Steeped in Celtic history and myth, the Isle of Man is famous for its tailless cat and the TT motorbike race. The start line is in the capital Douglas, overlooked by hills. At its port arrive ferries from Ireland and England, and the town houses all Isle of Man hotels with swimming pools on Booking.com.

On the headland around the bay, Onchan has pretty cottages and glens, and Laxey to the north has a quaint harbour and the world’s largest working waterwheel. It is by the foothills of Snaefell mountain, as is coastal Ramsey, while Andreas is surrounded by sweeping fields.

More nature is in Tynwald Park & Arboretum near St Johns. The castle in nearby Peel was supposedly built by giants and is inhabited by a dog ghost. Santon has another Isle of Man legend - you must acknowledge the residents of the Fairy Bridge or beware!

Ballasalla is near Isle of Man Airport where there is a statue of the island’s 3-legged symbol. Neighbouring Castletown, with its pretty harbour and medieval castle, plays host to one of the more bizarre events – tin-bath racing.

By the south-western tip, Port Erin has a sandy beach protected by cliffs. Similarly to most other resorts, it offers Isle of Man hotels with parking, making it easy to explore by car.