you to slow down, look closer, and experience life on its own terms.

Desk

Lovley afternoon with the kids at the park

Lovley day car shopping shame the weather didn't match beautiful cars everywhere

What a amazing experience it was all I can say is wow we did the old TT track and the new TT track not very often you can go past the police at 146 miles an hour and they just nod at you

Enjoyed my Stay at the Trevelyn. The Hostess upgraded my room at no extra cost, and allowed me use of a kettle when I asked for one.

Lovely hotel with great staff. Breakfast was to die for! Such excellent quality and a wide selection to choose from. Only downside was our room was extremely hot and humid with no air conditoning.

📅 Itinerary Day1：Ride the horse drawn tram along the promenade. A wonderful and unique way to start the morning. Then ride the electric railway to Ramsey. Enjoy the beautiful wooden trams, they are over 100 years old. The coastal scenery is spectacular. Explore the independent shops in Ramsey and treat yourself to an ice cream before the return to Douglas. Spend the evening walking the beach in Douglas and a spot of rock pooling. 🏨 Accommodation The Sefton Great, central location for these activities. It’s also got a small swimming pool.

great cafe loved the view

best to avoid as this is a serious health issue

A most enchanting experience for all the family. Walking through a mysterious glen with towering trees, rapid waters, sharp rockfaces, and minitature water wheel, just reaching the terminus of Groudle Glen railway is an adventure in itself. The railway, which is like a grown-up garden train set, takes you on a winding uphill journey to the sea. Yes, uphill to the sea. While the journey is only 10 minutes or so, the views as you skirt the cliff tops over the sea are spectacular. Look out for dolphins, whales, and seals. At the end of the line, overlooking the Irish Sea is a small cafe and viewing area. In Victorian times, when the railway was built, there used to be Polar Bears and Sealions. Names that were given to the locomotives that run on the line. Enjoy a cup of tea and piece of cake, and ready the detailed history about the glen and railway before making the journey back to the glen station. Open: Typically open on Sundays, but also Wednesday evenings throughout summer. How to get there: Groudle Glen, Isle of Man. Manx Electric Railway (Tram) from Douglas to Groudle Glen, approx 15 mins. Car/Taxi Accessibility: As the railway is situated in a National Glen, it requires steps down, narrow paths along rivers, and steps up to the glen station. We managed fine with 3 young kids. #isleofman #railway #familytime