You’re never too far from a beach in the Isle of Man. From the popular tourist haunts to the secret little coves, I know them all. And in this article, I’ll be sharing 15 of the best Isle of Man beaches so that you can check them out for yourself.
One of my favourite things about living on the Isle of Man is the endless glorious beaches. Rain or shine, a stroll on the beach is my all-time favourite way to clear the head. So there aren’t many days that you won’t find me on one coastal walk or another with our little pup Ronnie.
We are incredibly fortunate when it comes to our local beaches. Compared to other UK beach destinations such as Bournemouth or Cornwall, you could say that the Isle of Man beaches are almost secluded. Even during our busiest months of the year, it’s easy to find a spot all to yourself.
Not only that, most of our beaches are utterly pristine. By that, I mean little to no rubbish and sparkling blue water that invites you to dive in every time you look at it. Not to mention the diverse jaw-dropping surroundings that make each beach unique and exciting.
But with all that said, let’s get into what you came here for. Here’s my list of the 15 best beaches on the Isle of Man.
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The 15 Best Beaches on the Isle of Man
From sandy beaches and pebble beaches; to secret beaches and popular beaches; to beaches that are perfect for water sports or beaches where you can walk your dog, we’ve got them all here on the Isle of Man.
With this in mind, I’ve tried to make this list as diverse and inclusive as possible. I’ll also include any handy information that I think you might need, such as whether the beach is dog-friendly/kid-friendly, if it’s sandy or pebbles, if there are any facilities nearby, that kind of thing.
1. Port Erin Beach
I’ll start with what’s probably my favourite beach on the Isle of Man. Please don’t hold me to that, though, as once I start working my way through this list, it’s likely I’ll change my mind.
It is certainly up there, though, as one of the best on the island for many reasons. First of all, it’s sandy which always earns some brownie points. But it’s also coved and sheltered, meaning the water is often calm.
For this reason, Port Erin Beach is a firm favourite among locals and tourists alike. You’ll often find families here during the Summer taking a dip and relaxing on the beach.
It’s also popular for water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the day from 1st May to 30th September.
- Facilities: A promenade runs adjacent to the beach with various bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Parking: Free parking is available along the promenade.
2. Peel Beach
Peel Beach is one of the most unique beaches on the island. Actually, it’s up there as one of the most impressive beaches I’ve ever visited.
That’s because of the medieval Peel Castle ruins that dominate the beachside view. I won’t go into too much detail about the castles’ compelling history here; but, it’s one of the most interesting historical attractions on the Isle of Man, so don’t miss it.
Besides the ruins, Peel Beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Being a sandy beach, it’s ideal for family picnics and the kids running around.
Plus it’s one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset. It’s no wonder that it’s a firm favourite amongst us locals.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the day from 1st May to 30th September.
- Facilities: A promenade runs adjacent to the beach with various cafes, ice-cream parlours, and pubs.
- Parking: Ample free parking available around the harbour.
3. Fenella Beach (Peel)
We don’t need to travel too far for our next Isle of Man beach. You’ll find Fenella Beach tucked away beneath Peel Castle. It’s a bit of a hidden gem really, as most people head to the main beach in Peel.
I’d argue that Fenella Beach is more picturesque than Peel Beach. A small sheltered cove overlooked by the enchanting Peel Castle, it’s quite a dramatic and extraordinary scene.
It’s also not uncommon to spot a variety of marine life here. We’ve seen both seals and dolphins from this very spot.
I encourage you to take a walk up Peel Hill to the left of the beach for a stunning birds-eye view.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted all year round.
- Facilities: The beautiful Peel Harbour is nearby, where there’s a selection of pubs, restaurants, and the famous kipper factory.
- Parking: Ample free parking available around the harbour.
4. Laxey Beach
Bordered by the scenic Laxey hills, Laxey Beach provides another quaint beach setting here on the island. It’s fairly sheltered and accessible, so it’s especially popular during the Summer.
The mile or so stretch of bay is a mixture of sand and pebbles. You’ll find it gets sandier the closer you get to the water. The water is generally calm and clear, ideal for swimmers and gentle water sports.
Alongside the beach, a few other attractions are nearby, such as the Laxey Wheel, the electric railway to Snaefell mountain, and various coastal and woodland walks.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the day from 1st May to 30th September.
- Facilities: A promenade runs adjacent to the beach with a couple of cafes and ice-cream parlours – Don’t miss The Shed, one of our favourite cafes on the island.
- Parking: Free parking is available along the promenade.
5. Secret Beach (Douglas)
This next Isle of Man beach isn’t exactly a secret by definition of the word; however, it is tucked away and rarely frequented by others. I also don’t know its real name, or even if it has a name, so I call it ‘Secret Beach.’
