Extraordinary is... Exploring a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on an Isle of Man Nature Holiday

Planning a holiday to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature? From its breathtaking rugged coastline and golden sandy beaches to captivating glens, the Isle of Man is the ideal place for an extraordinary nature holiday.

The Island offers something for everyone. With over 100 species of birds, including puffins, gannets and kittiwakes, there's plenty to keep birdwatchers busy. If you prefer sea wildlife, why not go seal spotting or whale watching.

Not sure where to start? This three-day itinerary guides you through some of the island’s best nature holiday activities.

Nature Holiday Day One

AM: Wallaby hunt and wildlife
 

Wallabies aren’t something you’d expect to see on a nature holiday in the British Isles but head to the Curraghs in Ballaugh, and you’ll see an extraordinary sight. Wallabies roam wild here after several escaped from Curraghs Wildlife Park in the 1960s.

Take a stroll through the Curragh wetlands, keeping an eye out for our hopping friends. It’s not just wallabies who make the Curraghs their home. Wild orchids add a splash of colour to the marshy grassland, and it’s a haven for bees and butterflies.

For families, the Curraghs Wildlife Park is an ideal way to get back to nature. With over 60 species of rare animals and birds to see, scenic boardwalks, a cafe, and a children’s adventure playground (and soft play), it’s the perfect place for outdoor family fun.

PM: Coastal views and sealife
 

Continue along the west coast to Peel, a pretty fishing town overlooked by an ancient castle. Take a stroll around the castle's perimeter path with its panoramic views over Peel and the Irish Sea. Don’t forget to watch for seals and basking sharks often spotted off the coastline.

If you’re interested in marine wildlife, pop into the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch Visitor Centre. Learn more about whales and dolphins, from where to spot them to how to help with conservation. Listen to whale songs and dolphin clicks at their audio station, or keep the kids busy in the “Young Scientists” area.

After a busy day exploring, kick off your shoes and stroll along the beach. Enjoy some traditional fish and chips or delicious local ice cream at Davisons Ice Cream Parlour while watching a stunning sunset over Peel, aptly named Sunset City.

Nature Holiday Day Two

AM: Nature trails and rock pools

The island has 25 nature reserves, all offering different experiences. Scarlett Nature Trail is one of the prettiest, meandering along the southern coastline.

Pop into the Visitor Centre to watch a short film about the area's unique geology, wildlife, and flowers. Then, wander along the shoreline, admiring the limestone and volcanic rock formations while searching for fossils, crabs, or shrimps in the rockpools.

Enjoy the picturesque coastal views – a nature photographer’s paradise. Don't forget your binoculars. Wheatears, stonechats, and meadow pipits are frequent visitors to the area in the summer.

PM: Nautical adventures and Island hopping

For the more adventurous nature lovers, a visit to the Island isn’t complete without a trip to the Calf of Man. This 600-acre Island, perched half a mile off the southern coast, is a haven for birds, seals, and butterflies.

Offering spectacular views of the Island's coastline, the Calf is the breeding site of over 33 seabirds, including Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake, Razorbill, and Shag. Seal pups lounge on the rocks below while 20 species of butterfly flit from flower to flower.

Getting to the Calf is a nature holiday experience in itself. Between May and September, boat trips leave Port Erin or Port St Mary. See sights like the Drinking Dragon (a unique coastal rock formation) while watching out for dolphins, basking sharks, and seals.

Nature Holiday Day Three

AM: Sand dunes and sea birds

The north of the island has plenty to offer nature lovers. The Ayres National Nature Reserve consists of rolling sand dunes interspersed with a carpet of colourful heath and lichen.

Three nature trails meander through the marram dunes. Look to the skies over the sea for a spectacular air show as gannets and herring gulls dive into the waves. But don't forget to watch where you tread – common lizards like to soak up the sun's rays.

The Ayres Nature Discovery Centre provides leaflets and information to help you plan your walks.

PM: Flowers and woodland fun

For gardening enthusiasts, Milntown House is the perfect place to unwind while enjoying 15 acres of mature gardens and woodlands.

Admire the landscaped ornamental gardens, or soak up the tranquility of the woodlands. Explore the Jungle Walk, a trail through giant tree ferns and colourful leaf forms.

The colours of the garden change throughout the year, but whatever season you visit, there's always something new to discover. Ask at the ticket desk for details of children’s treasure hunt trails. 

Once you've finished exploring, quench your appetite by enjoying a delicious lunch or afternoon tea in the cafe. The menu features a wide range of delicious home cooked seasonal dishes, cakes and teas.

Dark Skies and Starry Nights

A nature holiday doesn't end when the sun goes down. Visit one of the 26 official dark sky sites dotted around the island and experience breathtaking night sky views. Look to the skies to spot the Orion Nebula and The Milky Way Galaxy, or if you're lucky, you may even spot the Northern Lights.

If you’d like to do some stargazing, there are several stargazing-friendly accommodation sites around the Island.