Entire guide to things to do on the Isle of Man (away from the TT races)

Thinking of going to the Isle of Man TT Races? There’s plenty more to do that doesn’t simply involve watching the racing…

The Isle of Man TT Races are a real bucket list event. With 10 races over six race days (not to mention a full week of practice) it’s understandable that you’ll want to get your fill of the most spectacular form of motorcycle racing on the planet.

But it would be a real shame to head to the island and not enjoy the other elements of the festival, or indeed activities beyond the TT. The Isle of Man may be transformed during TT fortnight, but behind all the hustle and bustle of the event day-to-day life goes on.

This magnificent island can provide a haven of peace and quiet, even during the TT and, if you’re heading there this year, here’s some things we think you should try to experience. 

Say hello to the fairies

You might have heard of the Fairy Bridge, and if you go to the island you really have to go along – not because it’s really cool or anything, but because it’s a long time Isle of Man tradition.

It might not seem like much, but this is a real Manx superstition. Cross the bridge, which is close to the airport, and tradition dictates you should say ‘Hello Fairies’. It’s something the racers do when they get to the island and, far from being a bit weird, the locals will think you’re the strange one if you don’t play along. The Manx people are well into their folklore and not greeting the fairies is considered to bring bad luck. Best not take any chances!

Become a railway enthusiast

The Isle of Man has a rich railway heritage. The island has around 65 miles of narrow gauge Victorian railways and horse drawn tram lines, with a steam railway in the south, an electric railway in the north and the famous Snaefell mountain railway, which provides a TT course landmark as it crosses over the course on its way to the summit of the mountain.

The Isle of Man Railway Museum in Port Erin is a pleasant place to while an hour or two away, while a slow and rickety train journey will help you enjoy life at a more sedate pace. If you need any more convincing, the Isle of Man is apparently the inspiration for the fictional island of Sodor, home of Thomas the Tank Engine. Now that is iconic!

Eat the local cuisine

There are some lovely bars and restaurants across the Isle of Man, but why not take in some local dishes while at the TT?

Historically the national dish was priddhas an' herrin - a meal of boiled potatoes and steamed herring, while Manx kippers are famous the world over.

But these days the locals cherish their Queenies more than anything else. The queen scallop is a medium sized scallop which lives at depths of 100m in the Irish sea. It’s a real local delicacy and well worth sampling as an alternative to the diet of burgers and beer traditionally enjoyed by TT goers.

Embrace the motoring heritage

As you’d expect from the home of the world’s oldest motorcycle race, there is plenty of motoring heritage to be found on the Isle of Man.

There are more than a few museums, many being private collections opened up for public viewing.

The Manx Museum in Douglas is free to visit. It is home to all the famous Mercury trophies, of which the winners receive a replica, and has a number of famous bikes on display.

There’s also the Isle of Man Motor Museum, home to over 500 vehicles, including more than 300 motorcycles and some more iconic TT winners, while the Jurby Transport Museum offers a look at the Island's transport history, covering cars, lorries, buses and trams, as well as bikes.

Having evolved from a personal collection to a full museum, many long time visitors of the Isle of Man TT Races know Murray’s Motorcycle Museum. Established in 1953, it now boasts over 150 bikes, ranging from pioneering machines from the late 1800s to more modern tackle. You’ll find flyers adverting them throughout the island, or Google ‘em if you want to know more.

Check out Bushy’s TT Village

Away from the racing, there’s loads of off-track entertainment aimed specifically at TT goers.

Our favourite haunt is undoubtedly Bushy’s TT Village. Run by local brewery Bushy’s, it’s got 10 days of live entertainment, with four bars, great live music every night, eateries, shops and a big screen where racing is shown during the day. By day it’s pretty chill and family friendly, even including a crazy golf course, but it’s absolutely bouncing by night and a real TT institution.

Find some peace and quiet

The TT is a hectic and full on event, but we definitely recommend heading away from the main festivities and finding somewhere nice and quiet for a few hours.

Why? Well aside from getting some R&R, we think it’s great to be able to see another side of the Isle of Man – the side that exists for the 50 weeks of the year away from the TT.

It really is a stunningly beautiful place, with amazing views and quaint spots to while away a few hours. With bikers all over the island during the TT, you’ll probably not completely escape the soundtrack of the odd loud pipe. Even so, you can’t fail but appreciate the appeal of the island while trying to spot seals from a remote rocky cove.

Photo credit: Visit Isle of Man.