Cottage Holidays in Douglas

The Isle of Man (or 'Ellan Vannin' in the native tongue) is a self-governing British Crown Dependency situated in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. As well as the main island there are also three smaller islands off the coast - St Patrick's Isle, St Michael's Isle and the Calf of Man, making it a charming destination for a self-catering holiday. The island's capital is the town of Douglas; other towns include Peel, Castletown and Ramsey. It also has its own parliament - one of the oldest continual parliaments in the world - known as the Tynwald.

The island is influenced by Gaelic culture and is therefore steeped in Celtic mythology with several tales of giants, faeries and evil spirits. It is also associated with the Manx cat - a breed of cat with no discernable tail - and its famous flag - whose symbol is the 'three-legged' Manx triskelion. Another claim to fame is the annual T.T (Tourist Trophy) racing - a motorcycle road race event which takes place in the early summer months.

The Isle of Man is well suited for a Food and Drink Short Break with many seafood eateries on the island. Manx cheese produced on the island has also recently increased in popularity.

The landscape is varied having mountains, plains and valleys and for those on a walking break there is the 95 miles of 'Raad ny Foillan' coastal footpath to savour. Despite its relatively small size there are many wildlife sites and nature reserves to visit.

Other places to see on the Isle of Man include Snaefell - the island's highest peak at just over 2,000 feet, the remote coastal sites of Chicken Rock (with its lighthouse) and the Point of Ayre, Bishopscourt Glen and historic Peel Castle.