HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ISLE OF MAN 

Petra Shepherd visits the Isle of man and discovers the highlights of this lovely island...

Located in the heart of the Irish Sea and a favourite amongst cruise ship passengers, the Isle of Man is best known for its unique heritage railways, the annual TT Races and as an outdoor adventure hotspot. The island, is also the world's first entire nation to be a UNESCO biosphere boasting 160 km of beautiful coastline, 32 beaches, 18 scenic glens and 26 official dark sky sites for stargazing – the highest concentration of dark skies in the British Isles. Here are a few of my highlights. 

THE GREAT LAXEY WHEEL

The Great Laxey Wheel, (known as Lady Isabella) is the island's most iconic landmark. The largest working water wheel in the world, at 72 feet and 6 inches in diameter, this extraordinary feat of Victorian engineering has brought tourists to the picturesque village of Laxey for almost 170 years. During my visit, I took the steep spiral stairs to the top enjoying panoramic views of Glen Mooar Valley. Beyond the wheel, it's also possible to learn about the lives of the Laxey miners, and explore the mine trail, experiencing life underground. 

HERITAGE RAILWAYS

The Isle of Man has an extensive network of heritage railways, including the Isle of Man Steam Railway, taking you on a journey of nostalgia as it gently rocks through the countryside in the south of the island. Along the journey there are beautiful farmland and coastal views with the line offering fantastic links to some of the island's most historic towns and villages. The line still uses its original steam locomotives and coaches. 

Meanwhile, The Manx Electric Railway takes you on a I hour and 15 minute journey along the East Coast from Derby Castle Terminus located in the Islands capital Douglas via Laxey to Ramsey Station in the north. On your journey you pass through scenic wooded glens, picturesque villages and along the cliff tops with dramatic coastal scenery. The Tramway still uses its original Victorian and Edwardian Rolling stock including Tram Car 1 which has been in service since the line opened in 1893.

THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACE

Life on the Isle of Man is not entirely lived at a slower pace, for two weeks of the year from the UK Spring Bank Holiday, the island turns into a motorcycle nirvana. The Isle of Man TT or Tourist Trophy races are an annual motorcycle racing event, a daring 37 and ¾ mile mountain course that sees racers from around the world reach average lap speeds of up to 133mph. To get a flavour of the race Isle of Man Trike Tours offer a unique opportunity to learn more about the world-famous race whilst experiencing the thrill of a blast around the course. I'd also recommend a stop at Victory Cafe based in a crazy ex Cold War Rotor Radar Station overlooking the 31st Milestone. The Manx calendar is full of other historic events and customs, including Hop Tu Naa, the Island’s answer to Halloween and the infamous tin bath races.

THE FYNODEREE DISTILLERY TOUR

The Fynoderee Distillery is dedicated to the production of premium spirits featuring Manx grown and hand foraged botanicals distilled, bottled and served at the distillery in Ramsey. The name Fynoderee comes from an ancient Manx Folklore tale, based in Glen Auldyn in the north of the Island - the very place where the last Manx juniper tree was reputed to have grown and where juniper is now being re-introduced. A tour allows ample opportunity to sample the award-winning spirits while learning about the craft process and the fascinating Manx folklore that inspired the name and unique artwork.

CENTRE FOR WW1 INTERNMENT AT KNOCKALOE

The centre tells the story of the Knockaloe Internment Camp, its guards and staff and over 30,000 German, Austro-Hungarian and Turkish civilian men who were held as internees behind its barbed wire between 1914 and 1919. Based in Patrick Village, near Peel, in the west of the island, the area was the site of the largest ever WW1 Internment Camp and was central to the British Government's Enemy Alien Policy. With audio visual interpretation, many original artefacts from the Internment Camps and a 1:500 interactive scale model of the Camp, it's a must see for anyone interested in the island's more recent history.