When
28th April 2023
Organiser / Contact
Laurence Jones
Event
XJS Soft Tops Club Isle of Man Tour
(Mullagh bog XJS Soft Tops Club er turrys Ellan Vannin)
Following the successful visits to the Isle of Man in 2018 and 2019, another Club tour was organised in 2023
, taking place from Friday 28th April to Monday 1st May (UK Bank Holiday weekend).
The island offers some spectacular scenery and exceptional driving roads, including the famous Isle of Man TT Circuit of public roads, with beautiful coastal and mountain views.
Laurence
Tour Dates
- Friday 28th April – Cross to the Island (afternoon)
- Saturday 29th April – Day 1 of the Isle of Man Tour
- Sunday 30th April – Day 2 of the Isle of Man Tour
- Monday 1st May – Cross back to the mainland (afternoon)
A non-refundable deposit of £80 was required to secure a reservation (numbers were limited), with the balance payable once Steam Packet crossing tickets became available.
The full tour price, of £750 was subject to change depending on final ferry and hotel pricing.
The 2023 tour was based at the Comis Hotel & Golf Resort, near Douglas.
As with previous visits, the itinerary remained flexible and was confirmed daily depending on weather and local conditions.
Members of the Isle of Man Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club and other local Jaguar owners joined the group on selected drives and meals.
Each day was split into a morning and afternoon tour, with a lunch stop in between. This allowed members to opt in or out of individual sections while still rejoining the group later in the day.
Proposed Tour Itinerary
Friday 28th April
- Arrival on the island and dockside welcome
- Drive to the Comis Hotel and check-in
- Afternoon activities dependent on ferry arrival
- Evening group meal at The Mitre, Kirk Michael
Saturday 29th April – Day 1
- Drive to Cregneash Folk Village via Fairy Glen
- Lunch at Café at the Sound
- Afternoon itinerary confirmed on the day
- Evening group meal near the hotel
Sunday 30th April – Day 2
- Morning visit to Isle of Man Motor Museum, Jurby
- Drive to Laxey Wheel with photo opportunity
- Sunday lunch in Laxey
- Afternoon and evening itineraries confirmed on the day
Monday 1st May – Day 3
- Free time in Douglas
- Afternoon crossing back to the mainland
Over the course of the visit, members completed a full lap of the TT circuit and were able to see many preparations for the upcoming TT races.
Notable Locations Visited
The Sound — a café overlooking the Calf of Man, providing a perfect lunch stop and scenic backdrop.
The Laxey Wheel (Lady Isabella), the world’s largest working water wheel, with welcoming pubs nearby.
TT Pit Lane — access during circuit preparation allowed
members to experience the atmosphere of the TT up close.
The island offers some spectacular scenery and exceptional driving roads, including the famous Isle of Man TT Circuit of public roads, with beautiful coastal and mountain views.
Laurence