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).

January 2013
Delve into the island's medieval past at the Manx Museum, where a free exhibition features six pieces from the famous 12th-century Lewis chessmen collection, on loan from the British Museum (manxnationalheritage.im).

July 2012
On 5 July, celebrate Tynwald Day, the Manx National Day, by heading to St John's for the outdoor sitting of the island's historic parliament. Watch the pomp and ceremony before browsing stalls at the nearby fair (Tynwald Hill, St John's, tynwald.org.im).

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).

October 2012
Don your walking boots and pack a picnic to explore one of the island's 17 national glens. Glen Maye, on the west coast, boasts a beautiful waterfall, lush woodland and a path through a deep gorge to the beach.