Roaring into action in 1907, the Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) is one of the most iconic racing events in the world. Taking place each year on the Isle of Man, it encompasses a plethora of world-famous motorcycle races across two weeks, one track, and various categories. From the fan-favourite superbikes to the spellbinding sidecars, each fiercely thrilling race enthrals audiences and beckons to adrenaline seekers from far and wide.
Pursue a captivating adventure and head over to the Isle of Man this year to uncover the legendary happenings of this formidable event. From TT history and the different race days to some of the best things to do during the fortnight, here’s our curated guide to the Isle of Man TT.
About the Isle of Man TT
The Isle of Man’s Tourist Trophy race, aka the Isle of Man TT, is a motorcycle racing event traditionally held over 13 days in May and June each year. One of the oldest events of its kind in the world, it has called to competitors and spectators alike for over a century, promising a notorious test of skill, speed, strategy, and nerve…
Origins
Deeply rooted in motor-sporting history and island traditions, the Isle of Man TT first launched into existence in 1907. Organisers of the event had been scouting different locations in Great Britain to host motorcycle races, but at the time, racing on public roads was prohibited. Spotting an opportunity, they instead turned their attention to the Isle of Man, where the island’s own laws were more lenient and competitors were welcomed – ready to write the chapters of motorcycling history.
After a few years, the original 15-mile race evolved into what is now known as the Mountain Course. Since 1911, bikers have raced at lightning speeds to complete the 37.73-mile course in a blur of tarmac, stone walls, tight bends, and undulating elevation. With innovative tech, unique challenges, and a roster of legendary racers, its allure remains as powerful as ever and continues to attract professional competitors, amateur riders, and motorsport enthusiasts of all generations to the island each year.
Famous Riders
The Isle of Man TT is one of the most famous road racing events in the world. First won by Rem Fowler in 1907, it has amassed a huge following over nearly 120 years, with legendary racers and dedicated spectators returning year on year to take part. Amongst the TT’s most renowned riders are 23-time winner John McGuinness, the late 26-time winner Joey Dunlop, and 33-time winner Michael Dunlop (Joey’s nephew). 14-time winner Peter Hickman is also revered by TT aficionados, boasting the TT’s fastest ever race time of 16 minutes and 36 seconds – with an average speed of over 136mph.
Isle of Man TT 2026
Ready to rivet audiences for another year, the Isle of Man TT 2026 is set to take place between Monday 25th May and Sunday 7th June 2026. During this action-packed fortnight of events, practice and qualifying rounds will be held between Monday 25th and Friday 29th May, with races the following week from Saturday 30th May until Saturday 6th June. Plot your Isle of Man escape well in advance and embrace a thrilling getaway for the TT, full of exhilaration and adventure. Tune into the Manx Radio TT channel or switch on TT Plus on the TV for all the latest updates and timings.
Arriving in Style
Should you be seeking an unforgettable island escape for the TT next year, there’s no better time to start planning. Reaching the Isle of Man is simple, with regular flights and ferry crossings running either side of and throughout the TT fortnight. That said, it’s important to plan months in advance to secure your accommodation and travel tickets for this widely anticipated event and avoid any disappointment. As for the racing itself, the race follows the Mountain Course around the island’s public roads, so you don’t need a ticket to spectate, and there are countless viewpoints from which to enjoy the show. However, should you feel like a more exclusive spot to absorb the atmosphere, grandstand and hospitality packages are also available for a fully immersive experience.
The TT Fortnight
The Isle of Man TT takes place over a two-week (13-day) period, usually from late May into early June each year. Since its inaugural race in 1907, it has only been cancelled three times and is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the global motorsporting calendar. As part of the TT fortnight, the first week focuses on practice sessions and qualifying races as riders familiarise themselves with the course’s twists and turns. Adding to the impetus, lap times from these rounds are used to determine starting places in the official races, making Qualifying Week a hugely important period for riders and a much-anticipated spectating event amongst TT enthusiasts.
