Backpacking In The Isle Of Man: Top 9 Sights In Peel

“Are teenage dreams so hard to beat? Everytime she walks down the street” – The Undertones.

Peel, well it took me a while to unpeel this one. Whether it was orange peel, John Peel, The Undertones or the Isle Of Man one, I was ready to backpack to this western city on this marvellous island and it was a quick hop in and hop out in a few hours. Oh, by the way, I was finally in the Isle Of Man.

Wee Peel is located on the west coast of the Isle of Man, it’s a seaside city which offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. I had mere a few hours here on my mission buspacking the island for a 7 deck. I also visited Douglas, Ramsey, Laxey, Kirk Michael and of course Ronaldsway which houses the island’s airport. Despite 50 times ferrypassing the Isle Of Man, when I finally backpacked it, I flew in and out! I slept a couple of hotels – The Ascot and The Glen Mona – both were in Douglas and very textbook and typical, of dare I say it…coastal British town hotels (and yes I know Isle of Man is not the UK, but I used to work in a Bournemouth hotel).

Before I had even been to the Isle Of Man in 2022, my view on rough stormy Irish Sea waters were as glorious as this one…

I wanted to get sentimental here on the Isle Of Man – my Mum and Dad honeymooned here at the Sefton Hotel in Douglas back in 1972. I was here exactly 50 years later, which provided some nostalgic moments. I timed my trip badly – there was a major motorbike race on when I was here and so for one day, most roads were blocked and also many hotels were full, hence why I had to move hotels. I couldn’t even get a room at The Sefton Hotel even as a travel blogger! They sure as hell don’t need my publicity, especially since my visit was in the big boom year after COVID. Money, was coming back into this island.

I got a bus from Douglas on the east coast all the way to Peel on the west coast. Mum and Dad were here 50 years before me, a fact that still astounds me. They had an ice cream and hired a car. I used the local bus. But I decided on the ice cream…in Peel…

Here are six top attractions to experience in Peel, my photos from it are lost due to a broken hard drive. The ones that remain are the lucky ones I had uploaded to Facebook back in 2022. There might be a few more on Instagram.

1.Peel Castle

Officially, I left The Isle Of Man to visit Saint Patrick’s Isle here! Situated on Saint Patrick’s Isle and connected to the town by a causeway, Peel Castle dates back to the 11th century when it was originally constructed by Norwegians. Over the centuries, it has served various roles, including a Viking stronghold and an ecclesiastical site. Today, visitors can explore its ancient ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Even though I have backpacked hundreds of castles, this one is still mightily impressive. Nice work, Peelers!

2.House of Manannan

This interactive museum delves into the Isle of Man’s Celtic, Viking, and maritime heritage. Named after the mythological sea god Manannan, the museum features life-sized reconstructions, including a Celtic roundhouse and a Viking longship, offering an immersive journey through the island’s history.

3.Peel Beach

Adjacent to the town, Peel Beach boasts golden sands and clear waters, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, sunbathing, or even a refreshing swim during the warmer months.

4.Cathedral Isle Of Man

Also known as the Cathedral Church of St. German, this cathedral became the official cathedral of the island in 1980. You can call it the island’s Eponymous Cathedral/Church. Beyond its architectural beauty, the Cathedral Isle Of Man grounds feature newly designed gardens that narrate the story of Christianity on the Isle of Man from the 5th century to the present day. Backpack it in Peel.

5.Davison’s Ice Cream

Mum and Dad had ice cream on the honeymoon in some famous place. I gathered Davison’s must be the spot. It’s so famous! The range of ice cream is excellent! I had a double cone. Delicious! Banoffee Dream and Blue and Pink Bubble Gum. I love Blue food, Blue drinks and Blue hostels!

In Peel, the Isle of Man, Davison’s Ice Cream Parlour is a must-visit. This family-run establishment has been serving award-winning dairy ice cream for over 40 years. They pride themselves on using locally sourced Isle of Man double cream and butter, blended with high-quality flavorings to create a rich and creamy treat. Located on Shore Road, right along the promenade, Davison’s offers a variety of ice cream flavors, as well as handmade chocolates, light snacks, and cakes. The parlour is open year-round, with extended hours during the summer months. It’s also dog-friendly, so your furry friends are welcome to join you.

6.Fenella Bridge

Head across the Fenella Bridge which is on the way to the Castle. The Lough was a bit dried up when I was there and fishing boats used to come in this way.

7.Peel Lighthouse

Of course, Isle Of Man is in a very strategic, being in between the two islands of Great Britain and Ireland. The lighthouse is on the end of the pier and I didn’t have time to whackpack it.

8.Peel Marina and Quayside

The bustling quayside is lined with historic buildings, eateries, and shops. It’s a delightful area to explore, offering insights into Peel’s maritime heritage and providing picturesque views of fishing boats and yachts moored in the marina.

9.Pub Loyal – Marine Hotel

I had time for a quick pint farewell to Peel and I chose the Marine Hotel by the sea and had a quick one. I was taking advantage of the £7 all day bus ticket so I had to also buspack to Laxey, Ramsey, National Football Stadium and Kirk Michael on the same day, and make it back to Douglas for the night. Incidentally I caught the last bus from Laxey to do that!

As I wrote, sadly the photos and videos of Isle Of Man (and in fact all my travels from January 2022 to September 2024) are on a hard drive which doesn’t work, will hope to get it fixed and sorted.

Here are some of my videos from backpacking in Peel, Isle Of Man: