McGuinness's Guide to Spectating

Everyone loves to watch the TT Races, the atmosphere, anticipation, and buzz is unrivalled! Some of the most-loved spots to catch the races are the TT Grandstand on Glencrutchery Road, The Bungalow, Gorse Lea, and The Creg Ny Baa. These spectator spots may be well-known but some of the nearby beauty spots and impressive attractions might not be known by TT super fans. Check out McGuinness’s guide to spectating and touring the Island like a TT pro…

Explore From TT Grandstand

Take yourself for a stroll to Douglas seafront, a short distance from the TT Grandstand, where the electric atmosphere continues. As you walk along, enjoy the view of beautiful Douglas Bay and make sure you don’t forget to snap a photo with the Bee Gees statue on Loch Promenade!

Continue to Douglas Railway Station where you can board one of the Island’s historic steam trains and be whisked on a scenic ride to Port Erin. When you arrive at the picturesque seaside town, head straight to the sandy beach. Here you can get active with fun watersports like aquabiking, or if you’d rather relax you can chill out at Port Erin Beach Huts or Kishtey Cheh Beach Spa.

Grab tasty snacks and drinks from the Cosy Nook x Noa and Foraging Vintners pop-up that spills out onto the beach! Alternatively, take in the views from Foraging Vintners craft winery, located on The Breakwater. Here you can sample the winery’s range of non-grape variety sparkling wines and other beverages, as well as devour delicious BBQ food from Smoky Sam’s BBQ which operates from the premises. 

Explore From The Bungalow

Located a short proximity from The Bungalow lies the serene Sulby Reservoir. Take your time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading to the adjacent Tholt-y-Will Glen, a beautiful woodland accompanied by a rushing river.

Victory Cafe is a great place to go for some lunch, where you can embrace the motorsport aesthetic and enjoy hearty dishes whilst checking out the motorsport themed goods on sale, along with catching TT content at the on-site mini cinema.

Following in the same vein, continue north to the Isle of Man Motor Museum, the perfect attraction for any motorsport lover. Here you can discover over 500 unique vehicles, including rarely-seen private motorcycles, historically significant vehicles, motor vehicles, and classic cars. What’s more, the museum has recently opened a Purple Helmets exhibit, showcasing the former motorcycle display team who were known for their daring stunts at the TT.

Make your way back to Douglas for a vibrant evening at Kiki Lounge, the Island’s not-so tropical hideaway cocktail bar located on the bustling Douglas Quay. With cocktails and music aplenty, what’s not to love?

Explore from Gorse Lea

Exploring from Gorse Lea, head north to Glen Wyllin Beach where you can get involved with a feel-good activity like a beach clean! The Isle of Man Beach Buddies are well-known for their award-winning efforts in keeping the Island’s beaches pristine!

Afterwards, reward yourself with a scrumptious fish and chips from one of Peel’s much-loved chip shops. Enjoy your feast atop Peel Headlands, where you can enjoy the gorgeous view over the bay and Peel Castle. Alternatively (or additionally!) satisfy any sweet cravings with an ice cream from the renowned Davison’s Ice Cream Parlour located on Peel Promenade.

Follow this up with an exploratory walk around Peel Castle along the pretty footpath that skirts around the back of the castle, with amazing views over the Irish Sea. End your day with dinner, drinks, and live music at Black Dog Oven, Peel’s go-to destination for yummy wood-fired pizza and fun times at its buzzing outdoor venue located on the quay.

Explore from the Creg Ny Baa

Nearby to the iconic Creg Ny Baa lies the quaint village of Laxey, which you can reach via the Island’s famed Manx Electric Railway. As you trundle along you can take in the stunning views of the east coast. Upon your arrival in Laxey, discover the landmark Great Laxey Wheel, the world’s largest working water wheel. The fascinating mine trail allows you to discover what life was like for the Laxey miners and why the wheel was constructed.

Head to The Shed, a cute beachside café, for tempting treats and coffee next to the sea. Follow this with hopping back on the Manx Electric Railway to Ramsey and take yourself to the historic Milntown Estate. Here you can enjoy a mouth-watering lunch at the cafe, featuring fresh produce from the kitchen garden. After your lunch you can get some fresh air with a wander around the estate’s 15 acres of vibrant gardens.

Take the bus to end your afternoon at Curragh’s Wildlife Park, discovering over 60 species of animals including penguins, capybaras, lynxes, monkeys, and more. If you’ve brought the kids along, they’ll have a great time at the park’s numerous play areas.

Top off an exhilarating day out by tasting The Fynoderee Distillery’s premium Manx spirits at their Ramsey premises. Inspired by folklore tales from around the Island, the drinks at this gem of a bar aren't to be missed when visiting the Isle of Man.