1. Bradda Head

Bradda Head is one of the Isle of Man’s most iconic landmarks, with Milner’s Tower sitting atop the soaring headland it makes for a memorable skyline from Port Erin Beach. To reach the tower you can walk through Bradda Glen and up Bradda Head.

Milner’s Tower was named for Port Erin’s historic benefactor, William Milner, and showcases incredible views from its summit, with Ireland’s Mourne Mountains being visible on clear days.

A fun fact about this location is that a photo taken at Bradda Head won the Kodak ‘world’s best snapshot competition 1931’, proving that it’s long been considered an award-winning beauty spot.

2. North Barrule

North Barrule is a distinct ridge with views over the Corrany Valley, Maughold, and the northern plain of the Island, as well as Cumbria, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, arguably the very best on the Island! With it being the second highest peak, reaching 1854 feet above sea level, it’s no surprise that the views are astounding.

You can reach the ridge of North Barrule by getting your walking boots on, one particularly loved hike is the North East Summits Five Peak Challenge. Alternatively you can take a shorter route and just incorporate the impressive North Barrule ridge.

3. Groudle Glen

Groudle Glen is home to a scenic woodland of pine, beech and larch. What’s more, the glen features a pebbly shore, quaint waterwheel, carved tree wizard, fairy doors, and a miniature railway that operates seasonally, alongside the Sea Lion Rocks Tea Rooms.

With lots to explore, Groudle Glen is a charming spot that’s well worth a visit. A fun fact about the area is that in Victorian times there used to be Californian sea lions kept in a sea pool next to where the Sea Lion Rocks Tea Rooms stands.

4. Cregneash

Settled on a plateau overlooking the Calf of Man, Cregneash is the British Isles’ oldest open-air folk museum that shows what life was like on the Isle of Man as an 18^th/19^th century crofter.

You couldn’t find a prettier location to place a small village, with Cregneash attracting visitors not only for its history, but also for its aesthetic of thatched Manx cottages, Manx Loaghtan sheep and Manx cats, alongside stunning views across the south of the Island and the Calf of Man.

What’s more, if you fancy a night time visit, Cregneash is one of the Island’s 26 Registered Dark Skies Discovery Sites, meaning it’s a perfect spot for stargazing.

5. Calf of Man and The Sound

The Calf of Man is an islet that lies half a mile off the Isle of Man’s southernmost tip, the Sound. Under the care of Manx National Heritage, the islet extends 600 acres and is considered a wildlife paradise. There are 33 species of seabird that breed on the Calf every year, including Kittiwake, Manx Shearwater, and Razorbill.

The Calf of Man can be accessed via boat, with a number of small boat operators offering return trips from Port Erin and Port St Mary.

Lying across the small stretch of water, The Sound is a hotspot for seeing sunbathing seals on the Kitterland, the small rocky islet that lies between the Sound and the Calf. It’s a must-visit destination in the south of the Isle of Man- the views speak for themselves!

6. Langness Peninsula

Langness means ‘Long Point’ and its southernmost tip, Dreswick Point, is actually the most southern point of the Isle of Man. It’s a great place to head for a leisurely stroll or a dog walk with top-notch views.

Prominent features are the Langness Lighthouse and Foghorn, The Herring Tower which was created as a ship marker in the early 19^th century, the remains of Langness Copper Mine.

The peninsula is also interesting geographically, with arches formed by sea erosion on the right hand side of the peninsula that borders Castletown Bay, alongside many rock pools that attract birds such as heron and swallows.

7. Tholt Y Will Glen

Tholt Y Will Glen is steep-sided woodland set in the upper reaches of the Sulby Glen that follows a winding mountain stream that goes on to form a tributary of the Sulby River.

If being surrounded by rural, wild beauty makes you smile, then Tholt Y Will Glen needs to be on your Isle of Man itinerary. After you’ve checked out the Glen you can also explore Sulby Reservoir and Tholt Y Will Plantation, both on the doorstep and both offering more superb views.

8. Douglas Head and Marine Drive

Douglas head is a beautiful local grassland area that has picnic facilities, binoculars, the Camera Obscura attraction and Douglas Lighthouse. What’s more, a short walk downhill from Douglas Head takes you to the hidden cove of Port Skillion, a loved sea dip spot for Douglas workers on their lunch breaks!

Marine Drive leads on from Douglas Head and is pedestrianised from a certain point. It features picturesque Marine Drive Arch, as well as one of six viewing points along the Island’s coastline that allows visitors to learn about the Island’s marine life.

Additionally, Little Ness Car Park, located on Marine Drive, is a registered Dark Sky Discovery Site so is an easy to access spot to head for some stargazing.

9. Port Cornaa

Port Cornaa is a serene spot that features a stony beach at the foot of Ballaglass Glen. The Cornaa River flows through Ballaglass Glen before it reaches the pebble bank at the shore, consequently creating a lagoon behind the beach.

A lovely spot to visit on a sunny day, following the river you can wander up from the beach to reach an alluring natural pool that’s been formed by a small waterfall. Many locals like to partake in some wild swimming at the pool to cool down and bathe in a dreamy environment.

10. The Ayres National Nature Reserve

The Ayres Nature Reserve is both a National Nature Reserve and an Area of Special Scientific Interest, making it a protected and loved area of the Island, not to mention breath-taking!

Many people head here to enjoy the low lying sand dune coastline and pretty wildflowers in the summer. The different trails make it easy to explore with a gentle stroll. What’s more, it’s a wonderful place to engage in a spot of birdwatching and keeping an eye out for marine life like seals, facilitated by the viewing platform and its binoculars. To find out more about the habitats and creatures at The Ayres you can pop into the Manx Wildlife Trust Nature Discovery Centre.

Additionally, The Ayres is a registered Dark Skies Discovery Site and is ideally located to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! 

For more beauty spots on the Isle of Man, click here.