Home to stunning beaches, outdoor pursuits, lively restaurants, independent shops and heritage sites galore, the south of the Isle of Man should be firmly in your sights for a fun day out with the family.

But did you know there are many hidden gems tucked away in the most unlikely places?

One such treasure is the Tile Gallery, a must for anyone thinking of some home improvements. Located in the Balthane Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Ballasalla, it stocks a wide range of Italian and Spanish tiles as well as offering hand-made picture tiles, dado and fireplace sets made to order.

With no fewer than three courses to choose from you’ll never be short of a place for a round of golf in the south.

But you don’t need to play to visit No 19, the café and grill in the Castletown Golf Links clubhouse.

It’s open for breakfasts, coffee and cake, light lunches and afternoon tea - all with stunning views.

Serving up a taste of Italy in the Isle of Man is the Tuscany Restaurant in Castletown with authentic home-made food using Manx and Italian products and a carefully chosen wine selection.

For a different eating experience, Mustang Sally’s Diner in Arbory Street offers classic American fast food in a 1950s-styled setting.

Fancy a longer stay in the south or have family coming to visit? The Courtyard Apartments have high quality, modern apartments for short or long term lets, just a stone’s throw from Castle Rushen in the island’s historic ancient capital.

Port Erin is the perfect place for a day on the beach but it’s also crammed full of interesting shops and services.

The Bridge Bookshop down on Shore Road is a great spot to browse for the latest bestsellers or a volume on Manx history or culture - or stock up on art supplies if you’re feeling creative.

The Good Health Store on Church Street is the place to head to for specialist health foods and supplements as well as Manx and organic products.

And just along the road you can find Balustrade Solutions who produce beautiful bespoke stainless steel balustrades as well as glass walls and doors.

If your time in the south has made you think about relocating, Propertywise estate agents on Station Road deals with the sale and rental of residential and commercial property in Port Erin and surrounding areas. And if you need any conveyancing or help with other legal matters, local law firm LVW Law can be found just back around the corner on Church Street.