Classic TT: How to get there and what to do if you can’t

It’s not far off (a matter of days, in fact) but there is STILL a chance - albeit a slim one, to get to the Isle of Man.

But at this stage, beggars can’t be choosers as accommodation and ferry bookings are snapped up months in advance. 

So BikeSocial have concocted a last-minute plan for those of you itching to go. And if that fails - ITV are creating a special Classic TT programme to be aired on Thursday August 31st at 9pm with all the racing highlights and paddock features.

But if you’re still keen, here’s a helping hand: 

TRAVEL:

The Isle of Man - aka the ‘jewel of the Irish Sea’ is accessible by plane or boat, or arms and legs if you’re really keen. Ferries are offering only foot passenger travel now from the mainland UK and the dates are limited (BikeSocial has tried) but you can check on www.steam-packet.com. The Steampacket does also operate a service between Belfast and the Isle of Man. 

So, the better alternative (and far better value) is flying. EasyJet fly from Liverpool and Luton. Flybe fly from Manchester, Belfast and Birmingham and British Airways fly to the IOM from London City Airport. Eastern Airways operate flights from Belfast to the IOM as well. 

ACCOMMODATION:

Hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation at this stage is like gold dust, so unless you fancy a Mary and Joseph escapade up and down Douglas Promenade your best bet is what’s known as ‘Homestay’ where people take in lodgers at their house for a decent price (though that varies). 

You can find out more about Homestay on the Isle of Man here: www.iomttbreaks.com/homestay. 

If you are determined to find a hotel or a B & B however, try here: www.visitisleofman.com/visitor-information.

There are also various campsites across the island with good facilities and regular public transport links. There are: 

Silly Moos Campsite
Ballakillingan Farm, Churchtown, Ramsey IM7 2AL
Phone: +44 1624 812368

The TT Campsite
Port-e-Chee Meadow, Douglas IM2 2RA
Phone: +44 7624 316343

Glenlough Campsite
Main Road, Ballahutchin Hill, Union mills IM4 4AT
Phone: +44 1624 852057

Ballamoar Campsite
1 Glen Mona Loop Rd, Isle of Man
Phone: +44 1624 898323

Ballacottier Campsite, Lower Ballacottier, Ballacottier Road, Onchan IM4 5BQ
Phone: +44 1624 675687

Cronk Aashen Campsite, Barregarroow, Kirk Michael, Isle of Man IM6 1HQ
Phone: +44 1624 878305

Peel Camping Park, Derby Rd, Peel IM5 1RG
Phone: +44 1624 842341

Glen Wyllin Campsite, Glen Wyllin (off the Kirk Michael Coast Road) IM6 1EU
Phone: +44 7624 330360

St George’s AFC / TT Campsite, The Club House, Glencrutchery Road, IM2 6AN
Phone: +44 1624 627634

St John’s Football Club Campsite
IM4 3BP

Beaufield Park Campsite
Main Road, Greeba, Isle of Man IM4 2DX
Phone: +44 1624 851327

Opengate Trust
Crossags Campsite Crossags Lane, Ramsey IM8 2TB
Phone: +44 1624 816099

But if all that fails… ITV - whose excellent coverage has become almost part of the TT itself - also produce a Classic TT programme. This will be broadcast at 21.00 on Thursday 31st August on ITV4. So, worst case scenario, you can watch it from the comfort of your own home.