LOCALITY
Ballacallin Court self catering holiday cottages are close to the stunning west coast of the Isle of Man. A few miles south of Peel and close to the small village of Glen Maye with its idyllic glen and pebbly beach, Ballacallin is an ideal base for walking and other outdoor activities, yet also close to the amenities of Peel and the main, and historic, transport networks.
Walking: the steam train heritage trail is close by, as is Peel Hill, the coastal footpath (Raad Ny Foillan), and various other inland walks (including the Bayr ny Skeddan), gardens and arboretum.
In Peel there are shops, bank, post office, churches, Peel Castle, five museums, Cathedral, and a Swimming Pool. See Peel Online for more about the Peel community.
St Johns is a few miles away (shop and post office, Green’s Cafe, church, Tynwald Hill, Tynwald Craft Centre).
In Glen Maye there is wonderful waterfall nominated as one of the best in the world in a recent Guardian article!
Wildlife: the area boasts a fine array of wildlife, including choughs, hen harriers, seals and basking sharks.
EVENTS
Ballacallin Court self catering holiday cottages are an ideal place to stay when attending many of the events and festivals around the Island, and especially in nearby Peel, which is blessed with numerous events throughout the summer.
The season begins in May with the newly established Oie Voaldyn fire festival, which is a reinterpretation and modernisation of the old Manx customs surrounding Oie Voaldyn or May Day Eve.
During TT fortnight there is the very popular Peel Day, a day of motorcycling-related fun for all the family, and it’s free to attend. And it’s the safest place to be on Mad Sunday.
In July there is whole week of traditional Celtic music in venues around Peel. Recently renamed as the Celtic Gathering, it continues a long tradition of Yn Chruinnaght, which settled its main base in Peel a few years ago. Ballacallin is an ideal base for enjoying this annual feast of music.
Early in August comes the Peel Traditional Boat Weekend, and Peel Carnival, often on the same weekend. Both events have a long history and thousands flock to Peel to spectate and take part in the fun.
A newer addition to the calendar, and still trying to find a regular date, is the Peel Soapbox Derby, where all shapes and sizes of crazy carts go whizzing down the streets of Peel.
See a list of all upcoming events on the Peel Online What’s On page, or follow Peel Online on Facebook which covers all events that are promoted through Facebook.
MANX FOOD SPECIALITIES
Artisan food on the Isle of Man is on the up and up! There’s lots of wonderful and natural tastes to seek out, some old and some new, and the west of the Island is playing a big part in this too.
Food & Drink Experiences
In the fishing hotspot of Peel, you can tour a working factory that has been curing Manx kippers for over 100 years. Smoked kippers are famously featured in a Manx breakfast.
Cook with exceptional Manx produce at the Island’s bespoke cookery school or find out about our foodie roots by taking a guided farm tour while experiencing the stunning natural landscape of our countryside. You can also pick up some fresh local produce and beverages at regular Farmer’s Markets and Food Assemblies taking place on the Island.
Afternoon Tea
With the idyllic Manx countryside, extensive coastline and beautiful bays, the Isle of Man is a wonderful place to enjoy afternoon tea with your family, friends, or partner.
If you’re not blessed with good weather during your visit, stopping for afternoon tea is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. It lets you experience some of the Island’s exquisite local produce and dry off before your next adventure.
For the west of the Island we recommend Harbour Lights in Peel (be sure to check opening times before you go!), set on the promenade in view of the beach and Castle, a perfect setting. And if the weather allows you can sit out at either the Kiosk just outside harbour Lights, or go around to the breakwater for some more outdoor catering whilst watching the seals and dolphins (as of 2020) in the bay. Then take a stroll around the castle perimeter to walk off the cakes!
Local Produce
You’re sure to find something to awaken your senses and tempt your taste buds. The Isle of Man prides itself on the quality and variety of its locally produced food and drink – from freshly caught seafood to succulent meat and specially brewed beers and spirits.
A visit to the Island is the perfect opportunity to see what our local producers, farmers and fishermen do best. From handcrafted delicious, natural drinks using Manx ingredients at Apple Orphanage, to fresh Manx seafood at Weatherglass corner in Peel you’ll be suitably spoilt for choice.
Or how about Manx Queen Scallops – Queenies as they are more commonly known – which are sustainably sourced from Manx waters?
