Twice round the Isle of Man, and I'd go again tomorrow
I've now done Scenic Car Tours' Isle of Man trip twice, and that probably says more than any review can. I'll say it anyway.
The first time I went with my mum, not long after my dad died. It should have been him beside her as they had booked it a year in advance not knowing how 2024 would end. As keen rallyists he would have done it in a 1950s Jaguar XK140 and loved every bend of it. Mum and I might have only been in my Mini but I still knew I was standing in for him and I was nervous about how it would feel. In the end it was exactly what we needed: beautiful roads, good company, and someone else doing all the organising, so we could just be together and have a few days that felt light again. I'll always be grateful to the Scenic team for that, even if they never knew how much it meant.
This year I went back with Bruce. I wanted him to see what I'd been raving about, and I'm pleased to say he now raves about it too (and he isn't easily impressed). He was last on the Isle of Man playing hockey as a 15 year old so this was the perfect way for him go back and see it again.
The bits that still give me goosebumps
The Sloc. They closed the road so we could drive it one car at a time, and we had Fleetwood Mac's The Chain blasting at full volume as we went. I'm grinning just typing this. It's the kind of moment you can’t arrange for yourself, it is literally impossible but they have the connections to make it happen. That didn't extend to the weather but thankfully the fog lifted for our second run (yes you get to to do it twice) so we got to see the magnificent views.
The mountain road. Getting to drive it is a real thrill, and it's every bit as good as you imagine. Thinking back to it now still gives me goosebumps. You can’t help but feel like you’re a pro rally driver and not a middle aged grandmother from the Home Counties channelling her inner childhood wish to be an F1 driver.
The Sunday procession round the TT circuit. Over 300 cars, with locals lining the route to wave and take photos. They even photographed my Mini, and it isn't even a classic! You feel like a star for the afternoon, and it's a lovely glimpse of how much the island takes driving events to heart.
What makes it work
It's brilliantly organised. From booking to the last morning, everything was thought through. You always know where you need to be and when, and if something comes up, someone sorts it. You get the fun of a road trip without any of the admin.
Tourboss is a little bit of magic. Last year there had been issues beyond the team’s control that had caused a couple of hiccups. This year they suggested we all download the Tourboss app. Sat nav that comes loaded with the routes, so there's no fumbling with maps or arguing over who missed the turning. Your passenger can look at the scenery instead of a phone, and you're free to stop for a photo or a cuppa without worrying about losing the group. It also means notes and messages can be relayed on the routes if and when needed. Just a small thing that shows again that the team do their utmost to keep things stress free.
We stayed at The Sefton again because it is a gem. It's right on the Douglas seafront and was a lovely base both times: comfortable, friendly, and perfect for a drink on our room’s balcony above the garden atrium after a day on the roads. The hotel doesn't have its own car park, but Scenic had that covered too. They arranged free parking in a dedicated area of the local multi-storey, so it was never a worry. That's typical of the attention to detail on this trip.
The balance is just right. There are enough organised events to make it feel like a proper occasion, with a chance to meet the other drivers (a lovely bunch both times). And add on events that you can pay a little extra to attend if you wish, such as the Pie in the Sky, track time at Jurby, or the Gala Dinner. There’s also plenty of free time to wander off on your own. You never feel herded, and you never feel abandoned.
Should you book?
Yes. Whether you're a keen driver, a nervous first-timer, celebrating something or quietly getting through something, this trip has room for you. I've done it once with a heavy heart and once with a full one, and both times I came home happier than I left.
Thank you, Scenic Car Tours. See you on the island again, I hope.
Isle Of Man TT Grandstand
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