Where’s your favourite place to visit without needing to catch a plane? Maybe the Lake District, or down south on the Cornish beaches, or perhaps Paris. Maybe you prefer city breaks, or maybe you’re in the market for a new place to become your go-to holiday spot. If that all sounds familiar, you are the exact type of person the Isle of Man is hoping to win over in the coming years.
The island, which sits in the middle of the Irish Sea about halfway between Belfast and Liverpool, has launched a new campaign which aims to attract half a million new visitors by 2032 by increasing its tourist offerings and bandwidth. The isle wants to prove that it has ‘year round offerings’ and that it has a unique culture which, ‘differentiates [it] from other destinations,’ with a spokesperson highlighting its ‘distinct Manx identity, heritage, culture, language and community.’
So why should you visit the Isle of Man? Well, for one, it’s full of gorgeous scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you prefer hikes, wild swimming, or just enjoying a good view, the British crown dependency believes it is the perfect place to get outdoors and enjoy nature. It’s mostly looking to attract active people who will be able to make the most of the new glamping sites and retreats which are currently being developed.
The Isle of Man is not all remote walking trails though. Douglas, the capital city, is full of good places to eat and stay if you prefer to be a little bit closer to life. You can get to the island by air or by ferry, depending on which makes you feel less unwell.
If all goes to plan and the isle meets its 500,000 visitor goal, the council estimates that the local tourism economy could as much as double in revenue, which is not an amount to be sniffed at. So what are you waiting for? Hop on a boat and go explore this Celtic isle for a bit of a change next time you’ve got a long weekend off. The Manx folk are pretty certain you won’t regret it.
Staycations and Road Trips according to Time Out
If you’re planning a holiday on nearby shores anytime soon, the Isle of Mann isn't the only place worth visiting. Here’s our favourite UK road trips, and some of what we consider to be the most beautiful places in the country. We’ve also got guides to the most romantic locations in the UK, and some pretty cool castles you can stay overnight in.
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