For meat eaters, you’ll find a large selection to choose from on the Island, including the rich and tasty Loaghtan Lamb – which comes from an unusual horned sheep which is believed to have been brought to the Isle of Man by the Vikings.
And for those visitors with a sweet tooth, Peel is the home to the Islands only ice cream factory, making and selling the best ice cream with authentic recipes from Manx milk and ingredients. You’ll find their ice cream all around the island widely available, but why not try the least travelled flavours in Peel itself in the parlour on the Promenade.
Farmer’s Markets
The Isle of Man Farmers’ Markets offer the perfect chance to find out where the Island’s fantastic local produce comes from.
Farmers’ Markets have been in existence in the Isle of Man for hundreds of years – operating as a way for local farmers and producers to sell their wares within the local community. Fast-forward to the present day and the markets operate in much the same way by bringing together a collective of local people who are passionate about growing, making and selling Manx food and drink.
You’ll find Farmers’ Markets at many of the big events that take place throughout the year and there are some that run regularly.
PLACES TO EAT
Here are a few local options:
The Creek Inn, East Quay, Peel
Pub food, specialising in fish dishes.
Filbeys Restaurant, East Quay, Peel
The Boatyard, East Quay, Peel
Hong Kong Delight Chinese, Athol Place, Peel – 01624 842944
Jade Harbour Chinese, East Quay, Peel
The Highwayman, Ballawattleworth Estate, Peel
The Marine Hotel, Promenade, Peel
>> More choices for where to eat in Peel
ENJOY THE SEASONS
In spring the Isle of Man’s natural beauty comes to the fore. In particular the Island’s eighteen national mountain and coastal glens can lead you to hidden waterfalls, coves and ancient ruins. Nearby, the most notable glen is at Glen Maye, which leads down to beautiful stony beach. Or, find secret and sacred treasures in the Island’s Cathedral in nearby Peel.
An ideal way to explore is to travel on one of the vintage railway networks, taking in the Island’s tranquillity, contrasting scenery and rich heritage along the way.
From March through to May the Island is brimming with major sporting events and festivals including Rush Hour on the Railways, the Easter Festival of Running, a taste of world class ales at the CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival and car rallies and sprints.
In summer, the beginning of hazy, long sunny days bring the Island to life. June to August is a hive of racing and cultural events, including our national day of Tynwald in July, which celebrates everything that makes our Island unique. At the end of July we have Yn Chruinnaght or Celtic Gathering in its modern form – the Island’s top Celtic festival.
Why not spend a summer’s day exploring the Island’s emerald seas and rocky coastlines on foot or dive under the waves. We have over 30 beaches to explore, laze on or picnic – discover what beaches are best for you in Visit Isle of Man’s Ultimate Beach Guide.
If you want a guide to show you around, whether a strenuous hill walk, or a gentle urban stroll, you’ll find someone to meet your needs at Isle of Man Tour Guides
AND HOW TO GET TO BALLACALLIN COURT
From the Ferry (Douglas)
From the Sea Terminal follow signs for Peel (A1), passing straight though the villages of Union Mills, Glen Vine and Crosby to St. Johns.
At the traffic lights at St. Johns keep straight on, pass through the light controlled crossing and take next left (opposite Tynwald Hill, 4 tiered hill).
After 200 metres take next right onto the Patrick Road (A30).
At the end of the A30 turn left at the T junction in Patrick Village onto the A27 and after about ½ mile turn left into Ballacallin (second entrance on left)
The car park for the Barn is on the right just before you reach the Barn.
For the motorhome pitches go past the buildings to the end of the site
From the Airport (Ballasalla)
Turn left out of airport towards Castletown (A5). Keep straight on for about ¾ mile to roundabout on outskirts of Castletown. Take 3rd exit. At the next roundabout take 2nd exit.
At traffic lights turn right (A3). Go straight over next junction.
Pass through the villages of Higher and Lower Foxdale.
Keep on this road until you reach traffic lights. Turn left, go through the light controlled crossing in the village of St. Johns and take next left (opposite Tynwald Hill – 4 tiered hill).
After 200 metres take next right onto Patrick Road (A30).
At the end of the A30 turn left at the T junction in Patrick Village onto the A27 and after about ½ mile turn left into Ballacallin (second entrance on left).
The car park for the Barn is on the right just before you reach the Barn.
For the motorhome pitches go past the buildings to the end of the site.