Douglas

Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man — a self-governing British Crown dependency in the Irish Sea that operates its own parliament, prints its own currency, and maintains cultural traditions including the annual Tourist Trophy motorcycle races that have made this small island internationally famous since 1907.

The TT races — held each May and June on a 37.73-mile circuit of public roads — represent motorsport at its most thrilling. Riders achieve speeds exceeding 200 mph on roads lined with stone walls and houses. The races attract 40,000 visitors annually and define the island's identity.

Douglas curves around a sweeping bay, its Victorian architecture reflecting the era when the Isle of Man was the holiday destination for Britain's industrial north. The horse-drawn tramway along the promenade, operating since 1876, provides transport that doubles as a time-travel experience. Tynwald, the island's ancient parliament established over a thousand years ago, claims to be the oldest continuously operating parliament in the world.

Ambassador Cruise Line, Azamara, Crystal Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, and Windstar Cruises include Douglas on British Isles itineraries.

May through September provides the best conditions.