Rolling hills, pebble beaches, and a history that dates back to before the Vikings: this extraordinary island in the Irish Sea can seem like the British Isles in miniature — though it’s much more than that. Located between the coasts of Northern Ireland and northwest England, the proudly autonomous Isle of Man is just 32 miles long and 14 miles wide and has a land and culture all its own, down to its native Manx language and what is claimed to be the world’s oldest parliament. From woodland glens to the sand dunes of the Ayres, the moorland-covered peak of Snaefell to the rocky islets off its southern coast, the Isle of Man’s variety of natural habitats make it a haven for wildlife, including puffins, dolphins, and the rare, tailless Manx cat. The villages and towns here offer a glimpse into an older way of life, from the thatched crofts of Cregneash to the Victorian terraces of Douglas.

Flights depart for Ronaldsway Airport (IOM), a five-minute drive from Castletown, from Liverpool, Bristol, London, Belfast, and Dublin. A bus service from the terminal will take you to Castletown, Port St Mary, or Port Erin. An alternative way to reach the island is by ferry from Heysham or Liverpool; seasonal ferries operate from Belfast and Dublin. The Isle of Man has a bus network operating across the island, as well as seasonal heritage rail services — the Steam Railway, the Electric Railway, and the Snaefell Mountain Railway. There are also trams running within the town of Douglas, and taxi companies in the main towns. Car hire is available on the island, as are motorbikes, which are quite popular.

Spring and summer are particularly enjoyable times to visit the island, whereas autumn and winter can get rainy and chilly. At the end of May the famous TT Races turn the whole island into a hair-raising racing circuit, attracting some of the most celebrated motorcyclists in the world. The festive atmosphere is palpable, although you can also get a taste of it during the island’s other major events, be it in the beer and cider festival in spring or the film, literature, and food and drink festivals in autumn. Summer is the time for agricultural shows, which are major events for the rural communities — and an excuse for the island to show off its surprisingly large collection of classic cars.

Maughold

This small northeastern parish with a coastline of cliffs and coves is full of delights. There’s a 12th-century church whose graveyard is decorated with ancient Celtic and Viking crosses; Dhoon Glen, with its 40-metre-drop waterfall; and Ballaglass Glen, one of the prettiest woods on the island, plus the 4,000-year-old Neolithic burial tomb of Cashtal yn Ard down the road.

The town of Peel

Looking west across the Irish Sea, the seaside town of Peel enjoys beautiful sunsets backed by the atmospheric outline of an 11th-century Viking castle. The walls and towers of its red sandstone fortress remain intact and provide an ideal viewing spot. There’s also a sandy beach and a chance to try a traditional Manx kipper in the place where they’re smoked.

The Sound

At the island’s southernmost point, this narrow body of water separates the coast from the Calf of Man, a rocky islet that’s a protected breeding habitat for seabirds and other wildlife. You can book a boat trip across to the Calf, or just take it in from the shore; nearby footpaths and coastal walks will also lead you to the charming village of Cregneash, or the dramatic limestone crevasses of the Chasms.