TT Viewing

[dogz]

Hi,

My 7yr daughter decided last week that she wanted to go over and see the TT - obviously being a biker, I jumped at the chance and have found us a hotel in Douglas which is a miracle in itself. We are arriving early by plane on Fri 7th and going back late on 8th so want to maximise our time there. I last went to the TT around 5 years ago

Looking for advice on where we should view given we don't have transport and she is 7 (so might get bored easily). Happy to get a taxi if they are easy to get or even the bus if there are decent locations a bit further afield

I was thinking for the Fri we could go to Bray Hill in either St Ninians church or school? No idea for the Sat, which is obviously the Senior race

I'll take her round the paddock as well but are there any other must see bits?

Thanks in advance!

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Just after Parliament Square in Ramsey there's a park with a playground. Long viewing stretch of bikes on the gas, and you can get there by public transport from Douglas on the MER

[Jacko the Lad]

If you choose your viewpoint wisely at Quarterbridge you can escape to McDonald's and KFC just down the road towards Douglas. St Ninians is very good for view and a bit of food n drink from the church hall. My choice would be in the churchyard at Bradden Bridge. Excellent viewing and half decent facilities but you would have a long walk to escape there during roads closed. Easy to get there when roads are open. Hope you enjoy it

[HughiusMaximus]

Bit of a thread hijack if the OP has had the responses he needs... but can we broaden this out to general TT viewing tips?

I'm heading over for the first time and would appreciate some advice on do's and donts, where to view etc please.

Riding over with a mate and staying in Douglas from the 29th to the 3rd.

[dogz]

Yes - thanks to all those who contributed. Currently looking on google maps

[poo at Paul's]

Shame you are not going a little longer or for practice week in half term. Reason is, for 40 quid, you can get an all island transport pass, using busses, electric trams and steam trains in the south, and kids love it!

I'd aim for some of the "stand" areas to watch from eg Kirkmichael, Conkers, or consider Parliament square in Ramsey, as there you can get access to shops and ice creams!
But there are loads of places to watch from, and when i went with my 8 year old daughter many years back, we had such a laugh over there, spent 5 days and did so much.
Dont forget the bumper boats in Onchan park, again, kids love them and it's a laugh!

[Davetheraver]

With a little oneRamsey is a great shout as you can easily dive into the parks either on the way into town at the school, or on the way out. Both have easy access to bridges to get you both sides of the road especially if there are any delays or schedule changes.

Not easy without transport though. I would say granstand and bray hill are your best bet without a car or bike.

Dave. Ramsey resident

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Dave, does the MER stop? Surely could get the Tram up

[dogz]

I'm thinking I might go in the main or Fan Park grandstands on Fri as its in Douglas and easy for us to get to and in the thick of the action. Is the Fan Park stand any good? I've tried to find pics but its really hard to see where it is and what viewing would be like

I'll look at Ramsey (Parliament Square) for Sat and probably go in a stand again if its not fully booked

This has been done in a bit of a rush as she only said last minute she wanted to go so obviously its costing me a bit for a night in a hotel and for flights but I know it will be worth it

I really want her to love it as I'll make it an annual pilgrimage we do and definitely go for longer

This will be my 3rd trip to the TT but usually I'm on a bike to get around

Thanks for all advice so far!

[CammyN]

I have been twice to IOM, both times I had a bike for transport. First time on my own in a small B and B in Douglas the second time in a rented cottage in Ramsey.

For the first time I watched from Quarterbridge which meant there was a pub for food and drink. the second time was mainly at the Gooseneck.

You might need some careful planning because access is difficult when the roads are closed, so the start line would be my choice, you can always walk back because I think a seven year old is going to get a bit bored to be honest.

Perhaps one day racing and next day fun?

Being new I cannot post links but if you look for day out with the kids things to do Isle of Man it may give you some good ideas

Edited by CammyN on Thursday 23 May 20:20

[Jacko the Lad]

Quarterbridge pub has been shut down for a couple of years.

[CammyN]

Jacko the Lad said:

Quarterbridge pub has been shut down for a couple of years.

Ah sorry, I didn't know that. Well that is a great pity, I used to enjoy sitting on those wooden seats opposite the hotel, great view down the road and be able to pop across for a cheese sandwich and a beer.

[Ronzx6r]

anyone know if quarterbridge will ever reopen ?

[Far Cough]

Its worth planning ahead because once the road is closed , you are either stuck inside or outside the circuit !! You`ll have a great time - went for 10 years on the trot in the 90`s........ Front brake pads on a brand new Fireblade done in 700 miles braking from god knows what speed to 30mph in the villages................. ahhhhh, happy memories

[CammyN]

There is a good website called kids on the rock / feature /tt- 2024 which specifically talks about places to watch that are children friendly, safe loos, food, access, car parking, nearby wild life park and so on.

I am sure you will have a great time, just hope that the weather is kind.

[StuntCock]

For 2 days at the TT with a 7 year old in tow, I’d probably focus on Douglas. Lots to see in the pit and paddock area, see the hero’s up close, maybe ask them to sign a cap or t shirt as a souvenir. Watch a race from the main grandstand overlooking the pits, take in some entertainment in the fan zone, visit the TT shop for a hoody or pen to take home etc. There is a shop on the seafront (TT shirts?) that sells that sort of stuff a bit cheaper. Maybe a trip on the horse drawn tram? But most importantly make time to wander down to the bottom of Bray hill to get your mind blown by the speed!
Great thing to do with a kid, have fun!

[CammyN]

Nothing to do with places to view the TT but when I was a small child my parents bought a notebook for me, a little bit like a Moleskine, the idea was to keep a journal of what we did each day and to keep a record of the trip, things have changed but I kept photographs and postcards, kept these things for many years, one new journal each holiday.

Perhaps even signatures of the riders?