Doing business
Beloved of tax-dodgers and petrol-heads, the Isle of Man has plenty of reasons to pay it a visit, and not just when the TT Races roar onto the island for two weeks from the end of May. There are few problems with doing business, but remembering that you’re on a quasi-independent (check out some of the web address suffixes) island rather than an extension of England will help with delicate phrases.

Cool hotel
Sefton Hotel (01624 645500; www.seftonhotel.co.im; rooms from £95) in Douglas is an upmarket oasis with its own indoor water garden and extensive sea views. Rooms are elegant and comfortable and either overlook the water or the garden. The restaurant, Sir Norman’s, is named after prominent island resident, comedian Norman Wisdom. Book online for best rates.

Hip restaurant
Tanroagan (01624 472411; www.tanroagan.co.uk) is the place for all things from the sea and the trendiest place in Douglas. Expect this morning’s catch served up for lunch or dinner, so fresh you wouldn’t be surprised to see it twitching.

Happening bar
At the southern end of the island is Castletown, a quiet harbour which was once the capital of the Isle of Man. Garrison Tapas Bar (5 Castle St) brings a touch of Spain to town, housed in a handsome 17th century building. The food and drinks are both excellent.

Getting there
Ronaldsway Airport (www.iom-airport.com) links cities all over the UK with the Isle of Man, with Aer Arann flying from London City and Dublin. Arriving by boat is lovely if you have time. The Isle of Man Steam Packet (0870 552 3523; www.steam-packet.com; foot passengers from £32 return) is a car ferry and fast catamaran service from Liverpool to Heysham and Douglas. Dublin and Belfast are linked during the summer months.

Getting downtown
Buses link the airport with Douglas every 30 minutes and a taxi should cost you no more than £18.

The details
The Isle of Man is situated in the Irish Sea, equidistant from Liverpool, Dublin and Belfast. It is 33 miles long and 13 miles wide. Douglas, the capital, has a population of 26,200 inhabitants. Although the Isle of Man is a Crown Dependency and not part of the United Kingdom (or the European Union for that matter), the currency, time and weather conditions are the same as the UK's.
See: www.visitisleofman.com for more information.

Carbon cost
A return flight from London City Airport to the Isle of Man will cover 940km and produce 0.2 tonnes of CO2. Offset this with The Carbon Neutral Company from £1.70.

Must-see sights
Walking and cycling are the main things to do here, unless you’ve brought your motorbike to follow the TT circuit that is. The electric tram which runs from Laxey to the island's highest point, the 621m summit of Snaefell, is a must-do while you are here.

Insider's tip
“Look out for the 'Taste Isle of Man' logo – a new quality award scheme for eating establishments on the island which recognises quality and consistency in restaurants, cafes and tea shops.“

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