The Isle of Man is home to one of the most famous motorcycle racing events in the world: The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. Dubbed the TT, this renowned event has been taking place since 1907, transforming island roads into the thrilling 37.73-mile Mountain Course.
Needless to say, if you’ve heard of the Isle of Man, it’s likely you’ve heard of the TT, so where better for island explorers and bike-lovers alike to assemble?
Taking place for two weeks across May and June each year, this annual event is an island rite of passage. But where are the best places to watch the Isle of Man TT? From beloved pubs to iconic landmarks to grandstands in the heart of the action, here are some of our favourite spots in track order…
Watching the TT on the Mountain Course
Can’t wait to hear engines roar? Discover some of the best places to watch the Isle of Man TT from the island’s top vantage points. Starting and finishing in Douglas, this legendary course runs for 37.37 miles towards St John’s before turning north to Ramsey, climbing Snaefell Mountain and descending again past Creg Ny Baa towards Douglas. Looping the north of the island, it’s one of the most famous race courses of its kind in the world and passes through a number of villages and landmarks, perfect for watching the action and soaking up the atmosphere.
TT Official Grandstands
Best for: TT central
Located in the heart of Douglas on Glencruthery Road are the TT’s three official ticketed grandstands: the main TT Grandstand, Noble’s Park Grandstand, and Fan Park Grandstand. Marking the start and finish line of each race, the 1,050-seat Main TT Grandstand is particularly sought after for its aspect overlooking the race line, podium and scoreboard – not to mention, commentary and access to facilities. Noble’s Park also offers great views of the startline, pit lanes and race finales. Meanwhile, the Fan Park Grandstand is a family favourite with its trackside views and proximity to fan park attractions.
TT Fan Park
Best for: Family-friendly activities
If you’re looking for somewhere to go and stretch your legs whilst enjoying the TT activity, head over to the Fan Park. A free-to-access staged area with lots to see and do, it’s a go-to for families and friends. A towering outdoor screen promises full live coverage of the races, while food and drink vendors ensure there’s always something to eat. Take a picnic with you and relax on the grass or make use of the hot food on offer to accompany your viewing. Just a short walk away from here is the Paddock - a hub of rider activity.
Bray Hill
Best for: Downhill velocity
Not far from the TT’s launch point, Bray Hill in Douglas is one of the most iconic downhill stretches of the Mountain Course. With plenty of roadside viewing, this is a great place to absorb the sights, sounds, and energy of the races. Just be warned, you’ll need to arrive early to secure a good spot here as it naturally draws the crowds. Settle in and anticipate the thrill of motorcycle riders blurring past in a roar of tarmac and wheels, reaching speeds of more than 180mph.
Quarterbridge
Best for: Corner action
On the outskirts of Douglas, Quarterbridge is known as the first true corner of the Mountain Course. A demanding right-hand bend, it requires riders to slow right down, before powering off into the distance towards Braddan Bridge. For those looking for one of the best places to watch the Isle of Man TT, this popular spot has a couple of great (albeit sought after) options. Take position outside the Quarterbridge pub or on the corner’s grassy embankment and watch the riders perform.
Braddan Bridge
Best for: Grandstand seating
Away from the official grandstands in Douglas, Braddan Bridge offers its very own grandstand for a bird’s eye view of the action. With space for up to 400 spectators, you can reserve your ticketed spot and enjoy elevated vistas overlooking the famous S bend. Food and facilities are available, making for a comfortable viewing experience. You can also venture over to Kirk Braddan on the outskirts of the village, where paid entry offers racetrack views from the church grounds.
Union Mills
Best for: Multiple vantages
Known for its front-row viewing and right-left curves, Union Mills is another TT hotspot. With three vantage points to choose from, take your pick of the village’s Church Hall, Memorial Hall, or The Railway Inn. The latter, The Railway Inn, is particularly beloved, known as one of the best pubs on the Isle of Man from which to watch the TT. Grab a refreshment or two and head to the pub’s elevated beer garden to really make the most of the sunshine and the show.
Crosby Village
Best for: Beer garden views
Crosby Village is known for its left-hand bend, wickedly fast straight ascent, and the breath-taking Crosby Jump. For corners, speeds, and airs, this village pretty much has it all. What’s more, it also has a great pub. With a roadside beer garden and ramp and wheelchair access, The Crosby pub is a great destination for families seeking trackside enthralment. Phone ahead if you have special access requirements, before turning up to experience the rush of the race from the comfort of the suntrap garden.
Glen Helen
Best for: Radio commentary
The first timing point and a commentary point, Glen Helen is a well-known spot along the Mountain Course. On the 2-mile lead up from Ballacraine, long stretches of banks and stone walls, connected via a footpath, offer plenty of places to prop up and watch the races. Meanwhile, a selection of facilities and attractions and elevated viewing points backed by the glen’s wooded hillsides make for a magnetic destination.
Cronk y Voddy
Best for: Speedy straights
At over a mile, the Cronk y Voddy straight is a beloved spot for enjoying the races. Hugged by agricultural land, the jacket of green fields on either side provides plenty of room to soak up the scenery and the atmosphere. Check in with the field marshals and pay a small fee to park on designated areas of farmland; access is via the Peel coast road during the races, and you can get in and out with relative ease.
