Work-life balance

Measuring 33 miles long and 13 miles wide the Island is compact but home to a vibrant business centre and a stunningly diverse natural landscape. This means the average commute time is only 20 minutes. With a robust infrastructure across the Island and little overcrowding, there is ample space to breathe and enjoy what the Island has to offer. With over 86% of employers adopting flexible working practices, residents have much more time to do what they love – whether it be exploring the great Manx outdoors or spending more time with friends and family.

Scenery

The beauty of the Isle of Man is undeniable, from the quaint streets of its historic towns to the breathtaking views from its hills.The Island’s rich landscape includes 18 national glens, dozens of plantations and forests and 169 miles of public footpaths, which incorporates the world-renowned Raad Ny Foillan (English: ‘Way of the Gull’), a 102 mile coastal path skirting the Manx coastline.There is also 95 miles of coastline which includes many long stretches of beach, sandy dunes and lighthouses dotted across the shore. The Island is also home to 26 ‘Dark Sky Sites’ – the most in the British Isles.

Lifestyle

Given the Island’s outdoors lifestyle, there are plenty of outdoor activities available including a range of watersports and other sporting pursuits. For those interested in team sports, there are over 30 clubs and associations dotted across the Island covering a selection of sporting activities ranging from cycling, running, rugby, football, netball, hockey, and badminton.The Island has over 400 restaurants, bars and cafes, with the capital city of Douglas home to a variety of eateries set upon glorious sea-view backdrops. Along the Quayside and Douglas Marina you’ll find everything from family friendly dining to trendy fusion restaurants.Additionally, there are many Manx food and drink specialities, including the national dish of Manx Queenies (Queen Scallops). Many of the Island eateries advocate the use of local produce, of which there is plenty to choose from, including the Isle of Man Creamery’s cheeses and local Laughton Lamb. There are also several on-Island breweries, including Bushy’s Beer and distilleries such as Fynoderee, Outlier and Foraging Vintners, all specialising in a range of spirits including gin, rum, and speciality wines.Other things to go on the Island include:

• 9 golf clubs
• 20 heritage museums, art galleries and attractions
• 120+ hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation properties (including several glamping and yurt sites)
• Plays, operas, comedy shows, and music at the Gaiety Theatre and Villa Marina
• Monthly festivals ranging from food and beer to literature and film
• World famous TT Races

History and heritage

With a rich history dating back to before 6500 BC, the Isle of Man has huge appeal for both tourists and those wishing to make the Isle of Man their home. There are various heritage sites dotted across the Island, including Castle Rushen (‘Cashtal Rosien’ in Manx Gaelic), one of the most well preserved medieval castles in the world and the Great Laxey Wheel, the largest surviving waterwheel of its kind in the world.There are also the heritage railways, including the Isle of Man Steam Railway, the Manx Electric Railway, and the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.The Gaiety Theatre, built in 1899, is located in the centre of Douglas Promenade and hosts plays, musicals, concerts and comedy shows all year-round. The Manx Museum is also bursting with artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man, celebrating the Island’s history. The Manx National Heritage site is an informative online resource for those visiting or considering relocating to the Island that are interested in finding out further information about the Island’s historical sites.

Visit our Isle of Man section to find out more

©2024 Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.