TOP 10 REASONS TO BE A TT EARLY BIRD
Described by Murray Walker OBE as the greatest motor-sporting event in the world, the Isle of Man TT Races show no sign of slowing down. Indeed, as records continue to be broken around the famous Course, away from the racing the TT has seen thousands more visitors making the TT their number one biking holiday.
Whilst two-thirds of you continue to descend on the island during the TT’s middle weekend, there is now a growing trend for ‘early bird’ visits, with more and more of you discovering the benefits of arriving early. With live TV coverage ensuring no-one has to miss out on some race week excitement, there isn’t a better time to consider visiting during qualifying. If you haven’t yet looked at a TT ‘early bird’ deal, why not check out our top ten reasons for doing just that:
1. BANK HOLIDAY-ING!
TT 2024 sees qualifying getting underway on the Bank Holiday Monday, so you can enjoy an extra day on the Isle of Man without losing an extra day of your precious holiday allowance.
2. SAVE £££s
Money talks, and if the old Manx plastic pound notes were still in circulation, they’d tell you that watching bikes tear around the Isle of Man is – and always has been – the greatest free show on earth. Of course, you still have to get here, and whilst we don’t encourage sneaking onto the ferry like a certain Mountain Course legend once did, you really don’t have to part with that many of your own notes to pitch up at Bray Hill, Brandish or Ballaugh Bridge. Arriving early, you’ll find there’s still plenty of accommodation to choose from – as well as a whole raft of superb offers on ferries and flights.
Arriving early, you’ll find there’s still plenty of accommodation to choose from, including glamping
3. MONDAY'S BUMPER QUALIFYING SESSION
In a move away from recent tradition, the opening qualifying session has this year switched from Saturday evening to the Bank Holiday Monday. Beginning with a Morning Free Practice Session before heading into an afternoon of qualifying, can bask in an entire day of bike action, catching the first glimpse of the Newcomers, followed by an early taste of all the TT classes.
4. FREEDOM OF THE HEDGES
No more two hour waits here: early bird visitors get the freedom of the hedges and walls that line the TT Course and can tip up to their favourite spectator spots just minutes before roads close. If you have a list of must-visit locations, then an early trip to the TT is the perfect opportunity to tick them all off. And with guaranteed roads opening times, you CAN afford to go just wherever you like and still be home in time for that evening’s TT programme on ITV4.
Early bird visitors get the freedom of the hedges and walls
5. FREEDOM OF THE HIGHWAY
Okay, there’s not really a highway, only the world’s most famous road racing circuit. And at more than 37miles in length, it’s a beauty. If you’ve brought your motorcycle to the Island before, only to feel frustrated by the volume of traffic, then an early visit is for you. Sharing the TT Course with only a minority of life-long enthusiasts is guaranteed to remind you just why you got into bikes in the first place.
6. THE MONSTER ENERGY TT FAN PARK
Open daily, the Monster Energy Fan Park is the place to be for more TT entertainment. The Fan Park is free to attend and boasts a packed schedule of daily content including chat shows with Chris Pritchard, rider signings, competitions, live music, the fan favourite T-shirt gun, and more. You’ll also be able to take in all the big screen action - beamed live from around the track - indulge in the best street food, and grab a refreshing drink or two from the Trackside Bar.
7. FAMILY TIME
Yes, there ARE plenty of kids who think the TT is better than Disneyland! For us adults, meeting your TT heroes can be like bumping into Elvis, but for young fans, meeting John McGuinness is like getting your hat signed by Father Christmas! If you haven’t thought about bringing the family before, why not take another look at our deals for TT early birds. Not only do they make family trips affordable, they offer quiet roads and plenty of time to go explore all the castles, beaches and fairytale glens that make up this stunningly beautiful Island. It could just be the magical half term holiday you all crave.
You can discover more as an early bird, but don’t forget the kids!
8. DISCOVER MORE
It would be impossible to imagine the TT without the Isle of Man. Found at the heart of the British Isles, the Isle of Man is both familiar and a world apart - timelessly beautiful, with a character and spirit all of its own. A visit to the TT can be an adrenaline-fuelled experience, but it can also be time of relaxation and discovery. With qualifying sessions largely taking place across a string of balmy summer evenings, there’s all the time in the world to go fall in love with this unique little island. Just one word of warning: if you decide there’s no other place in the world, you’d rather spend the rest of your life, you certainly won’t be the first or last!
A visit to the TT can be an adrenaline-fuelled experience, but it can also be time of relaxation and discovery
9. BECOME A MARSHAL
Swapping the beach for a week or two of hard graft may have become a more fashionable choice for trendy holidaymakers in recent years, but for decades, hundreds of bike fans have been crossing the Irish Sea to do their bit at the TT. If you too, are up for some life experience and keen to give back to the sport you love, then signing on as a TT Marshal is for you! Away from the pressures of race day, the shorter road closures of TT qualifying provides the perfect introduction to marshalling the mighty Mountain Course, so give it a go! Check out the TTMA website for more information.
10. TIME & TIDE
The TT – more than any other sporting event – is all about living in the moment and living life to the fullest. If you haven’t been successful in securing your ideal sailing or your favourite guesthouse, don’t let that stop you. Seize the moment and become a TT early bird – you won’t regret it!
INTERESTED?
If our top-ten has piqued your interest, the TT’s official travel partners, Duke Travel and Sportsnet, are on hand to help. Duke have a range of cost-effective packages as well as exclusive offers for stays in the IOMTT Village, located just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the TT Paddock, and Sportsnet offer great solutions for coming to the Island from further afield.
