5 tips you need to know before going to the Isle of Man TT for the first time

The Isle of Man TT is one of the great spectacles in motorsport. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of racing, we reckon that anyone with an interest in motorcycles should go to the TT at least once.

During the races, the island is abuzz with motorcycles of all sorts, with people travelling from far and wide to join in. Superbikes rub shoulders with Monkey bikes, old Nortons share the roads with Vespas. And of course, there are plenty of adventure bikes.

And away from the chance to see legends and newcomers at the top of their game competing in one of world’s most iconic races, you can take part in ride-outs and parades, board a ferry that’s loaded with other bikers across to the island, and ride the Mountain Course for yourself.

On top of all that, it’s a great excuse to round up a couple of mates, get on your bike, and get away for a couple of days of adventure.

If you haven’t been before, it can seem a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together 5 tips for first-timers to the Isle of Man TT that you should check out before you go.

Book your ferries early

The demand for a place on the ferry during the TT is huge, especially if you’re travelling by motorcycle. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company runs daily ferries from Liverpool and Heysham to Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, with more ferries in peak times (like during the TT).

To ensure you get the sailings you want, it’s worth booking them as early as possible, especially if you’re travelling in a group. Many sailings are already getting booked up, so don’t leave it too late.

Ferries also depart from Belfast and Dublin. The other option is to travel as a foot passenger or fly over, which obviously means you don’t have a motorcycle while you’re there. However, public transport on the Isle of Man is frequent and covers most of the island, so you will be able to get to most of the places you’d want to see.

Respect the marshals

Part of the joy of watching the TT is being able to get up close and personal to the course and the racers, but with that privilege comes responsibility.

With racers, inspection cars, medics, police, pilot cars, and plenty of other vehicles whizzing around the roads, if you don’t follow the instructions of the marshals and be sensible, the TT can be a dangerous place to be.

Don’t stick your arms, phones, and cameras out into the middle of the road, stay out of closed roads, and always follow the direction of the marshals. They’re there to keep everyone safe, and you should treat them with respect.

Go camping instead of staying in a hotel

While the demand for accommodation isn’t as extreme as it for the ferries, it’s still worth planning where you’re going to stay ahead of time.

One of the best choices is to go camping. You can meet and chat with other bikers and enjoy the festival atmosphere, and save a few quid while you’re at it.

Of course, we do love our creature comforts too, and so we reckon choosing a glamping site is the way to go. Nine Yards Bell Tents offers fully-equipped bell tents in two locations in Castletown and Douglas. With real beds, duvets, and pillows, lanterns, a table, and a mirror, each bell tent offers all the comfort of a hotel room.

Each of the 5×5 metre tents can be equipped with up to four beds, so you can also split the cost with your mates.

Plus, both campsites offer hot showers, clean toilets, and a kitchen with breakfast and evening meals. The Douglas campsite also offers a swimming pool, a massage station, and a lounge and cinema room to watch the race highlights. It’s just a 10 minute walk from the Grandstand and a 20 minute walk to the city centre, so you’re right next to the action.

Meanwhile, along with excellent facilities, the campsite in Castletown offers a bar to watch the race highlights, and its roadside location is perfect for watching the practice week races. It’s just a short walk into quaint Castletown, which has great transport links including a scenic steam train that can take you to Douglas.

The best part about glamping is that you don’t have to have the hassle of bringing a tent, mat, sleeping bag, and all the other bits of camping equipment, and you don’t have to set anything up, either. Just ride in to the site, find everything set up for you already, and enjoy your time on the Isle of Man.

You can find out more about Nine Yards Bell Tent’s TT glamping options here. Don’t forget to enter ABR10 at checkout for a 10% discount code.

Pay attention to the speed limits

A lot is made of the fact that there is no national speed limit on the Isle of Man: when no other speed limit applies, you can ride to the speed you want.

However, speed limits apply in built-up areas and many local roads. In addition, regular reckless and careless driving laws apply, so you can and will get nicked by the police if you ride dangerously. The police presence is heightened during the TT, and while they’re not there to spoil the fun, they are there to keep people safe and won’t tolerate riders who don’t respect the road.

So, if you’re out doing a lap of the Mountain, make sure you respect any speed limits that apply, ride to your ability, and keep your wits about you, because there will be plenty of other riders out there too.

Chat with people and have fun

If it’s your first time at the TT, it can seem hard to figure out where the best spectating spots are, when the best time to explore the island is, and where the best local pubs and chippies are.

However, you’ll be surrounded by TT veterans from the moment you get on the ferry, so don’t be afraid to chat with people and ask questions. Along with helpful advice, you’re bound to make some new friends and meet some interesting characters.

And don’t forget to enjoy yourself while being a part of one of the greatest spectacles in motorcycling.

Book your TT glamping accommodation today

Once you’ve got your ferries sorted, make sure you book your accommodation.

We recommend checking out Nine Yards Bell Tents for reasonably priced glamping tents that offer all the comfort of a hotel room.

With one campsite just a few minutes walk from the centre of Castletown and another in Douglas that’s only ten minutes walking distance from the Grandstand, you’ll be close enough to the action, while also enjoying a bit of peace and quiet away from the crowds of bikes and riders.

You can find out more about the glamping tents and book your stay today by clicking here.