You’ll find Secret Beach beneath the Douglas Head Viewpoint and a little further down from the Douglas Lighthouse. It’s a small coved pebble beach surrounded by dramatic dark cliffs that again proves an extraordinary view.
I prefer this beach over Douglas beach for swimming. As not only is it secluded, but there is less seaweed which means I spend less time squealing like a lil biatch in the water.
It’s also an excellent spot for snorkelling and just a really cool place to hang out in general.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted all year round.
- Facilities: It’s pretty secluded here with no facilities around.
- Parking: Parking is available at Douglas Head or the Small Carpark opposite the lighthouse. Be sure to check the signs for any parking restrictions.
6. Douglas Beach
While Douglas Beach isn’t necessarily my favourite beach on the Isle of Man, it is my local beach. So I certainly spend more time on this one than any other on the island.
Don’t get me wrong; it’s a beautiful beach. Particularly as you make your way to the Southern End, where it’s mostly sandy.
I just have a hard time swimming here as there tends to be a lot of seaweed, which gives me the willies when it brushes past me.
We love to walk our dog here, though, or to sit and relax on a Summers day. There are gorgeous views of the surrounding landscapes, and the tower of refuge makes for an interesting scene.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the day from 1st May to 30th September.
- Facilities: There are plenty of facilities along the promenade and in Douglas town.
- Parking: Parking is available alongside the beach, but there may be restrictions, so be sure to check the signs.
7. Dhoon Glen Beach
Alongside our immaculate beaches, we have 18 national glens on the Isle of Man that are a blessing to our natural world.
There are our mountain glens, and then there are coastal glens. When you explore the coastal glens, it usually results in a stunning secluded beach at the end.
One of the most breathtaking glens on the island is Dhoon Glen. With its rugged landscapes and majestic waterfalls, it feels almost tropical and often reminds me of Bali.
The hike down into the glen can be treacherous and steep at times. But if you don’t mind the challenge, you’ll come out to a beautiful remote bay overlooking the sea.
This one is a real hidden gem with a fascinating history. It’s believed locals sent packhorses through the glen to smuggle contraband onto the island back in the day.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted all year round.
- Facilities: It’s relatively secluded here with no facilities around.
- Parking: Free Parking is available at the glen’s entrance and opposite Dhoon Glen Halt.
8. Ramsey Beach
To get to this next beach, you’ll have to travel all the way to the North of the island.
It sounds far, but considering that the Isle of Man is only 32 miles long, it isn’t far at all. Although, to a Manx person, travelling from the South to the North is equivalent to going on holiday.
Anyway, I digress. It’s certainly worth making the trip up North not only for the beach and other local attractions but because of the weather.
Yep, statistically, Ramsey is the sunniest and warmest part of the island. It’s no wonder the locals class it as a holiday after all.
The beach itself is nice, not my favourite admittedly, but still worth a visit. It’s reasonably sandy with a gentle slope down to the sea, so you’ll enjoy sunbathing here or a fun day out with all the family.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on the Northern beach but banned on the South.
- Facilities: A promenade runs adjacent to the beach; however, it’s limited in terms of facilities. There are various bars and restaurants within Ramsey town.
- Parking: Parking is available alongside the beach, but there may be restrictions, so be sure to check the signs. There are free parking spaces in the nearby Mooragh Park.
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9. Point of Ayre Beach
The Point of Ayre is the Isle of Mans most northern point. It’s marked with an iconic looking lighthouse which also happens to be the oldest lighthouse on the island.
This part of the island is pretty remarkable. It’s one of the most remote and unspoiled coastal areas, attracting nesting birds, flying gannets, and the occasional seal.
With its gravelly beach and dramatic sea current, it’s not the ideal spot for a beach day or swimming. But for nature and wildlife lovers, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted all year round but keep them on a lead so not to interfere with the birds nesting.
- Facilities: There are no facilities around as such, but it’s worth popping in the visitor centre when it’s open to learn more about the local wildlife.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available.
10. Jurby Beach
Located just south of the Point of Ayre, Jurby Beach is one of the most interesting beaches on the Isle of Man. Not only providing the isolation and solitude that’s prominent in these parts, but it’s an area of coastline steeped in history.
Interestingly, this beach and the surrounding area has been the site of numerous excavations uncovering Viking artefacts that are now on display in the Manx Museum.
Not only that, in 1931, a fishing boat collided here during gale-force winds and the crew had to be rescued. Due to adverse weather conditions, they couldn’t salvage the wreck, so now, you can visit the shipwreck on the beach during low tide. Pretty cool, huh?
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted all year round.
- Facilities: There are facilities in Jurby Village.
- Parking: There is a car park a short walk from the beach
11. Kirk Michael Beach
Kirk Michael Beach makes up most of the North-West coastline of the island.
