About
A cultural stomp around Douglas
Easy
1.7 miles
40 minute walk with minimal stopping.
Be advised that appropriate footwear is recommended.
To begin the walk you can either start at the top of Fort Anne Road or the bottom for those extra few steps. Standing at the top of Fort Anne Road you will have a clear view of Douglas bay all the way over to Onchan, on a clear day you may even be able to see the hills of Cumbria.
Turn yourself towards the statue of Sir William Hillary, which was unveiled in 1999 to commiserate his life time work of heroism towards saving the lives of many. Sir William Hillary is the founder of the Royals National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and was also responsible for the Tower of Refuge being erected on Conister Rock to provide refuge to any shipwrecks. This mound of rock was previously the cause for many shipwrecks to which Sir William Hillary was instrumental in rescue missions. Without Hillary personally contributing a huge proportion of the costs and securing public contributions, we would not have the historic landmark that is the Tower of Refuge.
Extension: If you can spare 5-10 minutes you may wish to wonder around the corner onto marine drive and walk towards the lovely Marine Drive Arch, which opened in 1891 and was the original toll house for the Douglas Southern Electric Tramway. A beautiful bit of architecture in itself.
Once you have had your fill of the beauty of Douglas head then continue down Fort Anne Road towards the Drawbridge. Crossing this you will see Lord Street Bus Station to your left. Follow this road towards Douglas Town Hall and standing outside is the George Formby Statue. The statue depicts George as his character in the 1935 musical comedy ‘No Limits’ where he plays ‘George Shuttleworth’, a chimney from Wigan who dreams of winning the Isle of Man TT races.
Continue on to Victoria Street and follow the road down 80 yards where you will come to a stone coloured building on the right hand side of the road. If you look up you will see the Queen Victoria Statue perched high up on the building, beautifully keeping a watchful eye.
Progress to the end of the road towards the prom where you will arrive at the exquisite Jubilee Clock. The Victorian clock was donated by G.W Dumbell in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign and originally had a horse trough at its base.
Cross at the Zebra crossing and walk 2 minutes north via the Sunken Garden’s. While wondering through the gardens you will come across a large monument commemorating Sir William Hillary and the men who perished at sea.
Arriving at the BeeGee’s Statue which is relatively new statue in comparison to some of its neighbouring friends, it was unveiled in 2021 and inspired by the Bands ‘Stayin’ Alive’ music video, the bronze statue is set to signify the iconic brothers returning to their birthplace.
Extension: If you continue to the water’s edge you are given the perfect viewpoint of the Tower of Refuge.
Almost at the end of your sightseeing meander, turn to face town and continue on towards Regent Street. Ensure to use the zebra crossing provided and stopping at 1886 on the right hand side. Standing in front of the building you will be able to see The Midsummer Chronophage Clock designed by Dr John Crawshaw Taylor OBE, a world- respected inventor. The clock pays its respects to relative time as theorised by the renowned physicist, Albert Einstein. Einstein made the point that when you are having fun, time goes quickly and when you are anxious, time passes slowly. The timepiece interacts with audiences, going fast or slow, sometimes even stopping, but it is exactly correct every fifth minute.
Make your way on to Strand Street and continue towards The Gaiety Theatre. The new Cultural Area has been a very popular spot for locals and visitors to not only soak up the atmosphere but to admire ‘The Dancers’, a new original sculpture created by John Mulvey. The joyful sculpture represents all the thousands that have danced in the Gaiety Theatre and the Villa Marina over the years whether it’s as competitors, performers or as audiences. Behind you spot the statue of Sir Norman residing on the bench outside The Sefton Hotel. The tribute to the Late Sir Norman Joseph Wisdom, OBE is a well-loved stop off for visitors and locals. Wisdom first came to the Isle of Man in 1978 to do a three month summer season at the Gaiety Theatre. After falling in love with the Island he moved here permanently in 1980.
For your final stop off on this short tour, backtrack towards Chester Street Car Park in order to use the stairs or lift to the top floor. This will give you access to the footbridge leading directly to the Manx Museum. If you wanted more of a challenge you can attempt the steep climb up through the arched stone gate. Take your time to really see what the Manx Museum has to offer and take in their new TT Gallery.
