The TT is a magical two weeks where the Isle of Man becomes the centre of the universe; the place to be for riders, racers, and enthusiasts.
Whether this is your first or fiftieth TT, here's a guide to make this TT fortnight the best ever!
Catch the Action from the Grandstand
Sitting in one of the Grandstands at the TT is a lifetime experience that you won’t forget! The top dog of the TT Grandstands is the Main Grandstand on Glencrutchery Road, located beside the TT Fan Park. From here you see the start line, pit lanes, refuellers, podium and scoreboard. It’s an iconic place to be (right near the paddocks AND all the hospitality you could ever want) but it's not the only grandstand of the TT course...
The Creg-ny-Baa Grandstand offers iconic views of the Island and breath-taking action as riders rip downhill towards the Creg-ny-Baa pub and on towards Brandish and Hillberry. This Grandstand has the great benefit of a pub next door, which is handy because spectators on the mountain are often committed for a full day as the roads are (obviously) closed for racing.
Hillberry Grandstand is just downhill from the aforementioned Creg-ny-Baa. It’s one of the fastest corners on the circuit so bikers tear through here at top speeds!
You do need tickets to these big grandstands and they tend to sell out quickly - tickets are available at iomttraces.com or behind the Main Grandstand. There are also some other popular seating areas and grandstands that offer pay as you enter seating like Braddan Bridge, and countless private front gardens that people open during the fortnight.
Find the Perfect Vantage Point
Options are plentiful for finding your own free viewing spot along the course, something that many locals do. Parliament Square, Ballacraine, and Barregarrow offer great views of exciting bends and turns in the course. Crosby Village and Sulby Crossroads are especially great stretches for witnessing the intense speeds that the riders reach.
Of course, if you fancy being near a pub for some ‘hydration’ between races, Quarterbridge, Union Mills, and the Main Grandstand might be more your taste.
There are so many great places to watch the road race from and you can mix up your vantage point over the course of the fortnight!
Soak Up the Atmosphere
Douglas Promenade gets completely transformed from its usual tranquil, garden clad walkway to a fairground of funfair rides, festival tents and leather-clad patrons. Make sure to take an evening (or three) to soak up this scene, watch the fireworks, and catch the Red Arrows as they blast through the sky.
The TT Fan Park is another must-visit zone where there's daily entertainment including chat shows, sponsor events, live TT action on the big screen, food and drink, and more.
We also recommend spending some time at Bushy’s TT Village, a TT must where you can find most of the Island’s residents any evening of the TT fortnight! The buzz is electric as residents, visitors, and riders relax, mingle, and enjoy a pint of world-class brew.
Catch a Show
During TT, the Isle of Man is not only inundated with riders and fans, but performers, comedians, and DJs. You can catch some great acts at the Villa Marina, TT Fan Park, Bushy's TT Village, and lots of other venues across the Island.
Make the Most of the Non-Race Days
The TT fortnight is not 14 days of straight races; between practices, qualifying trials, and the contested races, there's time to enjoy yourself away from the side of the course!
Towns around the Island host their own events during the week, such as; Ramsey Sprintfest, TT Douglas Beach Race, Port Erin TT Day and more. Make sure to visit our What's On page for all events.
Enjoy the Isle of Man!
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The Isle of Man is truly a special place. Not only is it the road racing capital of the world, but it's the first entire nation to be honoured with UNESCO Biosphere Status, home to an award-winning food and drink sector and an abundance of incredible activities, not to mention stunning scenery and beauty spots.
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