Explore
Towns & Villages
The lighthouse allows for perfect peace and quiet – a feeling that you’re escaping the world. You’re far from isolated however and can easily venture into nearby Castletown to visit Castle Rushen or take a steam train to Port Erin or the capital Douglas.
The seaside towns of Port Erin and Port St Mary can be visited by the Victorian steam train. Port Erin is a busy little town with a fabulous swimming beach and its neighbour Port St Mary has a pretty harbour and sandy beach.
Visit the capital, Douglas. A busy town with a Victorian promenade and horse- drawn trams. Great for shopping, pubs and fine dining. A short walk from the promenade is the Manx museum and art gallery.
Further along the west coast, the historic fishing village of Peel is home to the Island’s second ancient castle situated on St Patrick’s Isle. It was the home of Viking kings and the site of ancient burials. Peel is also home to ‘The House of Manannan Museum’ which explores our Viking and Celtic history.
Ramsey, at the north of the island, is home to the Mooragh Park which has a twelve acre boating lake and leisure facilities. It also has the nearby Milntown House and Estate with its lovely gardens. Ramsey can be reached by electric tram from Douglas via Laxey.
At Laxey, a visit to the world’s largest working waterwheel, the Lady Isabella, and the Mines Trail is a must. Here, a separate tram can be taken to the summit of Snaefell mountain.
When exploring the north of the Island, take a detour out to the AYRES. This is a site of major ecological significance which, as with Langness, has been designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a National Nature Reserve.
This important 8 kms stretch of low-lying sand dune and shingle beach coastline is great for walking, observing marine life and bird watching too. The walk leads on through an expanse of heath with extensive lichen flora, rare wild flowers and butterflies to the Ayres lighthouse. No matter your reason for visiting the Isle of Man, you’ll find the lighthouse is the perfect spot from which to explore its beauty.