Things to do in Douglas

Douglas has been the islands capital since 1863, and this is where most of the action on the island can be found. Its attractive seafront is lined with charming hotels and restaurants.

Douglas horse-drawn trams

The horse-drawn trams are a familiar sight on the Promenade throughout the summer months. They were established by Thomas Lightfoot in 1876 to cash in on the booming tourist trade. Today, the three-foot gauge tramway is owned and operated by Douglas Corporation. Trams run from the main depot at Derby Castle to the Sea Terminal. Running every day from May to the end of September, a lot of the original fleet of cars is still used. The tramway has operated continuously since opening, with the exception of the duration of WWII. Phone: +44 1624 675222; website: www.douglashorsetramway.net/.

Tower of Refuge

The Tower of Refuge is dramatically located in Douglas Bay and is visible from the capital city. The fortress-like structure seems to rise out of the waters. When the tide is low, you can see that it is built on a rocky reef, known as the Conister Rock. Designed in 1830, the tower was used as a shelter for those ill-fated people whose ships hit the reef. The building was initiated by Sir William Hillary, the founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. During the summer, the tower is wonderfully illuminated. The Douglas Lifeboat House on the breakwater is open to visitors.

St Thomas's Church

Built by Manx architect Ewan Christian between 1846 and 1849, St Thomass Church features early Victorian Gothic-style architecture. Local artist John Miller Nicholson painted the walls of the nave and chancel between 1896 and 1910, giving it a very impressive overall effect. Phone: +44 1624 611 503.

Camera Obscura

The first camera in this location was opened in 1887, but it burned down in the same year. Located on Douglas Head, the present Great Union Camera Obscura was opened in the 1890s. It is one of only a handful that are still open in the British Isles. The site was owned by the Heaton family from 1907 until the 1990s, and was then purchased by the Isle of Man Government for the conservation of Manx history. Originally, the camera was used to spy on other tourists at the swimming baths or on those making out on the headland.

Home of Rest for Old Horses

This retirement home for horses was set up in 1950 by Douglas Trammers. Set in 92 acres of countryside, it gives refuge for homeless and friendless horses. The home is entirely supported by voluntary contributions and is a member of the National Equine Welfare Council. An interesting museum and a well-stocked gift shop are on-site and home cooking is available in the caf. Function rooms can be rented for parties.
Phone: +44 1624 674 594.

Villa Marina

The Villa Marina is placed along Harris Promenade overlooking Douglas Bay. It began as an estate and the gardens are now open to the public year-round. In the summer, open-air concerts are held in the grounds. The main complex was restored in April 2004 and the new complex now houses a range of facilities including the Royal Hall, which is used for concerts.

Douglas Head

Douglas Head is without a doubt the best location to get a view over all of Douglas, Snaefell and the sea. The Head can easily be reached on foot from Douglas Town, even though some of the footpaths are steep and walkers should be careful. You can approach either via Head Road or up the steps and path that go from the Battery Pier at the easternmost end of South Quay. The latter route is perhaps more interesting for walkers. It enables a detour past the remnants of Port Skillion, formerly a bathing area for gents, then up past the lighthouse and the Camera Obscura.

Summerhill Glen

Summerhill Glen is a marvellously peaceful glen, situated right on the periphery of Douglas and stretching from Governors Bridge on the world famous TT mountain course to Summerhill Road at the northern end of Douglas Promenade. It can be reached via the green arched gate, located about 50 metres from the beginning of Summerhill Road. The glen is a prime example of the numerous forested Manx glens which feature waterfalls and tranquil pools which flow into the sea. In the 19th century, the glen and its river were used in combination with Douglas first drainage system. Today, little evidence remains of this previous use.

Douglas Beach

This is one of the islands finest beaches and it provides a significant recreation area for local residents and visitors alike. While the beach is mostly used for walking these days rather than being the focal point for the hordes of tourists who congregated here over the last century, it is also sometimes used by kite surfers or for beach motocross during the TT festival.

Museums
The large and well-presented Manx Museum welcomes visitors with a short presentation about the history of the Isle of Man at the Film Theatre. Visitors are led into the National Art Gallery, where they can have a look around or continue on to see the other museum exhibits. Most exhibits are interactive and visitors can sample visual and audio displays. Many of the exhibition rooms feature interactive material that has been specially designed for children. There is a stylish caf and the big Heritage Shop near the museums exit doors.

Opened in 1985, the Regimental Museum traces the history of the 15th (Isle of Man) Light AA Regiment. Established during WWII, the regiment provided some home defence for the Isle of Man. The British government funded the regiment and reserved the right to mobilise it if needed. It didnt take long before the regiment was put into action in Great Britain, France, Egypt, Eritrea, Holland, Crete, Italy, Germany and many other places.