MANX NATIONAL HERITAGE EXPLORE
A warm welcome from MANX NATIONAL HERITAGE
Failt Erriu - welcome to our 2025 visitor guide, brimming with information and inspiration to plan your days out and to help you make the most of your time on the Isle of Man.
From castles to coastlines, art to archaeology, forts to feats of engineering, museums and their magnificent collections, explore our amazing places and spaces to experience and enjoy the Island’s finest heritage sites.
With one of the richest historic landscapes in Europe, our stunning Island offers an abundance of unique and inspiring days out.
Your support of our work to conserve and promote our heritage is greatly appreciated. By visiting, buying gifts in our shops or making a donation to our charity, you are helping to protect our heritage for future generations to enjoy.
We look forward to welcoming you to our sites.
Manx National Heritage Isle of Man charity no. 603
USEFUL INFORMATION
*Adult admission tickets to all our sites include a £1.50 voluntary donation to Manx National Heritage, supporting our charity’s work in caring for the Isle of Man’s historic buildings, landscapes, archives and museum collections. If you do not wish to make a donation, or you wish to make a donation of a different amount, please inform our staff when purchasing your ticket.
To help you find and share the exact locations of our sites, we have included what3words. To use, download the free app to your mobile. All information correct at time of going to print and may be subject to change. Printed March 2025. Please check our website manxnationalheritage.im for our latest information.
OUR CHARITY CARES FOR...
The world’s largest working waterwheel
Over 950 plant species in our gardens
The oldest surviving schooner in the world
Manx National Heritage is responsible for conserving, protecting and promoting the Isle of Man’s natural and cultural heritage. We are a registered charity and look after some of the Island’s most special places, spaces, archives and museum collections.
More Viking Age silver per square kilometre than England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales
More than 2,500 acres of landscape
Over 1 million items in our collections
Calf of Man Bird Observatory of international importance
MANX MUSEUM
Thie Tashtee Vannin
OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR
9.30am - 4.30pm
Free (Average donation £10)
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
FIND US
What’s On at the Manx Museum
Kingswood Grove, Douglas, IM1 3LY
Tel: 01624 648000
Transport: Buses 3, 3A, 22, 22H, 25, 25H
Horse Tram Broadway Stop, Manx Electric
Railway and Steam Railway Douglas stops. /// visit.sums.gentle 2h+
Situated in the heart of Douglas, the Manx Museum is bursting with artefacts unique to the Isle of Man.
Highlights include some of the finest Viking treasures in the British Isles, temporary exhibitions, and spectacular galleries including the Isle of Man TT Gallery, a selection of works from the National Art Collection and new for 2025 a unique exhibition celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Manx designer Archibald Knox.
LIBRARY & ARCHIVES
Open Wednesday - Sat 10am - 4.30pm
Explore our vast archives and printed resources including language, folklore, archaeology, and more.
ACHIEVING GREAT THINGS WITH YOUR SUPPORT
We care for over one million objects and archives in our national collections which have grown over 100 years. Your support helps our charity conserve, protect and share these resources for future generations to enjoy. Donate today at manxnationalheritage.im/donate
KNOX: ORDER & BEAUTY
5 April 2025 - 1 March 2026
Discover the world’s largest collection of Archibald Knox’s work, featuring iconic silverware, pewter, and jewellery created for The Silver Studio and Liberty & Co. The exhibition also showcases rare paintings, sketches, manuscripts, ceramics, textiles, and furniture.
KNOX: Order and Beauty is brought to you in partnership with the Archibald Knox Forum.
GAIETY 125
25 January - 18 May 2025 and 13 September 2025 - 4 January 2026
Celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Gaiety Theatre, one of the Isle of Man’s most loved buildings. Theatrical props, artefacts, posters and images of famous faces from iconic shows bring the display to life. Brought to you in association with the Friends of the Gaiety.
‘ISLE OF KNOX’ EVENTS
6 April 2025 - 22 February 2026
Explore Archibald Knox’s life and works through walks, talks, and workshops across the Isle of Man.
