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‘Staycation’ Drives – 3. The Isle of Man

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  • ‘Staycation’ Drives – 3. The Isle of Man

‘Staycation’ Drives – The Isle of Man

Whether you believe in the old definition of ‘staycation’ (staying at home) or the seemingly modern variant (‘not travelling abroad’), it seems likely that holidaying in our cars nearer to home will be the most likely vacational relief from the strictures of pandemic lockdowns!

In this series of blogs we will highlight some areas not too far from home that you deserve for a vacation and your car deserves for a good shake-down drive.

This time we’re looking at the Isle of Man.

OK so this one will require a ferry journey but we think still counts as a ‘staycation’.
Better known for the famous TT (which we suggest you avoid if looking for a driving holiday), the Isle of Man is blessed with some stunning scenery and mountain roads to enjoy.
Looping out from Douglas over the mountains, the TT course would be a good starting point and provides a circular route that would probably take you a whole morning or stretch into a day if you make stop-offs for lunch and photo opportunities.
You can easily start the route from your nearest location, but if you want to follow it as the riders do then start in Douglas where you will find the grandstand on the A2 by Nobles Park.
There are plenty of maps to be found for this circuit and the route is marked by black and white curb stones so we don’t intend to give you detailed directions. That said…
  • from the Grandstand continue SW to Quarterbridge Road
  • Turn right at the roundabout into Peel Road (A1)
  • Straight on at the next roundabout by the Quarterbridge Pub.
  • Continue on the A1, going left at the roundabout by the Joey Dunlop Foundation
  • Straight on at the next roundabout on to Main Road Union Mills.
  • You’re now hitting your stride on mainly fast country roads.
Eventually you will reach Ramsey which would make a good coffee or lunch stop before heading to the mountain section.
From Ramsey take the A18 out of town where you will experience the ‘Ramsey Hairpin’ before climbing the scenic mountain road.  Don’t forget to stop-off at the top to enjoy the views and pay your respects at the Joey Dunlop Memorial.
From here you simply follow the A18 across the top and eventually wind back down to where it meets the A2 again and into Douglas.  Perhaps time for another coffee and contemplate what it would be like to ride that route on a motorcycle at speeds of up to 200mph!

There are plenty of seaside towns to discover yourself such as Peel (above right) and Castletown both with their castles and plenty of eateries.

Not to be missed is the Isle of Man Transport Museum in the North of the Island based on the former RAF base at Jurby and of course the famous Laxey Wheel. There is no official parking at the wheel so you would be best advised to park lower down and enjoy stretching your legs to walk there.

Wherever you stay on the island, you’ll find fresh fish, “queenies” (queen scallops served in fish & chip shops), a great selection of restaurants and everything else that the eager driver will need.

And now a word about the famous speed limits – or lack of – on the island.

Whereas in the UK (the Isle of Man is not in the UK, nor the European Union), the national speed limit is 60mph and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways, on the Isle of Man, the equivalent road sign means that there is no speed limit. Yes indeed, you can go as fast as you like… or as fast as is safe for the conditions and the limits of your driving skill!

During TT weeks, parts of the TT course are one-way to reduce potential traffic problems. This is clearly signposted and local TV and radio news also cover traffic restrictions, etc. at such times.

If you’ve driven the Isle of Man and want to add some comments, please feel free. We love to hear the views of our fellow Petrolheads!

You can find out more about the area at Visit Isle of Man.

Click HERE to see all Petrolheads Welcome listings on the Isle of Man

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