During the second week, the competition kicks up a gear with the official races starting around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course. With public roads closed and over 100 riders accelerating through the island’s picturesque villages and countryside scenery, it makes for a captivating spectacle all round. Race Week itself encompasses races across a number of different categories, including Superbike, Supersport, Sportbike, Superstock, and Sidecar. Category races span various days, weather and conditions depending, and culminate with the Senior TT race. In 2026, Race Day 1 is scheduled for Saturday 30th May 2026, commencing with the Superstock and Sidecar classes.
Isle of Man TT Race Classes
Topping speeds of 200mph, the Isle of Man TT Races are some of the fastest and most adrenaline-fuelled of their kind in the world. With one epic 37.73-mile course (the Mountain Course) and several different categories, each race boasts its own set of rules, specifications, and reasons to watch. And, with riders shooting off the start line every 10 seconds during races, each event promises an exhilarating display of courage and speed as professional and amateur riders alike race against the clock.
Superbike
One of the TT favourites, the Superbike TT race, along with the Senior TT, features high-performance racing motorcycles that have been improved and modified for utmost power. The race distance encompasses six laps of the Mountain Course (226.38 miles), and it’s one that draws all the crowds.
Supersport
Supersport races include lighter bikes heavily modified to favour agility and high cornering speeds. This race involves four laps of the Mountain Course, covering nearly 150 miles in total. The bikes are light, slick, and lightning fast.
Superstock
The Superstock race revolves around production sports motorcycles with minimal modification. The race requires competitors to complete three laps of the course (113 miles). The TT’s all-time fastest race record was achieved during this race by Peter Hickman, clocking an average speed of over 133mph (and fastest average lap speed of 136mph).
Sportbike
Previously the Supertwin class, 2026’s Sportbike class focuses on middle-weight road-faring bikes transformed into racing bikes. The race comprises three laps of the legendary Mountain Course over 113.19 miles.
Side Car
The Isle of Man Sidecar TT is one of the fortnight’s most jaw-dropping spectacles. Unique in the competition, this race features two riders, three wheels and three laps (with no pitstops). While the driver pilots the bike, the passenger rides in the sidecar for counterbalance. Unbelievably, the average lap record tops 121mph.
The Mountain Course
The TT’s Snaefell Mountain Course on the Isle of Man encompasses 37.73 miles of public roads and has remained largely unchanged since it was first raced in 1911. Weaving through the island’s villages, countryside, and mountainscapes, each section of the course offers its own unique obstacles and challenges. With over 200 corners and countless vantage points to choose from, there’s always somewhere exciting to watch the action.
En route, some of the most famous landmarks include the Grandstand, Bray Hill, Quarter Bridge, Braddan Bridge, Ballagarey (otherwise known as Ballascary), Glen Helen, Ballaugh Bridge, Parliament Square, Creg Ny Baa, and Gooseneck. To see the action at the start and finish line, the main Grandstand is the best place to go, filled with more than 600 elevated seats and exuding a bewitching atmosphere. Meanwhile, Bray Hill is one of the most iconic landmarks along the TT course, notorious for its blind entry and steep descent – a descent which often sees racers reaching speeds of 180mph.
Top Things to Do During the Isle of Man TT Races
During the Isle of Man TT, the island comes alive with action and adrenaline. Whether you’re seeking to revel in the atmosphere, find the best vantage, learn about TT history, or mix up your adventures with some quiet moments in the wilds, uncover some of the top things to do during the Isle of Man TT Races.
Watch the Pre-TT Classic Race
Three days before the start of the TT, the Pre-TT Classic Road Race is hosted on the Billown Circuit in the south of the island. Established in 1988, it is one of the must-see events of the year and attracts hundreds of entries over nine races. Taking place from 22nd to 24th May 2026, it promises a celebration of classic motorcycling history and is one of the best ways to start your TT adventure in style.