Join a walking tour, follow in Knox’s footsteps in our landscape, discover his works and learn how to identify his silverware. Isle of Knox is brought to you in partnership with the Archibald Knox Forum.
‘NO LIMIT’ AT 90
24 May - 7 September 2025
Join us as we revisit the making of 1930s film, ‘No Limit’ featuring George Formby. Uncover memorabilia, racing artefacts from the era and behind-the-scenes photos that reveal the magic of how the film came to life. In association with the George Formby Society.
Visit manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on to find all events and booking details.
EVENTS, EXHIBITIONS AND ADVENTURES
Join in a host of seasonal adventures and events for all ages at Manx National Heritage sites across the Isle of Man. Find out what’s on, what’s coming soon and book tickets at manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on
Viking Gallery
Isle of Man TT Gallery
HOUSE OF MANANNAN
Thie Vanannan
OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR
9.30am - 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
Adults £15.50*, Student £7 (with a valid student card). Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available (see p11)
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
FIND US
Mill Road, Peel, IM5 1AT. Tel: 01624 648000
Transport: Bus 3, 4B, 5, 5C, 6, 6A ///pink.directly.lucky
What’s On at the House of Manannan
6 Contemporary Art Collective
16 February - 27 April 2025
Leonard McCombe: Through the Lens of War
3 May - 5 October 2025
National Treasures
25 October 2025 -
1 February 2026
Step back in time on a journey through the Isle of Man’s Celtic, Viking and maritime past, guided by the mythological sea god Manannan. Explore the Island’s history, from the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles to the 19th-century fishing ports and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Visit life-size reconstructions of a Celtic roundhouse and Viking longhouse, see Odin’s Raven, a replica Viking longship, and hear stories carved into ancient stone crosses. Walk through historic quayside warehouses, where the sounds of sailmakers and coopers mingle with the superstitions of Peel’s fishing folk.
NEARBY DISCOVER: NIARBYL
Six contemporary artists: Sally Black, Petrina Kent Ella Magee, Helen Faragher, Ellie Baker and Ongky Wijana showcase their latest works in mixed media including paper, canvas and stone. Original artworks available to purchase.
Leonard McCombe, one of the Isle of Man’s top photographers, captured some of the 20th century’s most iconic images. To mark VE Day’s 80th anniversary, explore his war photography, much of it previously unseen, offering a raw look at the reality of war.
Explore the Isle of Man’s recent Treasure discoveries, including Viking gold, silver, coins, and Bronze Age jewellery, along with the intriguing stories of their discovery and who may have lost or buried them.
EXPLORE OUR GIFT SHOP
Beautifully curated gifts inspired by the Isle of Man.
This peaceful bay features rolling hills, thatched cottages, and scenic coastal paths leading to White Beach, a stunning spot for sunsets and stargazing. Along the coast, visit Lag ny Killey, one of the Island’s ancient Keeils. ///memorials/boiled/inch. Outdoor sites in our guardianship are free to visit. Support their care at manxnationalheritage.im/donate
Explore our gift shop at the House of Manannan or online at manxnationalheritage.im/shop
Manx Crosses
Odin’s Raven
Eggs by Sally Black
The Aftermath of War Viking Treasure Hoard
PEEL CASTLE
Cashtal Phurt Ny H-inshey
27 MARCH - 2 NOVEMBER 2025
OPEN DAILY 11am - 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
Adults £12.50*, Student £5.50 (with a valid student card). Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available (see p11).
Follow in the footsteps of Christian missionaries, Kings and Vikings at Peel Castle, an impressive fortress on St Patrick’s Isle. Overlooking Peel harbour, legend has it that St Patrick visited the Island bringing Christianity to the Isle of Man. Renowned for its glorious views, St Patrick’s Isle was a place of worship and later became a fort for a 12th century Viking King. Once a royal residence, this magnificent castle was a centre for the Island’s government for over 200 years until power moved south to Castle Rushen.
