Sail to the Isle of Man with the Steam Packet Company

IF you are on the lookout for an unforgettable 2019 getaway, the Isle of Man could be the perfect retreat for you.  Situated right in the heart of the Irish Sea, and just a short ferry journey from England, the Isle of Man has something to offer for all ages, interests and lifestyles. From short breaks and romantic getaways to action packed adventures.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company sailings for 2019 will be released for general sale online and via telephone, on 29 October 2018, with more than 900,000 offer seats available during the year.

With regular sailings to Douglas, the island's capital, operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, you can reach this unique destination from one of the easily accessible ports; Heysham, Liverpool (Birkenhead November to March), Belfast and Dublin. With 2 vessels offering comfortable and spacious lounges, on board shopping, a selection of hot and cold food and open deck space, the leisurely ferry crossing is an ideal start to any holiday.

So, why should you visit the Isle of Man?

It's a beautiful island with a rich heritage and its own fascinating history. Where else can you find:- ancient castles, medieval ruins, horse drawn trams, the world's largest working waterwheel, a Victorian steam railway and a 900 year old monastery?

It's a UNESCO Biosphere region recognised for the way the island's population and wildlife live alongside each other.
The diverse wildlife from native tailless cats and wild wallabies to visiting marine life and migrating birds. The west coast is a hot spot for bird watchers with sightings of choughs, arctic terns, red kites and even puffins.

The views are spectacular with rugged landscapes, beautiful scenery, sandy beaches and sparkling sea views around every corner.

There's 26 official Dark Sky Discovery Sites dotted around the island where you can catch sight of the Milky Way or the Northern Lights! Forget big city skylines; these night time views will blow you away.

It's perfect for all the family. Your little explorers can enjoy walking and hiking routes, coastal kayaking and Segway adventures.

The island is home to glorious Victorian glens, mountain trails and countryside lanes perfect for exploring on your bicycles, which you can bring for free when you travel by ferry with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

The island is home to the world famous TT Races which sees riders taking on the 37.5 miles of road at more than 200mph! Explore the island when the races aren't on to enjoy these legendary roads at a more leisurely pace.

It's home to the oldest continuous parliament in the world which is open to the public to explore. Or you can head to the:- 'Old House of Keys' in Castletown to debate key topics from the nations' past including:- 'Should motor racing be allowed on open roads?' or 'Should women get the vote?'

Its strong links to the women's suffrage movement. Emmeline Pankhurst's mother Sophia Goulden was from the Isle of Man and inspired her daughter's passion for women's rights. The Isle of Man changed the law to allow women to vote in 1881. Yes that was 31 years earlier than Ireland and the United Kingdom! You can find out more about this on a visit to the Manx Museum in Douglas.

If you're into architecture there's plenty to see including the stunning Gaiety Theatre, 1 of the finest theatres designed by English theatrical architect and designer, Frank Matcham.

The fresh seafood. Queenies; or queen scallops; were recently crowned the Manx national dish and are a must try for any seafood lover.

With so much to do on the island an easy way to see everything is by bringing your vehicle with you. Enjoy the convenience of bringing your car, motorbike or bicycle and with no luggage fees, you can pack everything you need for a fun filled getaway, with room leftover to take home some Manx goodies.

The ferry company has announced a range of car special offers available during 2019 including its popular 5 day breaks, where 2 people can travel with a car from just ₤79 each way.

For families planning ahead for their 2019 summer getaway, the Steam Packet Company will once again run its popular Kids Go Free Summer Special. 2 adults travelling with a car between 2 July 2019 and 29 August 2019, will be able to take up to 3 children for free.

If you're travelling on foot you'll still be able to find your way around easily as the island has great transport links via bus, taxi, heritage trams and steam train. Foot passenger adult fares start from ₤19.75 and children from ₤10.75. Infants aged under 4 continue to travel for free.

