Isle of Man Your trip planner

All the vital statistics and info

When to go

Unless you are a motorbike fan and have booked a campsite a year in advance, it’s best to avoid the time around the TT Festival, the Classic TT and the Southern 100. Dates are on the Visit Isle of Man website.

Way to go

The way to the island with a caravan is via the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (www.steam-packet.com).

Caravans are only carried on the slower Ben-my-chree vessel, which travels between Heysham and Douglas. Bookings with caravans can only be made via telephone (08722 992 992) and you’ll need to produce the written permission from the Isle of Man government in order to board the ferry at Heysham.

Getting permission

While motorhomes and campervans are welcomed on the island without issues, towed caravans have restrictions placed on them.

It’s not that they aren’t allowed, just that their numbers are regulated by way of a permit system issued by the Isle of Man government.

Officially, this is due to the “windy and sometimes narrow and tricky roads” on the island, but it could be argued that a towed caravan only needs to contend with those roads twice – once to reach the campsite and again to leave – while a large motorhome is travelling around on them all the time.

In any case, to get a permit you must submit a written request to the island’s Department of Infrastructure, including details of your proposed date of arrival and departure, the purpose of your visit and the campsite where you’ll be staying. In addition, your return ferry crossing must be within 12 weeks of your arrival.

All this needs to be sent to caravan@gov.im at least two weeks before your visit. The written permission you should receive is required to be seen by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company before they allow you to board the ferry at Heysham.

Our outfit

We towed our 2018 Xplore 304 with our 2015 Ford Grand Tourneo Connect.

Where we stayed

Ballamoar Campsite

One of the best places to stay on the Isle of Man, the Ballamoar site is located in Ballaugh Glen, just off the main A3 road in the northwest of the island.

Electric pitches are available, as is on-site Wi-fi (for a small fee). If you want to break out of your van, there’s a fully-equipped communal room with a kitchen, and the toilet/ shower facilities are topnotch. The Raven pub, a short walk away, serves excellent food, and the nearest shops are in Kirk Michael or Sulby on the A3.

Address

Ballamoar Farm, Ballamoar Lane, Ballaugh, IM7 5EE

Tel 01624 898323

Web ballamoarcampsite.im

Open End of Aprilstart of October

Charges £17.12-£67.20