This month the British Guild of Travel Writers held the organisation’s annual general meeting in a location which might not be the first to come to mind for a winter getaway… The Isle of Man is located in a particularly draughty corner of the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland - a fact which becomes especially apparent when an Atlantic low brings with it a Force 9 Gale.

However, this magnificent island - which is a self-governing British Crown dependency - boasts fabulous rugged coastlines, vast rural landscapes, wild moorlands, a surprising number of medieval castles, and much else. It is an absolute jewel - a wonderful surprise for anyone who thought it was just the home of UK mainlanders wanting to avoid tax and leather-clad men who like nothing more than riding motorcycles at suicidal speeds. 

The island measures approximately 33 miles in length and 13 miles in width at its widest point, encapsulating an area of around 221 square miles. Its topography is an intriguing combination - a harmonious blend of those aforementioned coastlines punctuated here or there by sandy beaches, and hills which extend ever upwards towards Snaefell, the highest peak, rising to 2,036 feet and offering panoramic views across the sea to England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales on a clear day. 

The coastline varies enormously, from dramatic cliffs to quiet hidden coves - from busy Victorian seaside resorts to tiny fishing harbours. 

Inland, the terrain is characterised by verdant valleys, woodlands, high moors and low glens, crisscrossed by a network of rivers and streams. This diverse geography not only shapes the island's distinct natural beauty but also influences its climate, culture, and way of life. 

The BGTW meeting provided a unique opportunity for some 50 travel writer members to explore the island during a time of year that is often overlooked by tourists.

Rich History and Cultural Heritage

The Isle of Man boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture, which the travel writers were able to experience first-hand thanks to the excellent programme organised by the island’s tourism department. The writer visited historic sites like the ancient fortress in the middle of Castletown and the famous Laxey Wheel, the world's largest working waterwheel. Some of the visits offered insights into the island's Viking heritage, others pointed to its industrial past. The Writers also explored the Manx Museum in Douglas, providing a deep dive into the island’s 10,000-year history.

Despite the sometimes stormy and chilly February weather, the BGTW group enjoyed the Isle of Man enormously, as various articles on this website will show.