NEARBY DISCOVER: EARY CUSHLIN
Around 40 years ago, the grave of a wealthy woman from around 950 AD was discovered inside Peel Castle. It contained a necklace made of 73 glass, jet and amber beads from Britain and Europe. This spectacular necklace is on display at the Manx Museum.
FIND US
West Quay, Peel IM5 1TB
Tel: 01624 648090
Transport: Buses 4, 4A, 5, 5C, 6, 6A ///doctor.puzzles.spine Pagan Lady’s Necklace
Enjoy a coastal walk along the old packhorse lane to Eary Cushlin and onward to Lag ny Killey, one of the best preserved and most dramatic of the Isle of Man’s keeills. You can also stay with us at Eary Cushlin. Find out more on page 34. ///suffice.determination.aged
Will it be our museums, collections, medieval castles, thatched cottages, Cistercian abbey, ancient monuments, gardens, or a world famous waterwheel?
Pass valid 10 days from first use
Pass for Isle of Man residents
When you purchase a ticket or multi-site pass, you support our work in caring for the Isle of Man’s heritage for future generations. Terms and conditions apply. For details visit manxnationalheritage.im
Peel Castle from the Headland
GREAT LAXEY WHEEL
Queeyl Vooar Laksey
27 MARCH - 2 NOVEMBER 2025
OPEN DAILY 9.30am - 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
OPEN DAILY UNTIL 5pm in June, July and August (last entry 4.30pm)
Adults £15.50*, Student £7 (with a valid student card). Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available (see p11).
the Laxey miners, explore the mines trail and take a trip into the adit to experience life underground. Find out why the wheel is also known as Lady Isabella during your visit.
FIND US
Wheel Hill, Mines Road, Laxey, IM4 7NL
Tel: 01624 861136
Transport: Buses 3, 3A
Rail: Manx Electric Railway and Snaefell /// fighters.chickens.drilled 1h+
The Great Laxey Wheel is the Isle of Man’s most iconic landmark and the largest working water wheel in the world. At 72 feet 6 inches in diameter, this extraordinary feat of Victorian engineering has brought tourists flocking to the picturesque village of Laxey for 170 years. During your visit, see this magnificent wheel turning and take the 95 spiral stairs to the top to enjoy panoramic views of Glen Mooar Valley. Beyond the wheel, learn about the lives of
NEARBY DISCOVER: THE WASHING FLOORS AND LAXEY VALLEY
To understand the scale of industry and ingenuity in Laxey, a visit to the Washing Floors is a must after visiting the Great Laxey Wheel. Further up Glen Mooar Valley and beyond Agneash, remains of more mine workings can be seen on a walk through the valley. ///grapes.spicy.ranches
CONSERVING THE GREAT LAXEY WHEEL AND MINE
Manx National Heritage recently completed an award winning conservation programme, during which the Lady Isabella was carefully studied and conserved.
Old render and defective timbers suffering from decay were replaced, ironmongery repaired and the great wheel, housing, railings and viewing platform re-painted in the first phase of the most comprehensive conservation project completed on Lady Isabella since her restoration almost 40 years ago.
This was followed by conservation of the wheel’s T-Rocker and magnificent rod duct, the original of which featured an impressive series of 32 arches extending over 169 metres along the picturesque Glen Mooar Valley.
HELP KEEP THE GREAT LAXEY WHEEL TURNING
By visiting the Great Laxey Wheel and making a donation to Manx National Heritage, you support our charity’s work in helping keep the Great Laxey Wheel turning for future generations to marvel at and enjoy.
Support Us
We are dedicated to the ongoing preservation of the Great Laxey Wheel. Support our work by making a donation at manxnationalheritage.im/donate
Lady Isabella
Exploring the mine adit
Close up at the Laxey Wheel
CASTLE RUSHEN
Cashtal Rushen
27 MARCH - 2 NOVEMBER 2025
OPEN DAILY 9.30am - 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
Adults £15.50*, Student £7 (with a valid student card). Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available (see p11).
