Douglas

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Douglas's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival in Douglas
morning
:

Touch down at Isle of Man Airport and board a short bus ride to your accommodation in Douglas. Wander along the promenade to breathe in fresh sea air and admire the Victorian architecture. Stop at a local café for a steaming cup of Manx tea while planning your week ahead.

afternoon
:

Visit the Manx Museum to dive into the island’s rich history, from Viking settlers to modern culture. Stroll through Villa Marina Gardens and enjoy the vibrant floral displays. Grab a traditional Manx pasty at a nearby bakery for a quick lunch by the sea.

evening
:

Experience the lively atmosphere of Douglas Harbour as the sun dips below the horizon in a blaze of orange and pink. Dine at a waterfront restaurant serving fresh sea trout or locally caught crab. Finish the night with a pint at a cozy pub, enjoying live Manx folk music.

day 2
Historical Tour of Douglas
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in a charming café on Duke Street. Explore the Gothic spires and stained glass windows of St George’s Church. Wander through the pedestrianised shops, browsing for Manx souvenirs and locally made crafts.

afternoon
:

Ride the restored horse-drawn tram along the seafront towards Victoria Pier, feeling the sea breeze on your face. Disembark at Walkers Lane to learn about the old smuggling routes that once wound beneath Douglas. Stop at the Old Courthouse to step back in time amid period jail cells and courtroom reconstructions.

evening
:

Head to a waterfront bistro for fresh seafood with panoramic views over Douglas Bay. As dusk falls, take a leisurely twilight stroll along the illuminated promenade. End your evening at an intimate jazz bar tucked away in a historic alley.

day 3
Laxey Railway and Wheel
morning
:

Catch the vintage railway from Douglas to Laxey, winding along the coastline and through lush valleys. Disembark at the historic station and make your way to the Great Laxey Wheel. Marvel at this 19th-century engineering marvel as it slowly turns against a backdrop of rolling hills.

afternoon
:

Join a guided tour of the mine workings beneath the Wheel to learn about the island’s mining heritage. Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the River Laxey, listening to birdsong and the gentle flow of water. Stroll through the charming village streets to browse artisan shops and galleries.

evening
:

Return to Douglas on the late afternoon train and relax in your hotel. Dine at a traditional Manx eatery, sampling locally reared lamb or beef. Conclude the night with a gentle walk along Loch Promenade under the stars.

day 4
Summit of Snaefell
morning
:

Board the Snaefell Mountain Railway from Derby Castle and ascend through wooded slopes to the island’s highest peak. Step off at the summit station, where views stretch to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales on a clear day. Warm up with a thermos of tea while gazing across the Irish Sea.

afternoon
:

Descend to Bungalow Station and trek through heathland and gorse, keeping an eye out for mountain hares and choughs. Enjoy lunch at the Snaefell summit café before taking panoramic photographs. Return by tram, passing the Victorian lay-bys of the mountain road.

evening
:

Back in Douglas, unwind at a wellness spa offering Manx seaweed wraps and massages. Share dinner at a gastropub known for its creative use of island produce. Head to the promenade for an evening ice cream under the glow of the Victorian gas lamps.

day 5
South Barrule and Cregneash
morning
:

Drive or take a bus to South Barrule, a hill topped by a ruined chapel and ancient fortifications. Hike to the summit, where the legendary King Orry is said to rest. Sip hot chocolate and gaze over sweeping heathland and farmland.

afternoon
:

Continue to Cregneash, an open-air folk museum preserving traditional croft houses and crafts. Watch demonstrations of blacksmithing, weaving and rug making as guides share stories of 19th-century island life. Enjoy a rustic luncheon of potato farls and onion seed cake in a thatched cottage tearoom.

evening
:

Return to Douglas and catch the sunset from the headland at Douglas Head. Dine at a terrace restaurant overlooking Port Soderick Bay. Cap off the night with a moonlit stroll along the cliff paths, listening to the waves below.

