Douglas Head ------ which looks out over the capital and largest city on the island is a place to visit if you just like to sit and watch. Park up your car and the time will just fly by whilst you look at all the comings and goings of the harbour and the promenade which sweeps out in a large arc towards Onchan. If something more strenuous is to your liking then there are a number of walks that you can take covering this area, though I must warn you that they can become very steep in places. The local Manx Radio station has it’s studio located here and you can see the view they have out of their windows by viewing the web cam available on their website here........................................



Groudle Glen ------ is another part of the island that still shows off its Victorian influences. Walk down the glen from the main road and then board the Groudle Steam Railway, which will take you on a short journey around the coast, and you could easily be back in the early parts of the last century. If you follow the path down in front of the café you will come to a site where you can still see the remains of what once in Victorian times was a real crowd puller. It was here in a cave that they kept polar bears on show along with a colony of Californian sea lions. Old postcards showing this spectacle in it’s prime can be purchased at the train station................



               Laxey ------ is probably the most photographed part of the island thanks to ‘The Lady Isabella’ better known as the Laxey Wheel. This, the largest working water wheel in the world is a remarkable feat of Victorian engineering. It was opened 150 years ago to pump water out of the local lead mines, though these are no longer worked. You can however see part of the mines and also since September travel on the mines train, which has just been brought back to its former glory................. 


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The Terminus Tavern ------ Sitauated right at the end of Douglas promenade at Derby Castle is a great pub where you can get a fantastic meal at reasonable prices. When we visited we had the small fish and chips which was plenty for us. We saw someone with the large which resembled a whale rather than a cod. Excellent place well worth a visit.............

The Liverpool Arms ------ on the coast road between Baldrine and Onchan is this very nice country pub. Situated right on a bend and with tables and plants outside it is hard to miss. Miss it you should not as the food is excellent. We've been here on a number of occasions and every time we've come out singing it's praises. It serves food as mother used to make. Real home made pies, liver and onions, fish and chips with real chips, the menu just goes on and on. As well as the standard meals you are always spoilt for choice with the amount of specials available on the board. Main meals aren't the end of it either as the puddings are to die for......spotted dick, rhubarb crumble served with custard just one mouthful and I was transported back to my Mom's kitchen when I was just a lad...........................

If the taste ------ of free range eggs is to your fancy rather than those of mass-produced well Gellings eggs are the ones for you. Available from the small shed at the side of the coast road between Baldrine and the turning off for Groudle Glen, they are the best I’ve ever tasted. I’d advise you to get there early as they sell out very quickly..............................


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During May ------ the streets of Laxey are filled with the sound of guitar and saxophone along with numerous other instruments as it’s at this time that the Bushy’s Blues Festival takes place over a fun filled weekend. Bands and individuals come from all over to perform in many of the venues that are dotted around this small village. One of the popular places is the large tent that is erected alongside the Laxey River on the car park of the Shore Hotel. Here the crowds gather not just for the great music but also for the beer, which is brewed in the microbrewery next door............................



Each year in May ------ the Manx government along with corporate sponsorship has held the Manx Youth Games. From early January children between the ages of 8 and 14 are encouraged to take up a sport and train at a facility close to where they live. During this period the various sports coaches will hone the children's skills until the day comes when battle commences. These battles take place in and around the NSC (National Sports Centre) Douglas. An opening ceremony is a delight to watch as all the competitors are gathered in their various teams and march proudly into the stadium behind their team banner. The teams are based on the areas of the island that the children live in, North (red) South (orange) Douglas North (yellow) Douglas South (green) West (blue). Once the ceremony is completed the children are then sent off to compete in their chosen sport at one of the venues nearby.................................

 

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