Guided Tours of Mann

About

My name is Jane Hodson and I am a qualified Blue Badge guide operating as a driver guide on the Isle of Man and offering a number of services.  I am sole proprietor of Guided Tours of Mann and operate it all year round, making adjustments in the winter for the light conditions.  I am a friendly and flexible guide with a broad knowledge of the Island.

How do the tour experiences that I offer give guests a unique perspective on history, people or culture of the Isle of Man?

Being of Manx origin, but having lived abroad, I feel that I can offer visitors a tour of the island that is seen not only through the eyes of someone who is new to the island, but also from the perspective of a person who is passionate about the island that I have returned to after a long period of being away.

How have your tours evolved since their inception?

Since I started in 2012, I have graduated from coach tours and open top bus work, to more bespoke tours around the island with visitors from the United States and as far as New Zealand, India and Australia. 

What sort of Tours do I provide?

I offer Genealogy tours and try to research areas which my clients would like to visit to connect with their ancestors, using resources which are available at the Library and Archives in the Manx Museum.

As well as working for a holiday provider on heritage railway tours, I also work for the Guild of Manx Registered Tour Guides when Cruise ships come into the port.

What do I wish every guest knew as they consider visiting the Isle of Man?

There is a great diversity on the island, and one of the things I try to offer is a good overview of the Island from the beautiful scenery, architecture, industrial heritage to the cultural history that has made this place what it is.

What are my main interests and specialist areas?

My interests span the social and economic history of the island. From a community heavily influenced by the monasteries it is certainly fascinating to see how it developed from a largely crofting and fishing society to one that has embraced international trading, tourism and finance.

How can a client set up a tour with me?

I have my own website and booking system and clients can contact me at any time with questions regarding a tour and what they would like to see, or just an enquiry for a general tour. I try to keep my rates reasonable with having my own vehicle to take them around the island.  My website has a variety of set tours, but I am flexible.