Kirk Michael
Best for: Village vibes
Head to Kirk Michael village for TT thrills. As well as roadside positions within the village, Kirk Michael is particularly well known for two locations. The first, The Mitre Pub (the island’s oldest pub), can be found on the main road and opens its doors during race days for food, drink, facilities and views. The second, Whitehouse Park, is enjoyed for its historic parkland setting and welcomes spectators for a small fee. Just beyond Kirk Michael, you can also reach Rhencullen, a popular spot for its seating, parking, and facilities (including food and drink).
Ballaugh Bridge
Best for: Bridges and bends
One of the most iconic parts of the Mountain Course, watching the TT in Ballaugh has long been a go-to amongst TT enthusiasts. A key focal point, Ballaugh Bridge takes centre stage, with racers pulling some impressive airs as they cross the hump-backed bridge. Through the village itself, tight turns require bikes to slow right down, permitting spectators with rare, elongated glimpses of the riders as they drive past. Tuck in behind the barriers that line the sides of the road or gather outside The Raven pub.
Sulby Crossroads
Best for: Record speeds
If you’re looking for somewhere with a wealth of TT highlights, make way to Sulby village. Renowned for the Sulby Straight, this is where English rider James Hillier hit one of the TT’s fastest ever speeds, reaching 206mph in a practice race. At the Sulby Crossroads, The Sulby Glen Hotel lends a particularly great vantage point from which to watch the races. While for comfort and convenience, the village and church grounds are often decorated with an array of pop-up stalls.
Milntown
Best for: VIP viewing
On the approach to Ramsey is the beautiful Milntown Estate. A historic estate surrounded by 15 acres of tended gardens and woodlands, this dreamy spot offers a touch of VIP viewing for TT enthusiasts with a luxury twist. Purchase a ticket for an exclusive experience, with access to the 400-year-old house’s sweeping grounds, catering and refreshments, live screen broadcasts, viewing platforms and more, all alongside 200 meters of the course.
Parliament Square
Best for: Ramsey hospitality
In the heart of Ramsey, Parliament Square is a fantastic place to hang out and savour the TT buzz. Served by a large number of places to eat, drink, relax and mingle, it buzzes with activity during the TT fortnight. One of the slowest parts of the course, it also allows spectators to watch the precision and skill of riders as they take on the section’s tight right-hander, before accelerating off across the square. Take your pick of places to observe the event and revel in the race-day hubbub.
May Hill
Best for: Atmosphere and refreshments
Leading out of Ramsey’s town centre, May Hill delivers a fast uphill section of the Mountain Course. Close enough to all of Ramsey’s facilities, it’s a great place to bask in race action without straying too far from conveniences. Meanwhile, just along the way at Ramsey Hairpin, an additional incentive comes in the form of live commentary coverage, relaying event highlights to TT-ers.
The Bungalow
Best for: Bucket list moments
For many, The Bungalow is a must-visit destination on the TT bucket list. A legendary landmark, it occupies a unique location where the mountain road and Snaefell Railway cross and boasts stunning views overlooking the Mountain Course. Hop on the Snaefell Mountain Railway to arrive, and make use of The Bungalow’s footbridge to cross the roads and switch up your perspective. You can also visit the famous Victory Café for its hospitality suite and vistas overlooking the 31st Milestone and beyond.
Brandywell
Best for: Peace and panoramas
Known as the Hailwood Rise, the half-mile stretch from Bungalow to Brandywell marks the highest point of the Mountain Course. With reaching views, it’s easy to see riders accelerating uphill before bracing into a left-hand curve and onwards on the descent towards Windy Corner. There are no facilities, but you can take the tram to The Bungalow before breaking away from the crowds towards Brandywell and finding a spot for a picnic overlooked by the rugged hills.
Creg-ny-Baa
Best for: Iconic highlights
Creg-ny-Baa is undoubtedly one of the most famous points of the Mountain Course. One of the fastest sections of the race, it’s situated just after the 34th Milestone ahead of the homestretch and beckons with superb views over the surrounding landscapes and, naturally, the course itself. Synonymous with this section is the Creg-ny-Baa pub, one of the most famous pubs on the course. Bookings need to be made well in advance for tables, and you can also pay to make use of the local grandstands and viewing platforms outside.
Hillberry Grandstand
Best for: Finale thrills
On the homeward stretch of the Mountain Course, Hillberry Grandstand is one of the final spots along the Mountain Course to drink in the energy. With space for up to 200 people, the ticketed grandstand offers an unmissable opportunity to cheer on motorcyclists as they near the finish line. Watch as the riders arrive from Brandish, navigate a fast right-hander, and speed off towards Cronk-Ny-Mona. Keeping spectators fuelled are some local facilities, while parking can be found relatively close by.
Ready to start planning your dream trip to the Isle of Man? Discover our holiday cottages on the Isle of Man and immerse in an unforgettable TT adventure.
