Essentials

Getting there

easyJet (easyjet.com) flies to the Isle of Man from London Gatwick; Flybe (flybe.com) offers return flights from Manchester and Birmingham.

For ferry services from Heysham and Liverpool see directferries. co.uk.

Staying there

The Mannin Hotel (01624 602555; manninhotel.im) just off Douglas promenade is the island’s newest hotel and has 54 smart, unfussy bedrooms, some with partial sea views, and an excellent restaurant; doubles from £100 a night, including breakfast.

Dining out

The convivial Courthouse (01624 672555; the-courthouse. com) combines bar and restaurant and has dinner main courses from £10 and a wide range of vegetarian options.

The more intimate harbourside 14North (01624 664414; 14north. im) has a relaxed atmosphere and six mains from £15.25.

Rail heritage

The Isle of Man’s railways and trams operate until Nov 5 and resume next spring. Go Explore cards (01624 662525; rail.im) offer unlimited travel on all rail and bus services. A one-day card costs £16; three days, £32; five days, £39; seven days, £47.

The Manx Heritage Transport Festival (July 26-30) celebrates the railways and trams with tours, displays and commemorative trains.

The TT festival: May 27-June 9.

Further information visitisleofman. com.