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If there’s anyone who knows where to catch the most jaw-dropping action at the TT, it’s James Hillier. With over a decade of racing the Mountain Course and a TT win under his belt, James has lived every inch of the road at full throttle.
We asked him to pick his top five viewing spots, and he gave us the lowdown — raw, real, and straight from the saddle.
So, if you’re heading over this year and want to know where to plant yourself for maximum TT magic, here’s where to go — according to a man who’s been there, done that…
1. Bray Hill – “Your First TT Shock to the System”
“I actually watched my first TT race from here when I was 12. This is usually the first place I usually send people first who haven’t been to the TT before. I like to send them to a place that really gives them that shock to the system — and the bottom of Bray Hill certainly gives you that. It’s 180mph downhill into a big compression at the bottom, then a huge wheelie on the way out. It gets very busy here, as it’s not a far walk from Douglas, so get here early to grab a spot.”
Bray Hill is the ultimate initiation into the Isle of Man TT — a front-row seat to sheer speed and insanity within walking distance from town.
- Massive 180mph downhill blast into compression — totally unforgettable
- Loud, fast, and up-close — a perfect intro for first-timers
- Easily accessible from Douglas, but gets packed — arrive early!
2. Gorse Lea – “High-Speed, Full Commitment”
“This one always makes me smile. It’s just a mad corner — smooth, blind right-hander with a late apex. You’re flat out in 5th on a Superbike, 6th on a Supersport. Proper ballsy stuff. It’s fast, intense, and the viewing is awesome if you want high-speed, mental action. Honestly, this is my favourite spot to watch. Just make sure you get there early — it fills up fast.”
Gorse Lea is a rider's corner through and through. It’s got that rare mix of speed, precision, and madness — a full-commitment moment that’ll make your heart race, even as a spectator.
- Blind, late-apex right-hander with insane speeds (5th–6th gear)
- Incredible close-up view of fast, flowing action
- Popular with hardcore fans — arrive early for the best spots
3. Barregarrow – “The Kind of Corner That Stays With You”
“Barregarrow is scary — no two ways about it. I don’t care who you are, it’s one of those sections where your focus has to be absolutely spot on. It’s a steep downhill run into a big compression at the bottom, so bike setup is crucial. It’s a true test of rider and machine. Honestly, I always feel a bit of relief coming out of it clean before heading down towards Kirk Michael. I’d imagine it’s just as intense to watch.”
If you want to witness just how brutal and beautiful the TT can be, Barregarrow shows you both — in speed, sound, and sheer physics-defying commitment.
- Steep descent into a big compression — pure spectacle
- See the physical and technical challenge riders face
- A thrilling watch for fans who want to see skill under pressure
4. 'K' Tree / Conker Tree – “Fast, Bumpy, and Totally Bonkers”
“A lot of the riders refer to this spot as ‘K Tree’ — there’s a big tree with a 'K' painted on it, marking a curb that juts out. It’s a fast, flowing 5th gear section, and the road surface is rough from all the tree roots underneath — it’s properly undulating and unpredictable. My technique is to sort of pump the bike a bit to help lift the front wheel over the bumps and keep it stable. Bonkers when you think we’re doing all this at 160mph. The view here is brilliant too. Honestly, it’s near the top of my list — you won’t be disappointed.”
This is road racing in its rawest form — no run-off, no margin for error, just pure speed and control. K Tree is where you truly see what makes a TT rider different.
- Undulating, root-affected surface at 160mph+ speeds
- Technical riding in a narrow, unforgiving section
- Great vantage points and one of the most unique locations
5. Kate’s Cottage – “All About the Atmosphere”
“This one’s less about the technical stuff and more about the vibe. Kate’s Cottage is near the end of the mountain section, and there’s a famous bar nearby — Creg-ny-Baa. You can walk up the bank to catch the bikes coming through fast, and the facilities are great with the pub and grandstand. But the real magic is during the final race of the week — the atmosphere here is something else. There’s a special feeling passing through after two intense weeks of racing.”
Kate’s Cottage offers a different kind of thrill — not just speed, but soul. It’s where fans, families, and racers soak in the final moments of the TT. If you're chasing that iconic TT vibe, this is your place.
- End of the Mountain section with fast approach and great views
- Close to the legendary Creg-ny-Baa pub and grandstand
- Unbeatable atmosphere on race week’s final day
6. TT Grandstand / Glencrutchery Road – "The Heart of the TT"
“This is where it all starts — and where it all ends. You see the build-up, the tension in the pits, the 170mph fly-bys through the speed trap, the pit stop drama. Then there’s the podium ceremony and the wind-down around the paddock — where you can see the teams, the bikes, the riders. Great facilities too, and the fan park nearby is perfect for a beer after the race.”
- See race starts, pit stops, speed trap fly-bys, and podium moments
- Access to paddock, teams, and riders after the race
- Fan park, bar, and big-screen action — ideal for first-time visitors
The Grandstand isn’t just a viewing spot — it’s the TT’s beating heart.
The Bottom Line
You could spend a lifetime picking out every incredible corner on the Mountain Course. But if you’re only there for a few days and want to see the best of the best, Hillier’s list won’t steer you wrong.
From terrifying downhill plunges and blind apexes to pub-side atmosphere and pit-lane drama, these are the places where the Isle of Man TT truly comes alive — through speed, soul, and pure, unfiltered road racing energy.
Hit up Muc-Off & James' social media to follow this years TT journey...
Follow James:
Instagram: @jameshillier37
YouTube: @jameshillierracing
Follow Muc-Off:
Instagram: @mucoff.moto
YouTube: @mucoffltd
