I have lived in Lancashire for over eighty years and never been to the Isle of Man. We have now decided to visit but have no idea where to stay.
Which town, which hotel, want a sea view, must accept pets.
Please can anyone help? Thank you.
douglas is pretty central for just about everything although i cant help you on hotels, but sightseeing is good, the north and south trains run from there. its not far to the laxey wheel and a drive around the course will take you about an hr.
just be ready for a shock on the standard of driving, roundabouts totally confuse them and there is a pretty confusing double one on the way toward bradden!
depends tho when you are intending to go, as the tt races ae back on again this year so will be extremely busy in the run up to that
The IOM is lovely, the sea front in Douglas is full of hotels, plenty to do there. Ramsey is also a great place, but I particularly liked Laskey, a lot quieter but handy being on the Tram way.
Get a travel pass, it gives access to busses, steam train, horse drawn carriage and the lovely electric tram.
If you are not into motorbikes, check there is no road racing on, TT, TT Classic or Manx GP. However, the TT is the most amazing motorsport event on the planet, I have been…….It’s off the scale!
Gosh, I haven't been to IOM since 1972! We stayed in Port St. Mary. I remember visiting the folk museum on Calf of Man, the Witchcraft Museum in Castletown and the Laxey Wheel, but that's about it. Hope you find somewhere to stay. Maybe I'll keep an eye on recommendations and visit again sometime myself!
------------- Always edited for sloppy typing - when I spot it!
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 13/2/2022
Costs a bomb to get there which has always put us off.
I looked at doing some business with an operation on the I.O.M some years ago, but we stood no chance.
We found out that all of the ports there - bar one - were owned by the Isle of Man Steam Racket Company. The one port they didn`t own could only accept side-loading vessels of which there was only one, co-incidentally owned by....... The Isle of Man Steam Racket Company. This meant there was no theoretical monopoly, but in real terms...
I contacted them to find out why our rates were so high, they were quite open, basically saying they made sure local businesses didn`t have to compete with companies from "the mainland".
I would mind going there, but I`d have to fly as I wouldn`t line the pockets of that shower.
We flew there a few years ago from Gatwick. Stayed at a hotel in Douglas on the sea front. Wonderful holiday and we did not need a car as the whole idea is to use the local transport, much of which is very historic.
We selected our hotel from Booking.com, if that is of any help.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 13/2/2022
Our idea would be to take the caravan. No way would we just go for a day and OH won't use public transport. We like to find out of the way places.
unfortunately caravans arent allowed in general on IOM the only way you can have them there is if you live there and even then you need to apply for a special permit, which are rarely granted, they need to be taken directly to a site and not used to tour the island with
The PS Waverley or her sister ship (name escapes me) used to do a weekend trip from Garlieston (SW Scotland) to IOM once a year. You could do a day trip or stay a night & come back on the next day’s day trip. I’ve regretted not doing it, as it stopped several years ago (possibly due to Garlieston silting up, but I might be wrong). The island is midway in size between Arran & Islay, or one OS map, good day trip size.
Quote: Originally posted by Ancient Uncle on 13/2/2022
Personally, the whole point of going to the IOM is to use that fantastic historic public transport.
Just my personal choice, of course.
Yes I must admit that is one of the main reasons I'd like to go there.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 13/2/2022
Our idea would be to take the caravan. No way would we just go for a day and OH won't use public transport. We like to find out of the way places.
The rip off costs start with only being able to book ferry for caravans with Steam RACKET Ferry Co, by premium phone call rather than on-line, then the 'loading' of fares starts on top of an already quite expensive fare for a basic car! Think you are effectively applying to travel as commercial/freight traffic!
When I first looked into it, think 'foreign' caravans were only allowed onto island during TT races, looks like that may have been relaxed a little, but still bureaucratic hoops to jump through and hefty charges to pay. As much as I'd like to visit, doesn't look like I'll be going with the caravan!
Quote: Originally posted by Ancient Uncle on 13/2/2022
Personally, the whole point of going to the IOM is to use that fantastic historic public transport.
Just my personal choice, of course.
Could not agree more, it is a wonderful transport system and so easy to use. All part of the charm of the IOM.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Isle of Man
via mobile 13/2/2022 at 9:29am
