Although world famous for its annual motorsport events, the Isle of Man has a thriving sporting scene away from the race course. Each year the Island hosts a number of diverse sporting festivals catering for a wide range of enthusiasts.
Having inspired a good number of current and upcoming cycling champions the Isle of Man is a popular destination for cyclists who want to challenge themselves on the Island’s scenic roads and trails.
Keen mountain bikers can put themselves, and their bikes, to the test as they cycle from one end of the Island to the other in the popular End 2 End Mountain Bike Challenge. The event, which attracts riders from all over the world, is nearly always oversubscribed so make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment!
The Island also hosts two acclaimed Crown Green Bowling Festivals which take place in June and September. These events are recognised as some of the best in the UK bowls calendar and have attracted thousands of crown green bowlers since the event began in 1921!
The truly wacky World Tin Bath Championships is also not one to be missed! The event sees brave participants take to the Irish Sea in tin baths in a race to victory, with past participants including Ben Fogle and Blue Peter!
In recent years the Island has been acknowledged for its International Darts Festival held in March. World champions descend on the Island and battle for a prize pot worth more than £20,000, a popular event for competitors and spectators alike, the Darts Festival is a great reason to head to the Isle of Man!