On a clear day, you can see Ireland and Scotland: a car-free break on the Isle of Man

Inspired by the ITV drama Maryland? Take the ferry to the island and explore its unique folklore, Victorian railway and wild coastline

Towards the end of Maryland, the recent ITV drama set on the Isle of Man, there is a view of the town of Peel. White buildings curve round a sandy beach and a causeway runs below tumuli-topped hills. The ruined walls and circular Celtic tower of Peel Castle stand on an island in the Irish Sea.

Maryland was actually filmed in Ireland, though establishing shots such as this, to set the scene, were done on the island, and they do capture the atmosphere of the place, its separateness and stories, its beaches and beauty.