If you’ve ever considered visiting the Isle of Man for a holiday with your dog, now may be to the time to book your trip. Not only have we added our first collection of dog-friendly properties on the island but the remaining covid travel restrictions are expected to be lifted at the end of this month (June 2021) just in time for the summer holidays. To celebrate this good news, we’ve put together a dog-friendly guide to the Isle Of Man so you know where to stay and visit, and what to do and eat when you visit this scenic island
Situated in the middle of the inky Irish Sea, the Isle of Man provides a dreamy destination for dog-friendly escapes. Once a prosperous Viking colony, the island exudes beauty and drama in equal measure, comprising 48 mountains, 18 glens, stunning castles, fairy hideaways, waterfalls, beaches and more within its 220 square miles of rugged countryside.
So, whether you think your dog would like to accompany you on historical excursions, country walks, culinary forays or coastal escapades, you will have no problem filling each day with action and leisure as you please. This island is an ideal destination for both floppy-eared pups, sage seniors and their human owners, so there is something for all the pack here.
A self-governing British dependency located between the coasts of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, the Isle of Man is awash with history and character. Only 33 miles long and 13 miles across, it is often overlooked in favour of better-known destinations, yet boasts a wonderfully diverse array of scenery, from honey-coloured beaches to fern-tufted mountains to Victorian seaside resorts. Often described as Great Britain in miniature, it offers the whole spectrum of amazing landscapes – without the population. In fact, so in tune with nature are the people here, that the whole island is a recognised UNESCO Biosphere. Naturally, we think your dog will love it.
Top Destinations for Dog Friendly Holidays on the Isle of Man
Despite its relatively humble proportions, the Isle of Man has a delightfully broad array of places to stay, from seaside resort towns to peaceful hamlets surrounded by countryside. The Isle of Man’s largest town and capital, Douglas, is a great base for island adventures. Set at the mouth of the River Douglas, its coastal location affords ideal access to dog-friendly beaches, cliff walks, and nearby villages. And, while its main beach has seasonal dog restrictions, you can easily switch the sand for the town’s two-mile seafront promenade and stop off for an ice cream en route.
Located in the north, Ramsey is the Isle of Man’s second-largest town and is well-known for its connection with the island’s 100 history years of motor-sporting history. The final stop on the Manx Electric Railway, the town is transformed into a sporting mecca during the annual Isle of Man TT and Manx Grand Prix events.
Over on the west coast, the “Sunset City” of Peel sets a pretty sight with its historic fishing port, 11th-century castle and views of Ireland’s Mountains of Mourne. If your canine companion isn’t too worn out in the evenings, seaside lovers can be treated to some pretty special sunsets here as the sun bathes the horizon in an amber glow.
On the opposing coast, early risers will love Laxey village for its gorgeous sunrises. It’s also a great base for visiting nearby vintage railways, the famous Manx working waterwheel and harbour (originally built to serve the mines inland). If you would like to enjoy traditional resort vibes, Port Erin, overlooked by the 382ft-high Bradda Head, has been a popular tourist destination since the Victorian era.
The villages of Port St Mary and Kirk Michael are both great for coastal escapes with your dog with year-round dog-friendly beaches, meanwhile, Cregneash and Andreas provide country boltholes. Cregneash in particular is considered one of the island’s last traditional strongholds, with ancient customs (including the traditional Hop-tu-Naa celebrations in October), indigenous Loaghtan sheep and a distinctive local language.
Best Dog Friendly Beaches on the Isle of Man
With 100 miles of coastline, the Isle of Man is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for a seaside holiday with your dog. While the island has a range of sandy beaches and charming coves to choose from, the west coast’s Glen Wyllin will be really hard to resist. One of the longest beaches on the Isle of Man, this beach near Peel is made up of an extensive strip of sand and shingle which expands as the tide recedes to reveal the ultimate doggy playground.
