BRIM

One of the best Pre-Christmas tradition in our family is a one-week trip every year in December. End of the year 2017 was reserved for The Isle of Man.

Douglas, the capital, is the largest town of the Isle of Man. It is located in the bay and at the mouth of the river Douglas. It’s very reach town with a lot of luxuries shops and extravagant hotels. Our stay in Douglas was comfortable. People were very friendly and nice. We reserved a hotel next to the beach with beautiful view. We woke up every morning with the sounds of seagulls and we fall asleep with the sound of the sea. Pre-Christmas time in Douglas was magical: street musician playing music, fragrances of Christmas cookies and Christmas decoration with amazing lights all around us. It was impressive especially during the night.

In Douglas we visited Manx Museum. We were amazed by the artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man. We learned a lot about natural and cultural heritage. It was interesting for our two-year-old daughter too because they have a lot of activities for children. In one big room children could play in a pirate boat, wear pirate’s costume and caps, or play with swords. Also, there were a lot of toys related to sea life, so kids could investigate and learn. Museum is nicely adapted for families, interactive and full of activities for children in every exhibit room.

Our next destination was The Calf of Man on the southwestern coast of the Isle where it was possible visit Lighthouses. The isle of Kitterland is located in the Irish Sea, between The Isle of Man and The Calf of Man. That’s the place where you can watch seals and sea lions. Legend says that the islet of Kitterland was named after Baron Kitter who supposedly ruled here. Baron Kitter was Norwegian. Legend says that he killed all deers, bisons and elks on the meinland. He sailed to the Calf of Man with idea to hunt there. His castle at Barrule was accidentally set in fire. He rushed back to his castle across the water and he drowned. After this accident, says legend, the islet was named.

Today it is uninhabited, but many people visit it every day because of the beauty of the nature. There is also very nice café and restaurant where you can get warm between watching birds and seals.   Those day’s seals were very lazy, just lying on the beach and waiting for the sun.

 

 

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One of the most popular things of The Isle of Man is TT Mountain Course or jus TT course, the motor-cycle racing circuit. It is used for two events: “Isle of Man TT Races “and “Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT” races in September. The circuit start-line is in the town of Douglas and its length is 60 km. It is very dangerous racetrack because of curved and narrow mountain roads. It is also very beautiful with picturesque pastures and small villages through countryside. 

There we saw a lot of memorial panels for motorcyclist who died on those roads. The adventure and sped attracts motorcyclist from around the world and made The Isle of Man very popular.

 

Our next destination, my favourite town at The Isle of Man, is charming town Peel at south of The Island of Man.

It is fisherman’s town with large harbour. We visited Castle Rushen. From seaside the wind gushes were very strong. At the foot of the castle is the amazing cove full of shells.

Next to Castle Rushen is “Peel Breakwater Kiosk” where you can take warm soup, tea or café, or famous crab Baps. If you are in Peel you must-see House of Manannan.

It is brilliant museum about sea life and very attractive because of costumes and activities for children.

Town Peel is the best place for popular crab meat at Isle of Man. We taste delicious crabs in restaurant in the centre of town, named The Boatyard Restaurant. In local ambient with a lot of old stores from history of town, we spend a lovely afternoon. 

Castletown was place of our first encounter with locals. I asked to a young man where I can buy ticket for parking and he gave me his parking ring. This is the recognizable warmth of islander. We spend a couple of very pleasant hours in Castletown and had English lunch: fish, chips and broad bean. Also, here we tasted mulled warm vine. Cordiality of locals was constant; some old man was talking with us and had a fun with our daughter. Everything on Island of Man was very relaxing, nice people, slow and easy traffic.  

Home of Rest for Old Horses is a tranquil sanctuary for elderly horses, founded in 1950. It is located just outside of Douglas in 92 acres of countryside. Here you can see over 60 retired trammers from the Douglas Horse Trams, ponies and donkeys. They are very friendly, gentle and curious and you can stroke and feed them. They are also suitable for children. In the winter season the farm is turned into a winter wonderland. And, of course, the biggest attraction in these days was amazing Santa’s Grotto whit old horses. 

The Isle of Man was very nice destination for relaxing one-week vacations. The most impressive places for me were the Peel with unique charm of fishing town, Home of Rest for Old Horses with big gentle horses and the people of Isle of Man, very nice and friendly.