5 August, 2021
A round-up of new tourism developments on the Isle of Man that were launched between March 2020 to July 2021.
This edition features new properties and experiences your clients can retreat and reconnect on the coast, foraging tours and a taste of exceptional local food and drink. The past year has also seen the launch of some unique adventurous activities, all which can be experienced in the island’s outstanding natural environment declared and internationally recognised as an UNESCO Biosphere.
Keys Cottage - Image credit: Island Escapes
Island Escapes
The holiday cottage agency have added many new properties to their portfolio, including the impressive Kilravock and the harbour side home of Exchange House, both properties accommodate 6 guests as well as pets. A number of their properties have also achieved a 5* star grading including the historic Packet House and Keys Cottage in the ancient capital Castletown as well as the Ballarhennie House, a large family farmhouse style holiday home for 6 people situated nearby miles of stretching sandy coastline.
Perfect for couples, expanding the accommodation on offer as part of the experience at Knockaloe Beg Farm is The Tower – a beautifully converted 17th century outhouse with wood burning stove and private wood-fired hot tub.
Alternatively a couple’s retreat can be found at Tide’s Reach overlooking the harbour at Port St Mary with walks following the Way of the Gull and boat tours of the southern coast right on the doorstep. For more details on any of the properties email visit@islandescapes.im or call +44 (0) 1624 830200.
Bradda Garden Room
On the theme of private hideaways, the self-contained Bradda Garden Room for two people is a 15 minute walk from Port Erin Bay. In the quiet Bradda area and set in beautiful tropical style gardens, this B&B with a difference is separate from the owner's house and enjoys great views over Rowany Golf Course and towards the Calf of Man.
Europa
Europa is a contemporary Victorian house for groups and large families of up to 8 people within easy walking distance of Mooragh Park with its 12-acre boating lake and multi-leisure activities on offer. It’s also not far from coastal walks and just a mile from the Ramsey Town Centre featuring eclectic shops and the popular Gelatory.
Foraging Tour with Versa - Image credit: Lovely Greens
Versa – Foraging Tour and Restaurant
A walking foraging tour of the diverse and beautiful Port Erin Bay. From roots to seaweeds, from flowers to berries, your clients can discover seasonal wild foods and be coached in their uses enjoying some light refreshments along the way. Tours are led by award winning chef, Pippa Lovell of hyper-local restaurant Versa, which offers relaxed brunches and tasting menus by night. The tour is available as part of a public group or an exclusive private tour.
Curragh's Wildlife Park
Not many wildlife parks or zoos can boast having an Area of Special Scientific Interest and Wetland of International Importance as part of their landholding – but the Curraghs Wildlife Park can. 16 of the designated 477 acres – are part of a new trail, safely guiding Wildlife Park visitors through this boggy native wilderness.
The trail is designed to raise awareness and understanding of this very special part of the Islands’ biosphere. It include natures notes for young visitors, simply explaining features of the area and suggest activities; a solar-powered talking bench with recordings of a curragh-inspired poem, bird calls, information on farming in the past and about wallabies; a talking post with fun facts about the area, narrated by children, and information panels on the curragh in the past and present and its flora and fauna.
Camberry
Camberry offers hygge inspired lifestyle coaching, yoga and wellbeing retreats in the Isle of Man. If you're clients are looking to relax, kick-start a new lifestyle, learn something new or seeking an adventure, check out the selection of retreats that nourish the body and soul.
Campervannin
They provide a unique experience where guests can explore the beautiful Island, in a modern, fully equipped VW campervan. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or family adventure, Campervannin's campervans provide a perfect place to relax and unwind.
Mad Jacks Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is taking the world by storm and complementary to the Island’s rich Viking history, Mad Jack’s has brought it right to the heart of the Isle of Man but infused with retro vibes with arcade machines and old school games consoles in their venue on Douglas quayside.
View of Peel Castle - Image credit: Kim Tastagh
Yellow Helicopters
Let your clients take a different journey around the beautiful southern coast or travel no limits with a TT Experience from a new perspective. Operating from The Jet Centre, Yellow Helicopters provide sightseeing flights taking in spectacular views of the Island’s coastline, the colourful towns and villages of Ellan Vannin to the imposing Snaefell Mountain depending on the adventure chosen.
Gravity IOM
Guided off-road electric scooters operating from the growing offering at South Barrule Forest Park, with trails providing an exhilarating and unique experience. Handling like a mountain bike, but ridden like a scooter, Gravity IOM's fleet of off-road electric scooters bring a relatively effortless way to explore the forest.
Walking.im
Variety of guided walks for independent walkers or larger groups trekking on our national long distance trails and scenic routes. Walking.im provide a friendly, relaxed and safe walking experience allowing visitors to enjoy the Isle of Man's variety of glens, coast and hills.
Axe throwing at South Barrule
Axe throwing is also available in the South Barrule Forest Park.
Country Pursuits
For lovers of the countryside and located in the sunny north, Country Pursuits offer a number of lessons and experiences including Clay Pidgeon Shooting at a new shooting centre in Skyhill in Ramsey.
The Fynoderee Distillery
Learn the story of The Fynoderee woven in myth and folklore with a visit to The Fynoderee Distillery for a taste their innovative portfolio of premium spirits with genuine Manx Roots and Heritage. Contact teamfyn@fynoderee.com to book an experience at their new Tasting Bar and Shop in Ramsey.
Victory Café
A cafe in a crazy ex Cold War Rotor Radar Station on the 31st Milestone of the TT Racecourse serving homemade British style canteen food and speciality pies. The café in an eccentric and industrial style for motorcycle enthusiasts and is also dog-friendly also has a shop and a small cinema room. For table reservations click here.
Little Shed at Dhoon Glen
Famed for their outdoor experience whatever the season, the offspring of The Shed on Laxey Bay is Little Shed located at the top of the steep valley Dhoon Glen – boasting one of highest falling waterfalls on the Island and a walk to a secluded cove. For a day out, your clients could take the trip there on the Manx Electric Railway with halts directly outside. What Little Shed don’t make themselves is sourced locally including Morgan’s Pies and Davison’s ice cream.
Cosy Nook Beach Café and Bar
A second summer of Foraging Vintner’s craft winery’s expansion to the Cosy Nook on the picturesque Port Erin beach partnering up with Noa Bakehouse this year for locally made pastries and lunches, open subject to good weather and into the evening up until October.
Blind Badger
Blind Badger is a new underground speakeasy is the conception of imaginative pro-cocktail makers Raise the Bar. Situated in Castletown, next to the Old House of Keys via the black door, open Saturdays 12pm till late.