Located in Castletown, the Isle of Man’s ancient capital, Castle Rushen is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the British Isles. Built around 1200AD for a Norse king, it was expanded by successive rulers until the 1600s and served as a fortress, royal residence, mint, and prison. Explore the castle’s history, meet figures like Bishop Wilson in his prison cell, and visit the castle guards in their vaulted rooms. Climb spiral staircases for stunning views. An interactive 3D scan on the ground floor lets visitors virtually explore the castle’s upper rooms.
NEARBY DISCOVER: HANGO HILL
FIND US
Castle Street, Castletown, IM9 1LD
Tel: 01624 827413
Transport: Buses 1, 1H, 2A, 11, 11A, 12, 12A
Isle of Man Steam Railway Castletown Stop /// crisps.perfect.littler
A Bronze Age burial mound and post-medieval summer house. The site is also infamous as a place of execution, most notably of Manx martyr, Illiam Dhone (William Christian). ///seducing.chanting.coach. Outdoor sites in our care and guardianship are free to visit. Support their care at manxnationalheritage.im/donate
NAUTICAL MUSEUM
Yn Thie Tashtee Lhuingey
27 MARCH - 2 NOVEMBER 2025
Saturday - Wednesday, Noon - 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Adults £12.50*, Student £5.50 (with a valid student card). Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available (see p11).
FIND US
Bridge Street, Castletown, Isle of Man, IM9 1AX Tel: 01624 824186
Transport: Buses 1, 1H, 2A, 11, 11A, 12, 12A Isle of Man Steam Railway Castletown Stop /// pretended.narrowest.executive 1h+
This small yet captivating museum showcases the Isle of Man’s seafaring past and uncovers the fascinating story of Manxman Captain George Quayle, his boathouse, and the story of his most significant possession, the Peggy. A rare survival, the Peggy is one of the world’s oldest wooden boats and the earliest armed yacht in the British Isles. Secret doors and panels in the boathouse reveal the story of Quayle - a banker, soldier and inventoralongside the dock, and previously unseen archaeological finds.
27 MARCH - 2 NOVEMBER 2025
Wednesday and Saturday, Noon and 4pm
Tour price: Adults £12.50*, Student £5.50 (with a valid student card). Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available (see p11).
Pre-book at manxnationalheritage.im/shop
FIND US
Directions and the location of the Peggy Conservation facility will be provided on confirmation of your booking.
CASTLETOWN SITE TOURS
1h+
The Peggy, the oldest complete vessel on the UK National Register of Historic Vessels.
Join us for an exclusive behind the scenes tour of our conservation facility, see the Peggy, learn about her creator and discover more about our unique project to return the Peggy to her Castletown home, the Nautical Museum, telling the story of the Isle of Man’s remarkable maritime heritage.
Join our expert guides for a guided tour of the Old Grammar School, Old House of Keys and the Nautical Museum. Wednesday and Saturday at noon and 3pm.
Tour price includes donation: Adults £18, Student £9 (with a valid student card).
Pre-book at Castle Rushen or online at manxnationalheritage.im/shop
THE PEGGY CONSERVATION TOUR Support Us
Your support of our charity can make a real difference to the conservation of the Peggy and the preservation and development of the Nautical Museum. Donate today at manxnationalheritage.im/donate
Model of the Peggy
Proposed Boathouse artistic illustration
The Peggy
THE OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Yn Chenn Scoill Grammeyoys
27 MARCH - 2 NOVEMBER 2025
To visit join our Castletown Heritage Tour. Wednesday and Saturday, Noon and 3pm
Tour price includes The Old Grammar School, The Old House of Keys and the Nautical Museum: Adults £16.50*, Student £7.50 (with a valid student card). Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available (see p11).
Pre-book at Castle Rushen or online at manxnationalheritage.im/shop
THE OLD HOUSE OF KEYS
Shenn Thie yn Chiare as Feed
FIND US
Castle Street, Castletown, Isle of Man, IM9 1LD Tel: 01624 827413
Transport: Buses 1, 1H, 2A, 11, 11A, 12, 12A Isle of Man Steam Railway Castletown Stop /// airfields.imprecise.them
An architectural gem located on Castletown harbour, the Old Grammar School is the oldest roofed building in the Isle of Man, dating to around 1200AD. This small but architecturally rich building was originally St Mary’s Chapel. The chapel served the town as it grew around Castle Rushen until around 1710 when Bishop Wilson converted it into a grammar school for boys.
