Isle of Man?

[downbytheseaside]

Does anyone live on the Isle of Man? DH has been offered a job over there. I can see it's a rather small island and I can't see that there's a great deal to do, except outdoorsy type things. Anyone?

It's a bit like Marmite.
DH loves it, DD and I would go home tomorrow.
It has it's attractions, beautiful countryside, beautiful beaches, safe for kids. But it is miserable in winter, most stuff is outdoorsy. It is very, very, very limiting, we've been here for quite a while (12yrs on and off), you get sick of doing the same old things, eating at the same old places. Shopping is poor, though we have a lovely Marksies, most UK companies deliver though.
The boat is expensive, if you've got family across it is hard work.
Secondary schooling is meh, better than some places across, worse than others, but nothing to write home about.
Primary is nice, no SATs, so less pressure, most primarys are lovely.
It is expensive in general, but you'll pay less tax. Fuel is dear, but you'll use less of it.

Is there anything that you particularly wanted to know?
You'll probably get some Manx replies, telling you it is the best place on earth and I'll get my arse handed to me on a plate 😂

I worked there for a month in mid winter and loved it. If a suitable job appeared I would go back like a shot.

Natives are incredibly welcoming, excellent seafood beautiful countryside. Not that expensive at all if comparing to the south east or Dublin.

If you don’t throw yourself into the local community it might feel rather isolating quick though. They hate ‘comeovers’ who don’t put a big effort in to mix.

I lived there for four years. Admittedly, it was a while ago. It’s a great place to live but if you don’t plan regular trips to the U.K. (the island is GB, not U.K., they used to say - that can affect your pension rights) you might get stir crazy.

They hate ‘comeovers’ who don’t put a big effort in to mix.

Really, they don't.
Whilst there are jokes about comeovers and stopovers, I've never in 12yrs felt unwelcome. But some local community things can be a little cliquey and very hard to break into, others are fine. I've had a few shocking experiences and some fab.

A month is nothing, that's a honeymoon lol, we happily did 7yrs, but it's been downhill from then on.

Thank you! I'm not really looking to move, we live near Newcastle and I'm quite happy here. DH is the one pushing for it after being offered a new job. He's pretty keen but I'm concerned about there not being a lot to do especially when we have so many options where we are.

It is quite transient and a lot of people leave after a short time, but others do fall in love with the place. 50% of the population aren't Manx. DH is one of those that love the place, buy tbh I don't think it has been a great move for him, there's so much pub socialising, especially in winter, he drinks far more here. Plus he's not one for wanting to get out and about

It depends on the things that are important to you... There's lots of sport played, a good leisure centre ( though the pool is closed until next yr ...), in summer lots of biking and walking and obviously the motorbike racing. Cinemas, both of them are crap, lovely theatre though and quite a bit of am dram. Courses at the local college. Unspoilt beaches, whale watching in summer too.
But it's the winter/autumn that kills me and the summers often aren't great, plus the ferry costs make just nipping across with the car for a weekend a bit prohibitive. And you do need to get off the rock fairly often to stay sane.

we live near Newcastle and I'm quite happy here

Never underestimate how lucky you are to be happy somewhere. I hadn't realised just how happy I was at our previous location, until we'd moved away 🤦‍♀️

Can you recommend any decent hotels please @CallarMorvern?
My mum used to go for her family holidays (they lived in Liverpool). She hasn't been for many many years and I'd love to take her back, maybe next year for her 80th birthday. 🙂

horsemad

We've only stayed at The Palace, as that is where DH's company put him as part of his relocation. It's OK, nice staff, reasonable food, nice pool, but it is beginning to look a bit tired.

The Claremont is supposed to be nice.
www.claremonthoteldouglas.com

The Sefton is supposedly where the film stars stay, I've never fancied it, and the one time DH stayed there, they had no hot water in the morning
seftonhotel.co.im

The Halvard is newly renovated and is somewhere a bit different.
halvard.co.uk

All of the above are on the front, looking out to the sea from Douglas prom. There is a bit of an issue with that as the prom is having an extensive renovation, it doesn't look great and there are no horse trams at the moment. Most hotels are on that stretch.
You might actually find that the hotel where your mum stayed is still in existence, my Mum is 70 and the hotel where she spent her school holiday is still running ( though I wouldn't recommend it!)

Oh and take note of the TT/Classic TT dates, or your Mum might have a different holiday to the one you were expecting😂 Though everything will probably be booked on those dates by now.

Thanks Callar, I will try and find out where they stayed; would be nice if it's still there! 🙂

Haha, yes TT wouldn't be my fave time to visit! 😆

I loved the TT. Lots of interest, lots of visitors, and yes, my mum did pull a biker. My dad was livid.

I love the TT, the atmosphere is fab. My mil has been during TT and suprisingly had a ball. Can't be doing with the Grand Prix though.