If you are looking for a holiday with a difference, then the Isle of Man is the perfect destination for your 2017 getaway.
Just a short ferry journey from England and Ireland, the Isle of Man has something for everyone, and with more than 900,000 offer seats available with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in 2017, now is a great time to book your trip.
Bookings open on Friday (14th October) for sailings from Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin straight into the heart of the Island’s capital, Douglas. The Steam Packet Company operates two vessels, Ben-my-Chree and fast craft Manannan, both offering comfortable lounges, a choice of delicious refreshments, an on-board shop and the convenience of taking your car, motorbike or bicycle with you.
You can also reserve your seats in advance, or book one of Ben-my-Chree’s en-suite four-berth cabins so you arrive refreshed and relaxed.
Plus, with no luggage fees, you can bring everything you need for a great holiday and take home some Manx treats.
The Isle of Man boasts stunning scenery, from the sparkling sea and sandy beaches to the spectacular views enjoyed from the hills. Take your car and you are free to explore from the northern tip, the Point of Ayre, all the way down to the southernmost point, The Sound.
You can discover the fascinating story of the Isle of Man’s heritage at remarkable sites and museums, including the Viking castle in Peel, the medieval monastic complex at Rushen Abbey and the award-winning Manx Museum in Douglas.
The Island is also a playground for the adventurous, with hiking routes, mountain bike trails, coastal kayaking and Segway riding just a few of the activities on offer. And don’t forget to bring your golf clubs to sample one of the many wonderful courses.
There are plenty of family activities to enjoy, plus chances to spot a rich variety of wildlife – basking sharks and dolphins are known to visit Manx waters during the summer, so keep your eyes peeled!
The Isle of Man also has a well-deserved reputation as a haven for ‘foodies’, with fresh, locally-caught seafood and locally-reared meat among the delicacies featured on many restaurant menus.
The Steam Packet has a range of special offer fares during 2017. Two people travelling with a car can choose from three-day, five-day and any length of stay options with prices starting from just £62 each way. There are also special offers for up to four people travelling with a car with the return of the Starlight and Day Trip offers.
For families planning ahead for their 2017 summer getaway, the Steam Packet Company is again running its popular Kids Go Free offer. Two people travelling with a car between 4th July 2017 and 31st August 2017 will be able to take up to three children for free.
If you’re travelling on foot, adult fares start from just £18 and children from just £9. Infants aged under four continue to travel for free.
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We want to encourage as many people as possible to visit our wonderful Island home, whether they are making a welcome return to the Isle of Man or coming for the first time.
‘There really is something for everyone as the Island has so much to offer, and with more than 900,000 offer seats available in 2017 there are plenty of opportunities to secure our lowest prices and discover the magic of the Isle of Man.’
Bookings can be made now at www.steam-packet.com, where you will also find details of all special offers, including full terms and conditions.
Photograph: Peel Castle in the Isle of Man
(Manx National Heritage)
