iKnow North West
- Castletown, Port St Mary, Port Erin & South
- Around Douglas
- Douglas
- Laxey & East
- Peel & West
- Ramsey & North
Douglas Accommodation
The Victorian Promenade at Douglas
The Douglas Coast
Hop on the Steam or Electric Railway at Douglas
The Beautiful Gaiety Theatre in Douglas designed by Frank MatchamIsle of Man Tourist Information Douglas Onchan Manx Museum History Railway
As you'd except in the Capital of the Isle of Man, Douglas is a hive of activity crammed with entertainment, accommodation, theatre, restaurants and is home to the beautiful quayside 'Villa Marina. Featured favourite tourist attractions in Douglas include the Victorian facade of the promenade, the award winning Manx Museum, Noble's Park and just to the north in Onchan there traditional kids seaside fun at Onchan Pleasure Park.
Theatre History
If you've an interest in theatre history you will marvel at the stunning Victorian theatre - the Gaiety Theatre - in Douglas designed by the famous theatre architect Frank Matcham. Matcham's work never disappoints, both inside and out, and with only a few of his surviving pieces left viewing his work is an opportunity not to be missed.
Other famous Matcham works include the splendid Tower Ballroom and circus in Blackpool, the Olympia Theatre, Liverpool and the Grand Theatre, Blackpool. There is something magical to stepping into one of Matcham's theatres. He was a fascinating character, reigning supreme in theatre design at the end of the 19th/early 20th century. He never qualified officially as an architect and was dismissed by the architectural 'fraternity of the late Victorian and Edwardian era. This it seems was to our advantage, as his flamboyance and originality is totally unique.
Take time to visit the Gaiety Theatre during your stay in Douglas. See a show, or take one of the guided tours. Matcham's work is a theatrical event in itself! Also to look forward to is the renovation of something called the Camera Obscura
Gaiety Theatre, Douglas tel: +44 (0) 1624 625001 www.frankmatchamsociety.org.uk
The Manx Museum & The Story of Mann
The Manx Museum in Douglas, established in 1922 is a great placed to start for exploring Manx history. The museum has been extended and vastly improved recently. To set the scene and context there's an informative documentary taking you through all the key events in Manx history including Viking invasions and more.
There's also a new Prehistoric Archaeology Gallery which was winner of the 'Museum of the Year' award as the best new Archaeology Gallery in the British Isles, as well as a temporary exhibition gallery, forming part of a phased redesign of all the Museum's major galleries. You'll find a fascinating collection of Manx crosses at the museum also, which blend Celt and Viking styles.
Free Entrance, open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm all year round.
The Manx Museum & The Story of Mann, Douglas http://www.gov.im/mnh/ManxMuseum.asp
Douglas Steam Railway & the Manx Electric Railway
Both the Steam Railway and the Manx Electric Railway start in Douglas, but the Steam Railway heads off south to Port Erin, whereas the electric railway heads off north to Ramsey.
On the Victorian Steam Railway - start the 15 mile journey (which only takes approximately 45 minutes) to Port Erin in the south from Douglas. The Victorian station at Douglas has been lovingly preserved. The line was once part of a 50 mile steam rail network established in the late 1800s on the Isle of Man, and this 15 mile southern stretch is the only surviving part of that network. It stands as the longest narrow gauge steam line in British Isles, and runs through Ballsalla, Castletown, Port St Mary and finally Port Erin. The trains running on this line are Beyer-Peacock 2-4-0 locomotives dated around 1874, whereas rolling stock dates from 1881. The trains used on this line date from around 1874 and again are lovingly maintained. It really is a magical journey and once you get to Port Erin why not visit the Railway Museum to learn more about these Victorian Railways.
The Manx Electric Railway dates from 1893, and it's electric powered trams with overhead wires run parallel to the roads (motorists watch out!), and follow a route up through Laxey crossing the junction with the Snaefell Mountain Railway (you can always hop off and join this line!), then it heads up to Ramsey. You can climb aboard at the Northern end of the Douglas Prom
www.isle-of-man.com/heritage/transport/index.shtml
Douglas Promenade & Summerland Complex Douglas Theatre & Film
A great way to view the Victorian Douglas Promenade is by horse-drawn tram, a tradition which dates back to 1876. They run in the summer only along the full stretch of Douglas' two mile prom!
The Summerland Complex offers a range of facilities including plenty for kids. On offer is a cinema, Children's Soft Play Area, lots of sports including Squash, Badminton, Basketball, Five-a-Side Football, tennis, roller skating, volleyball, Indoor Golf Simulator, Sports Bar, a Nightclub and a Spa Suite.
Summerland Leisure Complex, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 2TB Tel: +44 (0) 1624 625511
Gaiety Theatre, Harris Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2HH, T:01624 625001 www.iom.com/gaietytheatre
The Groudle Glen Railway
Just north of Douglas is the beautiful Groudle Glen Railway which has a fascinating history. It was established in the Groundle Glen alongside the introduction of sea lions and polar bears, and ferried Victorian visitors to coastal inlets.
It was a particularly popular area, and now this line has been restored and again ferries visitors. Trains running on the line now are mostly diesel and the scenery is idyllic, taking you through woodland, the Swiss type chalet canopy building at Lhen Coan, and running from Headland through to Sea Lion Rocks Terminus.
Contact 01624 670453 or 622138 for details.
Douglas Sport & Leisure
National Sports Centre, Groves Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 1RB, Tel: +44 (0) 1624 688588
