Glen Helen ------ one of the Manx National glens is situated between the villages of Kirk Michael and St Johns on the famous TT circuit. It is well worth a visit as great walks can be had along many of the well kept paths. As well as a large car park there is a children's playground, and at the start of the glen of course is the Glen Helen Hotel which is well worth a visit or two..............................
The House of Mananan ------ is a fantastic museum that tells the story of Mann and how it became what it is today. Certainly well worth a visit, it includes various sets and many moving models, not too dissimilar to those used in Disney. It’s so good that we didn’t want to leave. There are a number of highlights, the Viking longboat is amazing, as is the ship simulator where you are the skipper of one of the Steam- Packet ships trying to dock…needless to say I ended up where the Titanic did on the bottom of the sea bed….OOPS!!!!! The museum is situated on the quayside of the largest town on the west coast of the island Peel. Car parking is available right next door................
Peel Castle ------ situated in a fantastic position on St Patricks Isle this castle has a history which stretches back almost eight thousand years. It was here allegedly that St Patrick set foot on Mann and in doing so brought Christianity to the island. in the eleventh century the Vikings first built a fort on the site and named it King Magnus Barelegs. After the period of Viking rule and many battles it came under English rule and was gifted to Sir John Stanley in th 14th century by Henry IV. It was then used partly as a church until the 18th century when the garrison moved out and it started to fall into decay. Today it is part of Manx Heritage and a visit is highly recommended where through modern technology you can relive the past...........................................
St Johns ------ is where the ancient ceremony that celebrates the Islands national day takes places each July 5th. The hill which symbolises the Islands independence and that of the Vikings origins of our present political system, is a stepped, grass covered mound nearly 80 feet in diameter and just 12 feet high. Near to Tynwald Hill and the church of St Johns is the national arboretum where you can walk the meandering paths whilst admiring the vast array of trees from all over the world, resplendent in their differing colours especially during autumn when we like to visit..........
Niarbyl ------ visitors centre which is set in a most picturesque position overlooking the old Manx village of Niarbyl is the recently opened attraction where you can gain information about the area and the houses and wildlfe as well as having a fantastic meal. We only managed the soup when we visited but this was very tasty and excellent value for money.......................
The Creek Inn ------ across the road from the House of Mannanan is a great place to visit for either a quick meal or a drink or for that matter the two. On the day that we visited G had a wrap of localy caught crab which she said was the tastiest she had ever eaten, whilst I went for a lamb baguette. Fresh pieces of local lamb in a fresh baguette with lashing of gravy...delicious...................................
Davisons Ice Cream Parlour ------ is a must for those who like their ice cream as you are spoilt for choice as there must be a selection of at least twenty flavours. The ice cream that is locally made tastes delicious, whether you've chosen a vanilla cornet or the more exotic flavours such as bubblegum or smarties you're sure to enjoy it. Situated right on the promenade the parlour is open seven days a week and is so popular with locals and visitors that there is nearly always a queue leading out of the door, even in winter you can find yourself waiting but it is well worth it................................
home places of interest events
Davisons Ice Cream Parlour ------ is a must for those who like their ice cream as you are spoilt for choice as there must be a selection of at least twenty flavours. The ice cream that is locally made tastes delicious, whether you've chosen a vanilla cornet or the more exotic flavours such as bubblegum or smarties you're sure to enjoy it. Situated right on the promenade the parlour is open seven days a week and is so popular with locals and visitors that there is nearly always a queue leading out of the door, even in winter you can find yourself waiting but it is well worth it................................
The Marine Hotel ------ Having a fantastic position right on the promenade overlooking the bay and Peel castle is a great place to bring all the family for a tasty meal. Good selection of pub grub food with plenty of specials on the board at a reasonable price to boot.
home places of interest events
Every July ------ the small village of St Johns, situated on the main road between Douglas and Peel comes alive with the sounds of crowds come to celebrate the Islands national day. It is here on Tynwald Hill and in St Johns church that the ancient ceremony takes place. Full of pageantry and colour it makes a great spectacle, even more so on a special occasion such when the ceremony was presided over by the Lord of Mann, Queen Elizabeth II..................................
............In addition to all the ceremony there is a fete on the local fields where stalls of all kinds can be found. If you get chance and are lucky to find yourself visiting on this day do make a way to the stall that sells one of the items that the Island is famous for. The item a kipper bap. No ordinary kippers these. They are locally smoked in Peel in the traditional way and are absolutely delicious, something not to be missed...........
