Isle of Man

The Isle of Man sits in the Irish Sea between England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, and it governs itself independently from all of them. Douglas, the capital, has a long promenade with a horse-drawn tram that's been running since 1876. The island is probably best known for the TT motorcycle races, held every summer on public roads that wind through villages and over mountain passes at absurd speeds. Smoked kippers from Peel are a local food worth trying, and the island's creamery produces good butter and cheese. Getting around is easiest by bus, though heritage railways (steam and electric) connect several towns and offer scenic rides through the interior. The currency is pounds sterling, with Manx pound notes also in circulation (accepted locally but sometimes refused on the mainland). Castle Rushen in Castletown and the Laxey Wheel, one of the world's largest working waterwheels, are the main historical sites.