The Isle of Man is considered one of Britain's 50 greatest islands.
In an on-line feature for the Daily Telegraph it's placed fifth, between Anglesey off the Welsh coast and Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island, Rathlin.
St Mary's, the largest of the Scilly Isles, tops the list.
Journalist Julia Hunt points out the Isle of Man has its own government and language, yet is only 60 miles off the coast of Lancashire.
However, reasons to visit appear to be a little thin on the ground.
Attractions are listed as 'sandy beaches, medieval castles and the TT motorcycle races'.
(Picture: A view of Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man).
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