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Seven of the best free places to watch the TT

Duke Travel

09 July 2020

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Seven of the best free places to watch the TT

Since 1911 the Isle of Man TT Course has been the scene of hundreds of thrilling dramas, as the world’s best motorcycle racers have pitted themselves and their machines against its formidable challenges. At over 37 miles in length the course is a unique survivor of the pioneering days of motorsport. And since that very first race one of the special attractions of the event is that you don’t have to pay to watch. Where there’s public access to the side of the Course you can roll up and enjoy the spectacle for free.

 

Here’s our round-up of seven of the best places to take in the action without spending a penny:

7

The Raven, Ballaugh

On an ordinary day there’s not much to indicate The Raven in Ballaugh has one of the most spectacular vantage points on the TT Course, but come race day, the walls of the pub’s car park are lined with fans eager to see the world’s best road racers tackle the big jump over the famous humpbacked bridge. Spectacular really is the only word...

6

Parliament Square, Ramsey

There’s nothing else quite like seeing superbikes coming flying towards you before they slam on the anchors and haul round to whip through Parliament Square and start making the climb towards the Mountain. Parliament Square is popular for the good view and the easy access, plus Ramsey’s a lovely town to explore with good pubs, food and lots of independent shops, including TT star Conor Cummins’ coffee shop and pizzeria.

5

The Gooseneck

Staying at the North end of the course, The Gooseneck is - as its name suggests - a tight corner on the climb from Ramsey towards the Mountain. The extremely tight nature of the corner and the steep gradient slows the bikes right down giving fans a rare opportunity to take a good photo of their favourites without everything coming out blurry. When there are no bikes to watch the view over Ramsey is more than adequate compensation.

4

Quarterbridge

The Quarterbridge is just over a mile from the startline, but is separated by over 100 vertical meters as riders plunge down Bray Hill and over Ago’s leap. More than one rider has had an embarrassing fall here as they lean into the first real corner on the Course with cold tires. Easy access, proximity to MacDonald’s and the Quarterbridge Pub, plus an easy walk into town make this a very popular viewing location.

3

Douglas Road Corner, Kirk Michael

There’s viewing on the inside of the corner here on the school playing fields, a stunning place to watch the riders as they sweep into the narrow village street following the long drop from Barregarrow and through the 13th Milestone. The Mitre Pub is on the inside of the course if you want to be sure of refreshments, or you can go full picnic mode.

2

Rhencullen, Kirk Michael

At the other end of Kirk Michael village is Rhencullen. Access is via the former railway line with parking at Glen Whyllin. It’s a bit of hike, but worth it for the sight of machines cresting the low rise and plunging into the darkness of the tree-shaded dip. Pennybridge riding stables own some of the land beside the course and may charge for access, but the verdict is usually that it is money well spent.

1

The Bungalow

Almost at the top of the Mountain climb, the Bungalow is named for the former hotel on the spot. Today the site is dominated by the recently revamped “Victory Cafe” which was once the home of Murray’s Motorcycle Museum. There’s loads of parking available, or you can catch the tram from Laxey. The footbridge across the course gives access to both side of the mountain and there are literally acres of vantage points to choose from. Just be prepared for any weather!