Duke Bookings Guide to the Manx Grand Prix

Held every year, the Manx Grand Prix and its ‘Classic TT’ races are a must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the event, from its rich history to what you can expect during the event and practical information on accommodations and travel. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a curious newcomer, this guide will ensure you make the most of your visit to this iconic event.

What is it?

The Manx Grand Prix (MGP) is an annual motorcycle race held on the Isle of Man, an island known for its rugged coastline, medieval castles, and motorsport heritage. The event takes place on the world-renowned TT Mountain Course. A 37.73-mile circuit made up of closed public roads that wind through the towns and countryside.

It’s History

The origins of the Manx Grand Prix date back to the 1920s. Initially, the event was created as an amateur alternative to the Isle of Man TT to counteract the muscling out of many competitors by the professional teams and professional riders, who were increasingly competing in the TT. The Manx allowed amateur riders to showcase their talents on the same challenging course as the TT, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie among enthusiasts.
Over the years, it became a crucial stepping stone for many future TT stars, from Geoff Duke and Phil Read to Phillip McCallen and Michael Dunlop, who were looking to test themselves on the Mountain Course.

Although initially designed as an amateur only, the event would eventually allow ‘professional’ riders to compete in the classic classes. In 2013, the classic races were split off and rebranded as the Classic TT and would coincide with the Manx each year up until 2023, when the classic races were incorporated back under the Manx Grand Prix title. The classic races still attract some of the best road racers from around the planet, with big names such as Michael Dunlop, Dean Harrison, John McGuinness and James Hillier all competing at the 2023 event.

What’s On Offer On Track

The races offer an exhilarating experience for any motorcycle racing fan seeking an up-close experience. The event spans nine days, with qualifying sessions taking place on the first five days and racing taking up the rest. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Race Schedule

The event features various classes split over multiple races, allowing fans to experience the best of modern and classic machinery at the event. The races below are scheduled for the 2024 event.

The event includes two traditional Manx Grand Prix amateur races and four ‘Classic TT’ races.

Friday 23rd August

Lightweight Manx Grand Prix – 3 Laps
Classic Senior Manx Grand Prix – 4 Laps

Saturday 24th August

Classic Junior Manx Grand Prix – 3 Laps
Junior Manx Grand Prix – 4 Laps
Monday 26th August
Senior Manx Grand Prix – 4 Laps
Classic Superbike Manx Grand Prix – 4 Laps

With the addition of the Classic Junior race in 2024, fans will now see four races on the Mountain Course featuring some of road racing’s finest.

Riders

Although the Junior and Senior Manx Grand Prix races are limited to amateurs only, the remaining four Classic TT races are open to all, meaning you will see some top-quality action on the Mountain Course this August.

The 2023 races attracted plenty of top-tier road racers, including the below, so you can expect a star-studded startline at this year’s event.

Michael Dunlop
John McGuinness
Dean Harrison
Michael Rutter
James Hillier
Mike Browne
Davo Johnson

Riders contesting this year’s event are set to be officially announced over the coming weeks. However, Laycock Racing recently announced that Mike Browne and Ian Lougher will be competing in the Lightweight Race. Browne and Lougher claimed first and second place, respectively, in last year’s race, so they will be pushing to see similar success at the 2024 event.

What’s on Offer Outside Of The Racing

While the racing is undoubtedly the main attraction, there is plenty to do outside of it. Here are our highlights.

Motor Museum

The Isle of Man Motor Museum in Jurby is a treasure trove for automotive enthusiasts. The museum features an extensive collection of vehicles, including classic cars, motorcycles, and racing memorabilia. It’s a fantastic place to delve into the island’s rich motoring history and see some iconic machines up close.

Manx Museum

For those interested in the broader history and culture of the Isle of Man, the Manx Museum in Douglas is a must-visit. The museum houses exhibits on the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage and unique political status. The museum also houses the Isle of Man TT Gallery, which showcases the event’s rich history through a variety of exhibits, including the Mercury trophies presented to the winners since 1907 and the motorcycles, sidecars, leathers, and helmets used by some of its most iconic racers.

Fan Park

The MGP Fan Park is a hub of activity, offering entertainment, food stalls, merchandise, and more. It’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere, meet fellow fans, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of your favourite riders. The Fan Park often features live music, rider interviews, and prize presentations, making it a lively and engaging part of the MGP experience.

Laps of the Course

For those looking to understand better what it takes to race on the Mountain, a lap of the course with a top TT rider is highly recommended. These experiences allow you to hear from the riders themselves about how they tackle the different sections of the course, pointing out the markers they use and what speeds they would be going at throughout the lap, an insight you wouldn’t get from just riding the course yourself.

Our course laps during the event are exclusively available as part of our Ultimate Hotel Packages, including grandstand tickets for all three race days.

Where to Stay

There is a variety of accommodations available on the Isle of Man during the event, ranging from comfortable glamping to modern 4-star hotels catering to all tastes and budgets. Here are some recommendations to help you find the perfect place to stay during your visit.

Glamping

Glamping is the perfect option for those looking to experience the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT races on a budget. Glamping offers comfortable accommodation in a 5-metre bell tent equipped with proper mattresses, linen, duvets, and pillows, along with great on-site facilities like toilets, showers, and parking.

This year, all of our glamping packages are available at 4Ever Glamping, located in Colby, in the south of the island. They start from just £435 per person for five nights.

Hotels

Hotels offer a more luxurious option for visitors, making them ideal for anyone looking for the perfect trip to the event. All three of the hotels that we offer as part of our Manx Grand Prix hotel packages are located on Douglas Promenade, just a short walk from the Main Grandstand, Paddocks and Fan Park, putting you in the heart of the action. We’ve handpicked each location to ensure a pleasant experience during your visit.

Hotels that we offer:

Claremont Hotel: A contemporary 4-star hotel
Rutland Hotel, Douglas – An elegant 3-star hotel
Palace Hotel, Douglas – A 3-star hotel with an onsite casino

How to Get Here

The Isle of Man is accessible by air and sea, with various options depending on your starting point. Here’s how you can reach this beautiful island for the event.

By Air

The Isle of Man Airport (Ronaldsway) is located in the south of the island, near Castletown. It offers regular flights to and from several UK airports, including:

London (Gatwick, Heathrow, and City)
Manchester
Liverpool
Birmingham
Bristol
Edinburgh

Flights are also available from Dublin and Belfast, making the island accessible from Ireland as well.

By Sea

Ferry services to the Isle of Man are operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Ferries run from:
Liverpool
Heysham (Lancashire)
Belfast
Dublin

Travelling by ferry allows you to bring your vehicle, which can be convenient for exploring the island during your stay. The ferry terminal is located in Douglas, providing easy access to local transportation and accommodations.

Getting Around

Once on the island, getting around is relatively straightforward. The Isle of Man has a good public transport system, including buses and the historic steam and electric railways. However, bringing your own car or motorcycle can give you more flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the island’s more remote areas.

How to Book

Official Travel Partner Duke Travel has a range of packages available for the event, all from Thursday, 22nd August, to Tuesday, 27th August. Selecting a package has never been easier. All you have to do is choose your accommodation and package type—bronze, silver, or gold.

Ferry travel can also be added to all of our packages, and foot passenger, motorcycle rider, and car spaces are still available. We can also offer advice on flights to and from the island if you wish to fly.

Head over to Duke Travel’s website now to find your perfect package. Once you’ve done that, complete the enquiry form at the bottom of the page, and their expert travel team will contact you with more information. Don’t miss out on this exciting event, book now.