Isle of Man
A friend once told me that the Isle of Man looks likes many parts of the UK all put into one, not a very large place. So, I thought that I’d take a look. My friend was right; with its lovely beaches, rugged cliffs and rolling hillsides which, at times turn into small mountains, it certainly is!
I travelled, taking my car and a very small dog, at 11 a.m. on The Steam Packet ferry from Liverpool to Douglas. The trip takes around two hours and forty-five minutes. Domestic animals are allowed but on this ferry had to either, stay in the car, or, as I arranged, go into a kennel for both the outward and inward journeys and pre booking is recommended as space is limited.
Upon arrival in Douglas, our accommodation was a short drive along the promenade to our guest house which accepted pets. However, when going in for breakfast, the following morning, I was advised that dogs weren’t allowed in the dining room. I ended up having breakfast in my room which I didn’t find ideal. So, when booking ‘pet friendly’ rooms in hotels and guest houses, it would be advised to find out exactly how pet friendly your accommodation will be.
If, as I did, your trip is only for a couple of days, then having a car is a definite, if you want to travel about the island. That said, there are trains and buses, along with the very quaint, horse drawn tram which runs along the promenade,
My trip took in ‘The Laxey Wheel’ which is said to be the biggest, working, water wheel in the world. I understand that only assistance dogs are allowed inside. The entrance cost is quite steep at, £15.50 for an adult. Children under 16 get free entrance but must be accompanied by and adult. I opted for a good look from the free car park. Laxey beach is lovely and is dog friendly. I enjoyed coffee and cake at the first café on the right as you arrive. Very nice too.
Then on to Ramsey. Now, another thing to know is that there is a lot of disc parking on the island. The discs are free. Ask in your accommodation and they can tell you where to get one or may have a supply themselves. Ramsey only seemed to have disc parking and so you’ll need that disc if you want to wander round. My next stop was Peel. Loved Peel, with its lovely beach and fabulous castle. You can pay to go around the castle, adults, £6.00 and children, £3.00. It is also, dog friendly. Lunch in Peel was at The Creek Inn. Reasonably priced and good portions of very nice food.
Went for a drink to The Terminus Tavern which is at the left end of the promenade as you face the sea. Enjoyed it so much, we went back later for a lovely dinner with great service and the venue is VERY dog friendly indeed.
I decided to leave Port Erin for the next morning before I caught the 3 p.m. ferry for my return journey. Port Erin was lovely and for those interested, has a Railway Museum. Enjoyed a delicious ice-cream by the sea before heading back to Douglas. Also, had a drink at the Barbary Coast a friendly bar and restaurant nestled nicely by the harbour with a large outdoor area to enjoy food and drink whilst watching the world pass by., my second visit while I waited for the time to go and got the ferry home.
The LGBTQ community is visible across the island although no specific bars exist.The two we visited both could be desribed as ‘Gay friendly’.
We also discovered a Manchester connection. Do you know the name Sophia Goulden? Mother of Emiline Pankhurst. Turns out she was born on the Isle.Who knew?
I also used my regular travel booker Gary at Gary Manners Travel
Tom and Minnie