There’s Nowhere Better On Earth Than Peel – Here’s A Perfect Day In The Sunset City

As a lifelong resident, and seven year member of the Facebook group ‘What’s best for Peel and the people who live there’, I wholeheartedly believe that there is nowhere better on the Isle of Man, nay Planet Earth! than Peel.

With 8 pubs, 3 Chinese takeaways, 2 chippies, and 1 magnificent castle – it clearly trumps all other popular island destinations. Port Erin? No thanks.

And whilst I understand that not everyone is accustomed to the smell of rotting Queenie shells, Peel just has that certain je ne sais quoi that Ramsey doesn’t have.

Like most people, I work in Douglas and have to make the lengthy 25 minute commute to and from every day. So when it gets to the weekend, why on earth would I want to ‘go for brunch in town’ or ‘paint my own mug in Castletown’ when I’ve got everything I need for the perfect day out right on my doorstep?

In Peel, we’re all about generosity (and drinking pints outside the Pev), so I’m going to take you on my free of charge, tips encouraged, ‘Proper Gobbag’s Top 5 Tour of Peel’!

Sensible footwear and a strong stomach is advised, but not compulsory.

1. The Fish Bar

We’ve got a long day ahead, so of course our first stop is the famous Fish Bar opposite ‘Spit Corner’ for some fresh off the boat seafood! If you don’t order either queenies, a crab bap, or a kipper bap, I won’t get mad, I’ll just be very disappointed.

Also, don’t ask for salad on your crab bap because the man won’t understand.

2. Peel Castle

On your right, you may have noticed THE HUGE 11^TH CENTURY CASTLE, if not, don’t worry but I’d suggest getting your eyes checked.

Going inside the grounds of Peel Castle is a treat for even us residents, because, it’s never open and you need to remortgage your house to get in.

Nevertheless, no Peel Day is complete without at least walking around the castle, no matter the weather!

3. The Old Bonded Warehouse

If you liked Jurby Junk, you’re gonna LOVE the Old Bonded Warehouse. It’s 3 stories of floor to ceiling antiques, and provides endless entertainment for all ages.

Napoleonic sword? They’ve got it.

A full Princess Diana china picnic set? They’ve got it!

Highly inappropriate doll from the 1950’s? Yep, they’ve got it.

If you’re going to stray from the group at this point, I’d suggest taking a buddy. The ‘Proper Gobbag’s Top 5 Tour of Peel’ is in no way liable for anything that happens on this tour.

4. The Pub!

The Pub? In Peel? Groundbreaking.

Unfortunately, by the time you’ll read this, our Indian summer will be over and you won’t get to enjoy the splendours of a beer garden, but that does mean…it’s Guinness Season!

I’d suggest finding a pub with a fire and saying you’re ‘just going for one’. (They in fact, did not just have one)

5. A Sit-Indian

Okay, you’re a bit drunk and absolutely starving now, but it’s only 8pm so you simply can’t go home.

Whether you agree or not with the any of what I’ve said up to this point, we can ALL agree that there’s nothing better than a spontaneous ‘Sit-Indian’ on a Saturday night.

Just don’t show off and order the Vindaloo because you ‘love a Madras but it’s just not spicy enough!’. You’re not big, you’re not clever, just enjoy your curry.

If the owner of the Indian really likes your table, he’ll come over with a shot of Baileys served in a neon pink plastic shot glass, but please don’t make a scene if you don’t get one.

It’s tipping point now. Have you eaten and drunk so much that you need to go home and spend the next 36 hours on your sofa watching the Office on repeat? Or have you had just enough that you’re going to head back to the pub and probably end up at a friend of a friends until 4am…

I’ll leave that up to you to decide!