Port Erin

The small harbour of Port Erin has only a couple of fishing vessels and a handful of leisure craft using it. 

Port Erin has a reputation for being a friendly, happy, healthy and safe resort. It nestles between the Southern hills of the Isle of Man, and attracts visitors who are seeking a special place to relax and unwind. Unlike the busy finance capital of Douglas, Port Erin boasts free and easy parking; it is a family friendly resort with a gentle sloping beach of firm golden sand. The village overlooks a blue lagoon-like bay dominated by the rugged and majestic 'broad headland' known in Manx as 'Bradda'.

Port Erin is the ideal base from which to explore the treasures of a magical Island kingdom rich in history. It takes just two minutes to drive into beautiful Manx countryside, and twenty minutes to reach the bright lights of Douglas. For a more leisurely mode of transport take a ride on the Victorian Steam Railway which begins at Port Erin Station. A modern Railway Museum next door explains the history of the line. Cliff top walks take you to Fleshwick Bay or the picturesque Sound overlooking the Calf of Man near the crofters village of Cregneash.

During the Summer months mini-cruises set off from the harbour for the Calf of Man nature reserve, either to land or go round the Island. Watch out for seals sunbathing on the rocks and plentiful bird-life along the coast.

Port Erin and its folk retain old-fashioned values and you can be sure of a warm welcome. A haven of peace and tranquillity, Port Erin is the perfect setting for a memorable short break or longer holiday.

Port Erin was but a tiny fishing village before the advent of tourism saw it rapidly develop into a favourite family holiday resort with its hotels banked on the slopes overlooking the almost circular bay which protects the sandy beach. The remains of a breakwater, built to provide a safe haven for the fishing boats, can still be seen. Built of concrete blocks it survived for ten years until it was destroyed in a particularly fierce storm in 1864. More enduring is the landmark of Milner's Tower on Bradda Head. It was built in 1871 by public subscription as a memorial to the benefactor of Port Erin who did much to help the village fishermen and the poor. William Milner was a famous safemaker from Liverpool and the unusual shape of the Tower represents a key.

Today, Port Erin is as popular as ever for those seeking a relaxed holiday with superb coastal scenery and many fine walks. There are fishing trips and excursions to the Calf of Man from the small harbour. Liverpool University has its Marine Biological Station nearby while railway enthusiasts can enjoy the Museum and the Station refurbished in authentic Victorian splendour.

South of both Port St. Mary and Port Erin roads lead to the tiny village of Cregneash, where The Manx Museum and National Trust maintain an outdoor Folk Museum, the centre of which is the famous Harry Kelly's Cottage built in the early part of the eighteenth century. The interior of the two rooms and loft is complete with furnishings and objects evocative of the Manx crofting way of life that persisted to the present century. The farmstead is complete with a woodworking shed, smithy and a weaver's cottage where demonstrations are given during the summer months.

Cregneash overlooks the Sound which is a treacherous stretch of water separating the Isle of Man and the Calf of Man. The name of the little isle comes from the Scandinavian kalfr meaning 'little island next to a larger island'. The island was once farmed but it is now a bird sanctuary and is administered by the Manx National Trust, wardens occupying the farmhouse during the summer months. Over 120 species of birds have been recorded. Facing south towards the Chicken Rock a modern lighthouse, now fully automatic, stands near the ruins of the former lighthouse dating from 1818. With the departure of the lighthouse keepers the only other human inhabitants are the bird wardens during the summer months. A flock of loghtan sheep roam the grassy areas and supply wool for the weavers of Cregneash. The only other visitors are those travelling by boat from either Port St. Mary or Port Erin to enjoy the adventure walking on this enchanting isle.