The island is famous for producing Sir Mark Cavendish and the Bee Gees but it has much more to offer (Image: Getty)
The most interesting facts about the is that the island, nestled in the Irish sea between England and exists at all.
At just 33 miles long and 13 miles wide, many could be forgiven for being unaware of the fascinating history and modern-day character of the self-governing island of and the .
The island is not a territory of Great Britain, in the same way that the or are. It was never conquered and was ruled by the Lord of Mann until 1765 when King George I bought the feudal rights.
With its own unique language and the longest running parliament in the world, Britain is responsible for its defence, but it was never a , the separation being crucial to it establishing itself as one of the world’s premier
That is not to talk down its contribution to Britain. A war memorial on the promenade of the islands capital Douglas displays the names of the island’s residents, my Great Grandfather included, who lost their lives in service of the nation in the two world wars.
The Laxey wheel is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the island (Image: Getty)
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Despite modernising in many ways in recent decades, to step foot onto the island is like stepping back in time. What was once the land of the Vikings and celts retains an air of mystic – Typified best by fairy bridge, a small crossing between the airport and capital which legend says, will curse passersby with bad luck should they fail to wish the fairies a good day.
Such is the importance of the tradition; buses will announce the approach to the bridge and taxi drivers will stop should passengers fail to pay their respects.
Modern day transport has not improved to the extent of an electric railway or dual carriage way, with little need for either amongst the 80,000 population. More appropriate methods of transport include horse-drawn trams and
Despite its size, the island boasts something for everybody, with plenty to draw visitors in and entertain them throughout their stay.
In summer, it offers stunning beaches in Peel and Port Erin providing the perfect spot for relaxation and fresh seafood.
From stunning beaches, beautiful glens and rugged mountains, the island has something for everybody (Image: Getty)
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For over a century, the island has closed its roads and turned them into a race circuit (Image: Getty)
For those looking for activity, Snaefell Mountain offers the challenge of climbing 2,037 feet above sea level with the reward of a view of the seven kingdoms on offer on a sunny day.
For nature lovers, the island has an abundance of scenic walks and beautiful glens, ideal for little ones keen to explore or four-legged friends in need of exercise.
And of course, the island twins as the motorcycle capital of the world, with its world-renowned street circuit drawing in petrol heads from across the globe each year for the
For over a century, the streets have closed to allow motorbikes to race across the island’s narrow streets at 136mph, risking and sometimes giving their lives for the pleasure.
The island is enchanting, its culture unique and its history vast. This unique gem, in the middle of the Irish sea might lack size and the trappings of modernity but its unique ability to amaze and delight guests making it one of the most fascinating holiday destinations in the British Isles.