Island Life & Amenities

Isle of Man Government Offices (01624 685685)

The Isle of Man Government offices are located on Bucks Road, Douglas, IM1 3PN.

You can call in at the public counters, telephone the central switchboard on 685685, or email Departments and Offices, or access the Government website which has a wealth of information.

The Isle of Man Government is committed to making its services and information as accessible as possible and inclusive to all.

Laxey Wheel in the Isle of Man is a product of the Victorian Industrial Age that shaped the North West of England. The Laxey Wheel (also known as Lady Isabella) is the largest working water wheel in the world, built in the village and designed by Robert Casement. It has a 72 foot 6 inch diameter and 6 feet wide, it revolves at approximately three revolutions per minute, and is well worth a closer look.

If you are brave enough you can climb the winding steps to the top of the Lady Isabella and survey the wondrous  surrounding views across the countryside and to the sea.  There are walks and picnic areas along the river.

Laxey Wheel website link

Historic Milntown - Lezayre, Ramsey, Isle of Man Im7 2AB. The island's most glorious garden.

Milntown is on the A3 going west from Ramsey along the TT course. Go past the schools on your left, and 200 yards on the left is the entrance (clearly marked).

Open daily - March - October (except Tuesdays) 10:00am - 5:00pm

Free car parking, Formal Gardens, Woodland Walks, House Tours on selected days. Disabled access and mobility scooters available.

From April - September there are guided tours of the house on Wednesday & Saturday afternoons.

The interior has fine plasterwork and large elegant rooms which look out on to the lawns surrounding the house. The older part of the house still contains many features dating from the 17th century. Contact enquiries line on 01624 812321 ti book for the House Tours.

Sir Clive Edwards left the contents of Milntown house in trust along with the estate, and this includes fine collections of paintings, furniture, ceramics and silver which Sir Clive and Lady Edwards brought from their previous home, Hendrefoilan, in Swansea. The Library houses a large collection of books and there is an important collection of vintage cars and motor cycles which can be viewed (by arrangement). These can be seen at special events on the island as all are roadworthy.

In the conservatory there is a licensed Restaurant - run by Jennifer Munro and Simon Child. The menu features a wide range of delicious home cooked seasonal dishes, and produce sourced locally, some of which will be from Miltown's own gardens.

Weddings and special functions can be catered for all year round.

Tel: 818091 or email: enquiries@milntown.org

Milntown Gardens - there are 15 acres of woodlands and gardens to explore, along with a kitchen garden.

Email: milntown@manx.net

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For information: Milntown website link

Niarbyl Visitor Centre, is in the west of the Island, and is one of the most important geological sites in the Isle of Man.

Niarbyl offers spectacular views of the hills and on a clear day you can see over to Ireland.

Those of you who remember the film Waking Ned, the cottages used were here at Niarbyl, also take a walk along the coastal footpath which leads to an 8th Century chapel and secluded beach.

Down at the beach the sea here is the home to  basking sharks, dolphins and seals, and a wonderful place to relax and spot the wildlife. Or to get up close and personal if you like to kayak.

Niarbyl Cafe offers a wide range of refreshments and has panoramic views of the bay, plus lots of helpful information which details the history of the area.

The magnificent Peel Castle occupies the important site of St Patrick's isle at Peel which is connected to the town by causeway. It was built in the 11th Century by Vikings, and the 'Moddey Dhoo' (or black dog ghost) is said to still haunt the castle to this day.

Follow in the footsteps of Christian missionaries, kings and viking warriors and learn more about them with the hand held audio phone which will help guide you around the site with interesting facts.

Peel Castle Admission Charges
Adult: £4.50
Child (under 18): £2.25
Family (2 adults, 2 children): £11
Groups (15 adults, pre-booked): £3.60
Groups (15 adults, un-booked): £4
FREE: Holders of a valid 5 Site Pass, 10 Day Heritage Explorer Pass, ACE Card holders and reciprocal agreement members.

From the Norse word Eyrr - Point of Ayre is interpreted as gravel bank.

As the northern most point of the island and the considerable difference between high and low water the Point of Ayre provides excellent fishing from the beach. Many visitors are attracted by the beautiful carpet of gorse and heather which surrounds the lighthouse and merges with sand dunes stretching to the south-west, providing cover for rare wild flowers and forming part of a Manx National Nature Reserve. A wide variety of land and sea birds visit the area throughout the year, as do a number of grey seals.

The Point of Ayre lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on the Isle of Man. It was designed and built by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of prolific writer and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson and first lit in 1818.

Imagine traveling back to 1134 to the time of the Monks of the Sauvignac Order to a place so special it was gifted by King Olaf I for use as a Monastery. Through time the Abbey has had a number of uses and was popular in the first half of the last century for strawberry teas and tea dances. Today, the Abbey's remains are just as enchanting, with tranquil gardens and stories for visitors of all ages to enjoy. With such stunning surrounding, why not treat yourself to afternoon tea, a meal or refreshments in the neighbouring Abbey Restaurant. There is also an archeological dig especially for children to uncover old artifacts.

Located just outside Ballasalla on Mill Road. Offering free car parking.

Opening Hours -  10am - 5pm  (see website for high & low season times)

Open All year round with ample parking for the St Johns Arboretum which is situated near Tynwald Hill and Church.
The Arboretum was created to mark the Millennium Anniversary of Tynwald (Isle of Man Parliament). The grounds were planted with trees from the 17 Manx Parishes. Wooden signs are engraved with each parish name and mark gatherings of trees, bushes and flower beds.

There are paved walkways, a duck pond and an enclosed children's playground.