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UK Travel Search: Isle of Man Travel & Information Guide - Comprehensive Travel & Tourism Information Directory & Search Engine for the Isle of Man

Sail out of Liverpool and the first place you strike could well be the nearby Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The Isle of Man is located in the middle of the Irish Sea, off the North West coast of England, and geographically in the centre of the British Isles. The Isle of Man is not part of the UK but is a self-governing Crown dependency with its own currency. It has superb scenery and is a quirky, mountainous little world of its own, around 12 miles by 33 miles in size. The island lies in the Irish Sea, approximately equidistant between England, Scotland and Ireland. Around 40% of the land is undeveloped, and it has more than 688 miles of roads, with over 25 beaches and 100 miles of coastline, thus it is a perfect destination for walkers and cyclists.

Hills in the north and south are bisected by a central valley. The extreme north is exceptionally flat, consisting mainly of deposits built up by gradual deposition of material by the sea. It has one mountain, Snaefell, with a height of 621 m (2,036 ft). According to an old saying, from the summit one can see seven kingdoms: those of Mann, Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, Heaven and Neptune.

It's home to the world's oldest democratic parliament, the Tynwald, founded in 979 AD. The Isle of Man enjoys a curious quasi-independent status. It was annexed by England in the 13th century, but when Henry IV granted trade freedom for the isle to Sir John Stanley in 1405, its status theoretically became that of a kingdom quite separate from the rest of England or Britain. For centuries, the monarch of the island was known as The King of Man. (Let's face it - that's quite a title!)

The island was sold back to the English Crown in 1765, a highly unpopular move among the Manx people, as the islanders are known. Legend holds that the tailless Manx cat, peculiar to the Isle of Man, resulted centuries ago from a cross between a cat and a hare. Geneticists are not convinced. The isle's main industries was/are tax "minimisation" (however, since the terrorist attack of 9/11 this has now been drastically tightened if an effort to stop terrorist money being 'laundered') and the annual world famous TT (Tourist Trophy) Motorcycle Races held in the first two weeks each June.

Unless you're a motorbike-racing fanatic, early June is a great time not to visit. The isle's status as a tax haven results from the Tynwald being able to pass its own laws and levy its own taxes. Numerous wealthy, retired English folk, some of the "crusty old curmudgeon" variety (fond of tweed and rightwing political theories), reside in Douglas, the island's capital. "Tony Blair and his band of socialists across the water can't get their hands on your nest egg when you move here, don't you know!"

Whole streets in Douglas are taken up with tax consultancies and more than 50 banks have set up there in the past 10 years. Tax avoidance has a venerable history - for centuries the Isle of Man was a smuggling haven. Smugglers included Myles Crowe, one of the 18th century's most inept villains. On one occasion, Crowe's breeches, stuffed with illicit tea, burst as he was boarding a ship in Douglas Harbour. Another time, Crowe wrapped so much contraband tobacco leaf around his body he was overcome by nicotine poisoning. Crowe finally went straight and became an assistant ferryman, only to be poisoned by a villain who sold his corpse for dissection and bought rum with the proceeds.

Douglas is fairly quiet with the Manx Museum its main asset. Castletown is a better place to linger - it's the Isle of Man's former capital, a quiet, pleasant little place dominated by the formidable Castle Rushen, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Britain. The defences comprise three concentric rings defended by archers from strategic points. Another town, Peel, has a worthwhile heritage centre and a fine red sandstone castle, once the residence of the Kings of Man. Port Erin (a bit like a time-warp from the late 1950s) is a good starting point for an invigorating walk to the former Gaelic-speaking fishing village of Port St Mary. Gaelic has died out (it survived into the 1940s) and these days craftsmen dressed in period costume toil for tourists at weekends: "Don't just sit there - be picturesque!"

The isle of is warmed year-round by the Gulf Stream (although it still gets cold - be warned!) It's easy to reach from England on ferries or the faster Sea Cats, from Heysham near Lancaster, Fleetwood near Blackpool, or Liverpool. Airlines operate daily flights to the Isle of Man from 14 airports around the UK including London, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow, and also from Belfast and Dublin.

Visitors can enjoy 10,000 years of history presented as 'The Story of Mann' which links medieval castles and ancient burial sites to a Viking longhouse and the Laxey Wheel - a model of Victorian engineering. All are operated by the government-funded body, Manx National Heritage. Getting around the Isle of Man is easy - comprehensive bus routes and an unsurpassed network of Victorian electric and steam railways make it a pleasure to explore with a variety of scenic views and wildlife around every corner.

While on the Island you will discover the world's largest operational water wheel, the Lady Isabella, one of the finest Victorian theatres, the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas, and transport systems over 100 years old still in regular service.

Curraghs Wildlife Park in Ballaugh provides a memorable outing, perfect for families - a unique wetland setting depicting endangered environments from around the world. A visit here presents a fascinating insight into the lives of some of the rarest wetland wildlife, including many endangered species of mammals and birds, which can be observed as they exist in the wild. There is also a cafeteria, free parking and a miniature steam railway.

Visitor Information:

Shopping. Gret shopping is to be had here, with warm and caring customer service from many of the major UK high street names, as well as a whole range of specialist craft shops selling items crafted on the Island.

Food. Local delicacies abound here, and there's a whole world of superb cooking from which to choose from. Local specialties include the succulent Manx kipper and delicious Manx queenies, Manx whiskey and locally brewed beer.

Entertainment. You are not left out here either, with the Island having something for everyone; from the traditional pub with live music, to sophisticated night clubs, cinemas and its own casino. In addition, Douglas has one of the finest Victorian theatres in the British Isles, the Gaiety, now being restored to its original splendour.

Activities. Eight great golf courses, several indoor swimming pools and magnificent walking country all make for a great holiday destination.

More detailed information is available from the excellent Isle of Man Government Tourism Web Site

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