Cheap flights to Isle of Man
Sleepy Victorian villages, stunning rugged coastline and even the odd steam train or two; the Isle of Man is a slice of Britain from days gone by. Famous for its offshore bank accounts as for anything else, the Isle of Man is a surprisingly unspoilt gem of an island in the middle of the Irish Sea. At 365 square kilometres, this place is a microcosm of all things British. Well set foot on this island and you’ll come across swathes of leafy valleys, rolling green hills, heather covered moorland, and a healthy amount of woodland for starters. And that’s not mentioning the coastline, which is a mix of rugged beauty and picturesque sandy coves.
With its 17 national glens and never-ending network of footpaths let’s just say this is the place to be if you like the great outdoors. Make sure you pack those walking boots, oh, and your 5 iron – did we mention there are nine golf courses here too?
January 2013
Take home a souvenir you will wear: Celtic Gold specialises in striking pieces inspired by ancient Celtic and Manx designs (5 Michael Street, tel: 01624 843 737).
April 2013
Forget Murder on the Orient Express and put your sleuthing skills to the test on the island's steam railway when a horrific "murder" unfolds (12-13 April). Follow clues to solve the crime over dinner back at The Tickethall restaurant in Douglas Railway Station (Murder Mystery on the Steam Railway tickets from the Welcome Centre, tel: 01624 600 555, iombusandrail.info).
April 2013
No afternoon tea on the Isle of Man would be complete without trying bonnag, a traditional Manx sweet bread similar to a scone. Tuck in at Cregneash, a living museum featuring a 19th- and early-20th-century crofting community (Creg y Shee Tea Rooms, Cregneash Road, Cregneash, IM9 5PX, 01624 835 288, manxnationalheritage.im).