British Airways Highlife magazine / Spotlight on Britain, The Isle of Mann / © Lisa Young 2006

The Isle of Man sits in the middle of the Irish Sea, squarely between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It boasts rolling hills, wide-open countryside, rugged coastline and picturesque villages. With no speed restrictions, you can drive for miles on empty roads while taking in sweeping landscapes. It’s a step back in time to where Celtic culture is celebrated at it’s best. Experience quirky traditions and superstitions, such as waving at fairies that live under the islands’ bridges!

Stay at the Hotel Sefton on Douglas’ promenade with its ideal seafront location and dine in style at the hotels award winning Gallery restaurant (www.seftonhotel.co.im, email: info@seftonhotel.co.im, tel: 01624 645500).

Eat at at the popular Tanrogan Bistro in Douglas, which specialises in sumptuous seafood. Try the ‘Queenies’, a starter of sweet scallops cooked in garlic butter. Tanrogan is unlicensed, so bring your own drinks (Ridgeway Street, tel: 07624 472 411).

Drink and dine at the Garrison Wine & Tapas Bar in Castletown, ideal for lite-bites day and night (www.garrison.co.im, tel: 01624 824885).

The island offers spectacular countryside ideal for walking and trekking, where you can walk for hours without meeting a soul. Breathtaking coastal paths lead to remote locations such as the Chasms and the cultural folk village of Cragneash (www.isleofman.com/whattodo/activities/walking.htm).

Take to the seas in a kayak, offering spectacular views only visible from the water. The sheltered sea lends itself to perfect waters for exploration (www.adventurouseexperiences.com, tel: 07624 406655 / 01624 843 034. The island is an ideal location for rock climbing, coasteering, sailing and diving. www.adventure-centre.co.uk, enquiries@adventure-centre.co.uk, tel: 01624 814 240).

Explore Peel with its twisting lanes and antique shops. Walk along the working harbour to see colourful fishing boats and historical Peel castle (www.peelonline.net).

Visit Port Erin on the south west coast for it’s quaint shops and sweeping beaches. A five minute drive south is Calf of Man, a tiny island inhabited only by seals (www.iomguide.com/porterin.php).

The Island is famous for it’s local ‘Manx’ delicacies such as Moore’s oak-smoked Manx kippers (Mill Road, Peel tel: 01624 843 622, www.manxkippers.com).
Davison’s Ice Cream Café on Peels promenade serves over sixty flavours made with 50% cream. For a true eccentric experience try their speciality Manx kipper ice cream! (Davisons Café tel: 01624 844 761).

All information was correct at time of publishing.