It’s a vast stretch of shingle and sand that gets sandier the closer you get to the water. With this in mind, the best time to visit is when the tide is out.
Being a little bit out of the way, it’s considerably more remote than other more popular beaches on the island. We love this as we often find ourselves alone there, other than the odd dog walker.
Our favourite time to come is in the afternoons during the warmer months, as we can catch a few rays and stick around to watch the sunset.
Being a west-facing beach, we’ve seen some pretty awesome sunsets in these parts.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted all year round.
- Facilities: There are no facilities around; however, Kirk Michael village is just a 15-minute walk away.
- Parking: Free parking is available – follow Google maps to Kirk Michael Beach Car Park.
12. Port Cornaa
We are heading over to the island’s east coast now, and I warned you I’d do this, but Port Cornaa is one of my favourite spots on the island.
To experience the beauty of this area in its entirely, I suggest walking through the enchanting Ballaglass Glen – one of the most beautiful Victorian Glens on the island – to reach the hidden cove of Port Cornaa.
Through the glen, you’ll encounter all kinds of natural wonders such as majestic streams and waterfalls, as well as the ruins of historical buildings. There’s also various sculptures and other attractions which can be magical for children.
As you follow the river down to the valley, you’ll eventually reach Port Cornaa. It’s not a strenuous walk, but there’s a lot to see.
Over the years, storms have caused an enormous barrier of pebbles and during high waters, there’s a ‘blue lagoon’ that you can swim in.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted all year round.
- Facilities: There are no facilities around
- Parking: Free parking is available at the Ballaglass Glen car park.
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13. Port Soderick Beach
If you enjoy exploring on foot, you’re going to love all the fantastic walks here on the Isle of Man. One of which is the ‘Raad Ny Foillan’ meaning ‘The Way of the Gull’ – the coastal path that goes all around the island.
One of the best places to walk the Raad Ny Foillan, where you can appreciate the islands rugged coastal landscapes, is Marine Drive. Just follow the blue signs pictured below from Douglas Town centre, and you’ll get to Marine Drive in around 15-minutes.
Once you get to Marine Drive, it’s around a 40-minute walk to Port Soderick Beach. It’s no hardship, though! With its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sea views, it’s one of the most beautiful spots on the island.
I have to say; the journey is probably better than the destination when it comes to this Isle of Man beach. Port Soderick was a booming tourist spot back in the day, but sadly, it’s a bit run down now. Still worth the journey nonetheless, if not for the views alone.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted all year round.
- Facilities: There are no facilities around
- Parking: Free parking is available at Port Sorderick Glen Car Park. Or walk from Marine drive as suggested.
14. Garwick Beach
At the foot of yet another coastal glen, this time, Garwick Glen, lie the serene and picturesque Garwick Beach.
You’ve probably noticed a pattern by now, but Garwick Beach truly is unlike any other beach on the Isle of Man. In fact, I find it hard to believe that it belongs on the island at all.
It is a secluded cove complete with dazzling clear waters and overhanging trees; it reminds me of the kind of beach you’d find in Thailand or the Philippines.
There’s also a cave known as Dirk Haiterick’s Cave that lies behind the beach. It is thought to have been used by smugglers in the 18th century.
All things considered, Garwick Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking for an off the beaten path adventure here on the island.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted all year round.
- Facilities: There are no facilities around.
- Parking: Free parking is available – follow Google Maps to Garwick Beach.
15. White Beach (Niarbyl)
Last but by no means least on our list of Isle of Man beaches is Traie Vane – best known as White Beach. Located on the west coast off Niarbyl Bay, it’s another prime spot for astonishing views and unforgettable sunsets.
Of course, you may have already guessed that there’s something that makes this beach stand out from the rest, and you’d be right. The coastline is made up of small white pebbles, which a local legend suggests is the currency of the mermaid kingdom. Yes, the mermaid kingdom.
Local folklore and other interesting facts about the Isle of Man is a whole different story. But regardless of what you believe, White Beach (not to be confused with White Strand Beach to the North of Peel) is well worthy of a visit.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted all year round.
- Facilities: Niarbyl Cafe is nearby, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks with a view.
- Parking: Free parking is available at the Niarbyl Cafe and Visitor Centre.
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Enjoy Our Isle of Man Beaches!
Well, that concludes our list of the best beaches on the Isle of Man. I hope you found it helpful. What beach are you looking forward to visiting the most? Do you have any other questions or feedback?
Let us know! We love hearing from you. You can reach out to us in the comment section below.
Stay adventurous and happy travels.
Planning a trip to the Isle of Man? Check out our Isle of Man series to help with inspiration.
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One Response
Thanks for this great guide. I’ve been in Douglas for a few days with work and managed to get away for a lunch swim at Secret Beach. There was a seal swimming there, too! Beautiful!