day 6
Peel Castle and Coastal Walk
morning
:

Head west to Peel and explore Peel Castle’s medieval ruins perched on St Patrick’s Isle. Climb the towers for breathtaking views across the estuary and sandy beaches. Warm your hands with a coffee at a harborside café, watching local fishermen mend nets.

afternoon
:

Follow the Raad ny Foillan coastal path northwards, traversing dunes, cliffs and rocky bays. Pause for lunch on a secluded beach, packing homemade sandwiches and fresh fruit. Keep an eye out for nesting seabirds and seals basking on offshore rocks.

evening
:

Return to Peel town and dine at an award-winning seafood bistro. As darkness falls, venture to the harbor for a tranquil twilight walk. Sample a local gin in a historic coaching inn before heading back to Douglas.

day 7
Castletown Heritage Trail
morning
:

Travel to Castletown, the island’s ancient capital, and start at Castle Rushen, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles. Explore its turrets, dungeons and great halls while imagining royal courts of old. Enjoy coffee in the castle café overlooking the harbor.

afternoon
:

Wander along the marine drive to the Nautical Museum to learn about Manx seafaring traditions. Stop for lunch at a waterfront tavern, sampling Manx kippers and fresh crab. Continue to the Old Grammar School and Athenaeum for glimpses into Victorian education and culture.

evening
:

Return to Douglas and dress for an evening at the Gaiety Theatre. Watch a live performance in this beautifully restored Edwardian venue. Finish with drinks at a nearby cocktail bar featuring locally distilled spirits.

day 8
Port Erin Coastal Adventure
morning
:

Catch the scenic train from Douglas to Port Erin, journeying along rugged sea cliffs and rolling countryside. Arrive to sweeping views over the crescent bay and golden sands. Grab a takeout coffee and stroll along the pier, watching fishing boats set out.

afternoon
:

Hire kayaks or paddleboards and explore hidden coves around the bay. Stop for lunch at a beachside café, munching on fresh salads and seafood tapas. Then hike up Bradda Head for panoramic vistas and dramatic rock formations.

evening
:

Return to Port Erin for dinner at a cozy bistro serving Manx venison and root vegetable mash. Watch the fading light dance on the water as you sip a local ale. Head back to Douglas by steam train under a sky full of stars.

day 9
Wildlife Cruise to Calf of Man
morning
:

Join a wildlife boat tour from Port St Mary, crossing to the Calf of Man reserve. Spot puffins, razorbills and guillemots clinging to sea cliffs. Keep an eye out for playful seals bobbing alongside the boat.

afternoon
:

Set foot on the Calf of Man and follow nature trails through heath and grassland. Enjoy a packed lunch amid nesting seabird colonies, absorbing the unspoiled tranquillity. Return by boat, listening to the captain’s tales of shipwrecks and marine legends.

evening
:

Back in Douglas, freshen up before heading to a waterfront seafood grill. Sample oyston oysters and locally smoked salmon. End your evening with a gentle stroll along Loch Promenade under gas-lit lamps.

day 10
Shopping Stroll and Departure
morning
:

Pack your bags and check out of your accommodation, leaving luggage at the concierge. Begin the day with a last wander through Douglas’s boutiques, picking up Manx wares like knitwear and pottery. Sip a cappuccino at a street-side table as you watch the town come to life.

afternoon
:

Collect your luggage and enjoy a farewell lunch at a quaint bistro overlooking the harbor. Savour seasonal dishes made with island produce, such as fresh asparagus or New Potatoes. Take a final wander along the beach to feel the sea breeze one last time.

evening
:

Board the airport bus or ferry back to your departure point. Reflect on a memorable ten days of Manx history, scenery and hospitality. Plan your return trip as you watch the coastline fade into the distance.

Discover Douglas

Read more in our Douglas 2025 Travel Guide.

Douglas Travel Guide