Disclaimer: Not a PR review – just our own little family adventure that started as “a quick work trip” and turned into “pack your bags kids, we’re going to the Isle of Man!”
So here’s how it went down: It was M’s birthday week, I already had some work booked in the Isle of Man, and in true multitasking parent fashion thought, “Why not make it a mini getaway?” A little work, a little play, and probably a lot of snacks.
The Road Trip Chaos Begins
You can get the ferry from either Liverpool or Heysham – we went with Heysham because, well, we’re creatures of convenience (and partial to a stop at the services for emergency sandwiches and cookies ).
So off we went.. road trip mode activated, playlist on, snacks packed, and the kids fully committed to the “are we there yet?” game before we’d even left the driveway. Classic.
All Aboard the Steam Packet Ferry
Fast forward through toilet stops, snack negotiations, and the ritual “quick stretch in the car park,” we finally made it to the port. Boarding the Steam Packet ferry was smoother than expected, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect.
Now, my kids aren’t strangers to ferries – they’ve been on one to Disneyland before – but they’re grownish now, with very big personalities. So, I was fully prepared for arguments over window seats or who gets the last packet of crisps.
But plot twist.. they spent the entire journey in the soft play area. The entire journey. Meanwhile, I sat back with a coffee (or three), silently thanking the ferry gods for this brief window of parental peace.
First Impressions: Slower Pace, Friendlier Faces
Landing in the Isle of Man felt instantly different – calm, quiet, and refreshingly familiar. No need to adjust to driving on the “other side” of the road, and everyone just seemed… nice. Like movie-set nice.
Quick stop at the local supermarket for essentials (read: snacks and milk), and I swear the entire experience felt like stepping into Hot Fuzz. If you know, you know – the kind of small-town charm where everyone smiles, waves, and probably knows your name before you’ve paid for your loaf of bread.
Our Stay: The Witches Mill, Castletown
Then it was off to Castletown .. our home for the next few days – at The Witches Mill (you can read the full review here). The name alone had me intrigued before we’d even pulled into the driveway. A quirky, historic spot that perfectly fit our theme of “weirdly wonderful weekend away.”
Castletown itself has that lovely, old-world vibe. Cobbled streets, castle views, and that cozy seaside town feeling where you half expect to bump into a friendly local dog everywhere you go.
Exploring the Isle of Man
Over the few days, we managed to squeeze in a mix of adventure and downtime. From wandering around the charming towns and visiting the Curraghs Wildlife Park (where the red panda decided to ghost us, but the porcupines more than made up for it), to scenic drives where we’d pull over just to admire the views – the island has a certain magic about it.
The kids loved the freedom, I loved the slower pace, and honestly, I can see why people fall in love with this place.
Things to Do on the Isle of Man (a.k.a. How to Keep the Kids Entertained and the Parents Sane)
If you’re planning your own Isle of Man adventure – here are a few spots that made it onto our radar (and a few that made it onto our “next time” list).
Curraghs Wildlife Park
A lovely outdoor day with nature trails, boardwalks, and plenty of animals – even if the red panda pulled a no-show (rude). The porcupines, however, were very much awake and ready for their close-up.
The Great Laxey Wheel & Railway
One for the history lovers and mini train enthusiasts. The Laxey Wheel is huge (and very photogenic), and the little railway ride is perfect for kids who think every vehicle needs snacks onboard.
Castle Rushen
Right in Castletown – and honestly, it looks like something straight out of a storybook. Expect winding staircases, dramatic views, and kids pretending they’re knights or royalty (while you sneak in a coffee break).
Peel & the Coastal Walks
Beautiful seaside town vibes. Think sandy toes, fish and chips, and views that make you forget about Wi-Fi. Perfect for an afternoon stroll or to let the kids burn off that “ferry energy.”
The Witches Mill
And of course – our own base for the weekend. Quirky, mysterious, and totally different from your usual family stay. (Full review here).
Little Parent-to-Parent Tip:
The Isle of Man is the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. No mad rush, no queues that make you question your life choices – just wholesome, family-friendly exploring with a hint of magic.
Would We Go Back? Absolutely.
The Isle of Man surprised us in the best way possible.. it’s got that old-school charm, stunning scenery, and the kind of calm that makes you forget what day it is (until the kids remind you they’re hungry again).
For a place that wasn’t even on our original travel list, it turned out to be one of those trips that just worked. We laughed, explored, caffeinated heavily, and found a little bit of magic tucked between the sea breeze and friendly faces.
So yes – we’ll definitely be back. Maybe next time with less work, more play, and hopefully a red panda that actually shows up.
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- That time we slept in a Mill – The Witches Mill, Castletown, Isle of Man
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