Travelling by ferry is a great way to start any break. Sit back and enjoy a film in 1 of 2 cinema lounges on fast craft Manannan, or if travelling on the Ben-my-Chree book a 4 berth cabin so you arrive refreshed and revitalised, ready for the onward journey. For added comfort and peace of mind on busier sailings, reserve a seat in the Niarbyl Lounge or Premium Lounge, available on both vessels.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said:- "We are pleased to announce our 2019 timetable and look forward to welcoming visitors, both 1st timers and those who come time and time again, to our wonderful island in the new year. There is something for everyone on the Isle of Man and I'd invite families, groups of friends, couples and solo travellers to take advantage of our great offers and discover the island's magic in 2019."

Bookings along with offers in 2019  will be online from 7:00hrs, on Monday, 29 October 2018, at:- Steam-Packet.com, where you will also find details of all special offers, including full terms and conditions.

THINGS are set to get scary at Liverpool ONE this October with a whole 'GHOST' of free events and activities 'WITCH' will leave visitors well and truly in the Halloween spirit. So, dust the cobwebs off your costume and don't miss the high spirits. With spook tacular treats and even a terrifying giant spider roaming the streets, there is something for all the family to see at the retail and leisure destination. Here is a list of the creepiest things Liverpool ONE has to offer from this ½ Term to Halloween:-

► SPOOKY STREETS - Keep your eyes peeled and ears pricked, as things will be getting a little bit eerie on South John Street and Paradise Street. This will be running until 31 October 2018, so expect spooky sounds and pumpkins lanterns in the trees.

► KATUMBA ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARADE - Don't miss this on Saturday, 27 October, from 9pm... These devilish drummers will be in their creepiest costumes and parading their colossal sounds around the streets of Liverpool, for a pre-Halloween treat. You certainly don't want to miss this petrifying parade! The entertainment begins on nearby Bold Street, from 9pm, and passes through Liverpool ONE with surprise performances and haunting live music.   Can't make Saturday... No need to freak out, these spectacular drummers will be back at Liverpool ONE for another special Halloween performance, on Wednesday, 31 October 2018, between 4pm to 8pm.

► ARACHNOBOT -   If you were in Southport last year you would have seen this... Now, this giant spider will be roaming the streets of Liverpool ONE, on Tuesday, 30 October 2018, between 3pm to 8pm... So keep a lookout and for anyone brave enough to say hello, we know it will be quite thrilled to see you... This enormous puppet structure will interact with passers-by with its lifelike movements. Arachnophobes needn't worry, this giant spider is fun and family friendly!

► UNCLE DOOM and HIS ORGAN OF GLOOM  - On Halloween (Wednesday, 31 October 2018)  between 4pm and 8pm, the public is invited to bring along the little ones to see:- 'Uncle Doom' and his gliding piano, as he travels across Liverpool ONE in a puff of smoke! Enjoy as he performs renditions of terrifying tunes including:- 'Thriller' and 'Ghost Town' for all the family to enjoy.

► TREE-MENDOUS AND THE TROLL -  Also on Halloween... ( Wednesday, 31 October 2018) between 4pm and 8pm, get ready to step up and get your spooky selfies! Come along to Liverpool One and meet:- 'Tree-mendous and The Troll.' Towering over trick or treaters this fierce, but friendly duo will be telling jokes whilst stomping around South John Street and Paradise Street, Liverpool One.

Marketing Director at Liverpool ONE, Donna Howitt, said:- "Halloween at Liverpool ONE is bigger and scarier than ever before. With a range of activities running throughout ½ Term and then, of course, the big day itself, it is definitely one of the most exciting events in Liverpool this year! There's so much to see and do throughout the October ½ Term with lots going in store and across Liverpool ONE. It is perfect for families looking to keep the kids entertained. Plus it wouldn't be Halloween without a few extra treats in store! Keep an eye out for surprise family friendly pop up dance performances, kids games and special giveaways."

For more information about what's on at Liverpool ONE this Halloween please visit:- Liverpool-One.Com.