Head to a Grandstand
For those seeking the ultimate TT experience, the Grandstand is the place to be. Three grandstands - the Main TT Grandstand (Douglas), Noble’s Park Grandstand, and Fan Park Grandstand - await near the start and finish line. Meanwhile, additional grandstands can be found courseside, including Hillberry, Braddan Bridge, Creg Ny Baa, Rhencullen, and The Gooseneck. With its prime location, the Main Grandstand is particularly sought-after for its bird’s eye view of the action and all-important scoreboard.
Secure a Hospitality Package
Indulge in an unrivalled TT experience with a hospitality package. Whether you’re immersing in your first TT in style or are seeking to elevate your experience, hospitality packages provide exclusive access to key areas, rider meet-and-greets, dining opportunities, high-end service, and more. Skip the crowds and settle into your TT escape in comfort as corks pop and engines roar.
Stroll Around the Paddock
The TT paddock is one of the best places to wander to immerse in the heart of the action. A hub of activity, it provides a central base for rider areas, team garages, tech bays, motor facilities, media support and hospitality zones. With many areas free to explore, it’s also a fantastic place to meet TT riders working on their bikes and gather with friends. Elsewhere, wander to the dog-friendly Trackside where food, drink, and music await.
Snaefell Mountain Railway
Offering a unique experience on the Isle of Man, Snaefell Mountain is the island’s only mountain, rising to just over 2,000 feet and enjoying breath-taking views. For one of the best things to do during an island retreat, take the 30-minute railway journey to the top of the mountain and bask in the panoramas. Or, hop off at The Bungalow to find the Joey Dunlop Statue or Victory Café and watch as racers soar along the mountain section of the course.
Savour a Hilltop Picnic at Brandywell
Half a mile from The Bungalow, Brandywell marks the highest point of the TT’s Mountain Course. Swiftly turning into a rolling descent, this left-hand curve is one of the most famous sections of the course and offers stunning views of both the race and surrounding landscapes. Parcel up a picnic and take up a hillside spot at Brandywell, settling down with some artisan delights to complement your TT spectating.
Visit the Isle of Man Motor Museum
The Isle of Man is synonymous with motorsporting history and is a mecca for motorbike lovers from all over the world. To learn more about the origins of the TT and the evolution of motorsports on the island, make your way to one of the Isle of Man’s motoring museums. Situated in the north of the island in Jurby, the Isle of Man Motor Museum is a particular treat, home to more than 500 vehicles - some more than a century old.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry
The Isle of Man is home to a huge collection of wonderful places to eat. During the TT fortnight, there are a number of gems to capture your attention. A TT institution, the family-friendly Creg Ny Baa is a welcoming pub residing along the TT course and is a sought-after destination for its race views and amply stocked bar. Meanwhile, a little further afield, The Sound Café is especially beloved on rest days, adored for its breath-taking backdrop and culinary offerings.
Listen to Live Music
Throughout the TT fortnight, revellers can find an array of places to go for live music and entertainment. Taking centre stage on Douglas’ promenade, Villa Marina & Gaiety Theatre promises a year-round programme of events, with the TT fortnight being no exception. Douglas’ Harris Promenade also plays host to the TT Funfair, as well as the TT Bushy’s Village, where live music, local food, and a bustling atmosphere tempt merrymakers from near and far.
Drive the Snaefell Mountain Course
During the TT Fortnight, the Mountain Course is only closed to the public during races. With traffic running one way the rest of the time during the TT, you can take the opportunity to take on the course yourself. Enticing motorcyclists and drivers alike, experience firsthand the twists and turns of this piece of motorsporting history – without the breakneck speeds. Having completed the course, enjoy a new perspective of the incredible feats achieved by the race’s competitors, along with the courage and skill needed to spin the wheels of victory.
Feeling inspired for a TT adventure? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages on the Isle of Man.
