(photo courtesy of http://www.oldukphotos.com) For centuries this small cove, known as Onchan Harbour, provided a safe place for fishermen and other sailors to beach their boats. The channel they used to avoid the worse of the rocks can still be clearly seen at low tide. A well provided fresh water and a path led up inland. The path, known as Wrack Road, was also used by farmers collecting seaweed to use as fertilizer. The beach is now more commonly known as “Happy Valley” after a small theatre was opened here by a Mr Charles Dare in 1912. It was built on the slope between the road and the beach . Despite attracting tourists visiting the ammusment park nearby (later known as White City), the theatre closed after only a couple of years and the area is now heavily overgrown.
For more history on the area look here http://www.mike-caine.com/howstrake/onchan-harbour-and-the-happy-valley-arena/
Enjoy the hunt!!