Calf of Man

#6968 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Island

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Facts and practical information

Located off the southern tip of the Isle of Man, the Calf of Man is a small, uninhabited island that offers a unique and secluded escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This rugged and windswept landscape is a haven for wildlife, with seabirds, seals, and even the occasional basking shark making their home in the surrounding waters. Visitors can explore the island's network of walking trails, which offer stunning views of the dramatic coastline and the neighboring Isle of Man.

The Calf of Man is also home to a small bird observatory, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The island's diverse habitats provide a sanctuary for a wide variety of bird species, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. With its remote location and lack of permanent human inhabitants, the Calf of Man offers a rare opportunity to observe these birds in their natural environment, free from the disturbances of modern life.

In addition to its natural beauty and wildlife, the Calf of Man is steeped in history and folklore. The island is dotted with ancient ruins and archaeological sites, including a well-preserved Norse chapel and a medieval keeill, or chapel. These vestiges of the island's past provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants and the rich cultural heritage of the Isle of Man.

Alternative names: Area: 0.97 mi²Coordinates: 54°3'14"N, 4°49'41"W

Location

RushenUnited Kingdom

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Day trips

Calf of Man – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Mull Hill, Chicken Rock, Bradda Hill, Isle of Man Railway Museum.

2.7 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Mull Hill
70 min walk • 'Mull Hill is a small hill in the exclave of Rushen Parish at the southern end of the Isle of Man, just outside the village of Cregneash. It is the site of a chambered cairn called Mull Circle or Meayll Circle. Near the summit of the hill also lie the remains of a World War II Chain Home Low RDF station.
1.2 miS
Vernacular architecture, Lighthouse
Chicken Rock
31 min walk • The Chicken Rock Lighthouse is an active 19th-century lighthouse, located on Chicken Rock, an isolated island at the southern end of the Isle of Man.
4.4 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Bradda Hill
111 min walk • Bradda Hill is a headland some 2 kilometres north of the village of Port Erin on the Isle of Man. It is not to be confused with Bradda Head which is about 2 kilometres to the SW.
3.6 miNE
Museum
Isle of Man Railway Museum, Port Erin
91 min walk • The Isle of Man Railway Museum in the village of Port Erin in the Isle of Man is a small museum of the history of the Isle of Man Railway from its founding in 1873 to the present, including the now-closed lines that served Peel, Ramsey and Foxdale, and the remaining line to Port Erin which forms part of the southern terminus.
4 miNE
Village
Port St Mary
101 min walk • One of the highlights of Port St Mary is its stunning coastline, which boasts breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the sandy beaches, feel the refreshing sea breeze on their faces, and even dip their toes in the crystal-clear...
1.2 miS
Island
Chicken Rock
31 min walk • Chicken Rock, part of Rushen parish, is the southernmost island administered by the Isle of Man. It lies southwest of the Calf of Man, 4.5 kilometres off Spanish Head on the Manx mainland. The most prominent feature of the rock is the 19th century Chicken Rock Lighthouse.
1.4 miNE
Island
Kitterland, Port Erin
36 min walk • Kitterland is an islet in the Calf Sound between the Isle of Man and the Calf of Man in the Irish Sea. Kitterland is currently owned by the Manx National Trust and has a wealth of bird and marine wildlife.