Just half a mile away, Kirk Michael beach is also dog-friendly year-round, as is the brilliant Ballaugh Beach, 3.5 miles away in the northwest of the island. Also known as the Cronk, this Dark Sky Discovery Spot is beautiful for long walks both day and night. In fact, if you can manage to time the right tide times with clear night skies, you may even be treated to a night-time stroll underneath the Northern Lights.
If you are looking to combine walkies with a bite to eat, the port and resort towns of Douglas, Castletown, Ramsay, Laxey and Port Erin each flaunt town backdrops and great sea views. If you are visiting outside of summer, your loyal chum is also welcomed to play around on the towns’ respective beaches too, which generally only restrict dogs between May and September. If you do head over to Laxey Bay, make sure you take a pair of binoculars with you as the area is a known nesting site of peregrines, guillemots, choughs, oystercatchers and more.
For more dog-friendly choices, Fenella Beach, Gansey Bay, Garwick, Jurby, Port Soderick and Port St Mary Harbour are all lovely options and are especially peaceful in the early morning or late afternoon. If you fancy some added entertainment, grab yourself some fish and chips and take a spot overlooking the beaches of Castletown, Derbyhaven or Gansey – the three most popular bays for the island’s windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Top Dog-Friendly Things to See and Do on the Isle of Man
If you can’t wait to start exploring the island with your dog, you will find a large number of dog-friendly activities and attractions waiting for you. To learn about Manx history, a trip to Peel Castle is definitely recommended. Originally built by Vikings, the remains of the impressive castle stand proud on St Patrick’s Isle, connected to the island by a causeway, and are managed by Manx National Heritage. With dogs welcome in the grounds, you can explore the castle ruins at your own pace and admire the views of the coast.
Another must-see is the Great Laxey Waterwheel, or ‘Lady Isabella’ as she is otherwise known. Designed by a Victorian engineer in 1854, this extraordinary working waterwheel is the largest of her kind in the world, reaching a mighty 72ft high.
If you are staying near Douglas, you can pop your fluffy friend on their lead and wander up to see the Grand Union Camera Obscura, the old Douglas Head Amphitheatre, the William Hillary Statue and the Douglas Head Lighthouse. To take the weight off tired feet and paws, the Isle of Man Steam Railway, the Manx Electric Railway and the Snaefell Mountain Railway all invite two and four-legged voyagers to enjoy the island’s landscapes from a comfortable window seat.
If you both still have energy to burn, there are plenty of walking opportunities too, as much of the island is untouched and undeveloped. With 18 national glens and 100 miles of coast, you will be spoilt for choice; however, we particularly recommend Spooyt Vane (“White Spout”) Waterfall from Glen Wyllin, Ramsey Glens and Ballure Reservoir, the Langness Peninsula, and Ballaglass Glen. For photographers and trusty four-pawed assistants, the walk from Port Erin to Chasms and Sugarloaf Rock is well worth the ramble.
Food and Drink to Try While Visiting the Isle of Man
Traditionally, the main dish of the Isle of Man has been “Spuds and Herrin”, a hearty plate consisting of boiled potatoes and herring. Nowadays though, the island’s restaurants pull out all the stops to provide culinary savants with a wealth of flavourful local dishes. If you want to sample popular delicacies, try Manx kippers, local crab, lobster and scallops. Queen Scallops (Queenies) in particular are a firm-favourite for the melt-in-the-mouth texture and sweet flavour. For pud, you can’t beat a chunk of Peel flapjack either!
If you would like to dine out with your dog, the island’s Dogs Welcome Scheme highlights the many cafés, pubs and restaurants that are not just dog-friendly but go above and beyond to ensure your faithful friend is happy. Some great dog-friendly choices are the Boatyard Restaurant in Peel, the Tea Junction in Douglas, and the Raven Pub in Ballaugh.
Book Your Stay on the Isle of Man
Now you know what to see, do and eat on this incredible island, why not book your dog-friendly accommodation on the Isle of Man? We’ve recently added a collection of cottages, houses and apartments in this stunning destination. Head over your our Isle of Man page to peruse the available options for you and your four-legged friend.