NEARBY DISCOVER: FORT ISLAND
Visit the site of two major battles fought nearly 800 years ago. The round fort at Derbyhaven, built by Henry VIII to defend against French and Spanish threats, was later manned by musketeers during the English Civil War. Also on Fort Island discover St. Michael’s Chapel, once home to an early Celtic keeill. ///context.inwards.sorters. Outdoor sites in our care and guardianship are free to visit. Support their care at manxnationalheritage.im/donate
27 MARCH - 3 NOVEMBER 2025
To visit join our Castletown Heritage Tour. Wednesday and Saturday, Noon and 3pm
Tour price includes The Old Grammar School, The Old House of Keys and the Nautical Museum: £16.50*. Group sittings available by request. Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available Multi-site savings available (see p11).
Pre-book at Castle Rushen or online at manxnationalheritage.im/shop
Greeted by the Secretary of the Old House of Keys, step inside the former home of the oldest continuous Parliament in the world. Take your seat in the finely restored debating chamber for a theatrical debate on setting the Island’s laws and discover how democracy
NEARBY DISCOVER: BALLADOOLE
develops as animated portraits bring Members of the
FIND US
Castle Street, Castletown, Isle of Man, IM9 1LD Tel: 01624 827413
Transport: Buses 1, 1H, 2A, 11, 11A, 12, 12A Isle of Man Steam Railway Castletown Stop /// pretended.narrowest.executive
Just outside Castletown, Balladoole is one of the Isle of Man’s most impressive ancient monuments where prehistoric flints, Bronze Age burials, Iron Age earthworks, and early Christian graves have been found. Excavations also revealed a 10th-century Viking boat burial, including a 36ft ship and the grave of a wealthy woman. /// zebras.craved.maps
Inside the Old Grammar School
House of Keys to life.
The Old House of Keys
The Old Grammar School
Hot debate at The Old House of Keys
RUSHEN ABBEY
Mannishter Rushen
27 MARCH - 2 NOVEMBER 2025
Thursday - Monday, Noon - 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Adults £12.50*, Student £5.50 (with a valid student card). Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available (see p11)
1h+
Located in Ballasalla, Rushen Abbey’s ruins are set in the beautiful Abbey Gardens. Founded in 1134 by King Olaf for monks of the Sauvignac Order, who wrote The Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles. The abbey has served as a monastery, girls’ school, jam factory, and venue for tea dances. Explore the gardens, medieval ruins, with family-friendly activities.
KEEPING OUR GARDENS BLOOMING
Our gardening volunteers do a wonderful job keeping our gardens blooming through the seasons with spring flowers, colourful borders and wild-flower meadows.
GROVE MUSEUM
Thie
Tashtee Yn Chell
FIND US
Mill Road, Ballasalla Tel: 01624 827413
Transport: Buses 1, 1H, 2, 2A, 11, 11A, 12, 12A
Isle of Man Steam Railway Ballasalla Stop /// grounding.indicative.bristled
NEARBY DISCOVER: MONKS BRIDGE
Lower Silverdale Glen is a pleasant woodland walk from the medieval Monks Bridge in Ballasalla to the old Creg Mill. This Manx glen has Victorian tree and pleasure garden plantings as well as wild woodland flowers. ///spatulas.cubist.enjoyable
27 MARCH - 2 NOVEMBER 2025
Saturday - Wednesday, Noon - 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Adults £12.50*, Student £5.50 (with a valid student card). Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available (see p11)
1h+
Step into the Gibb’s family home, a charming retreat preserved as it was by sisters Janet and Alice. Originally built as a summer home for their grandfather, a wealthy Victorian merchant, it later became the Gibb’s family home. Explore original costumes, jewellery, toys, and furnishings which tell the family’s story, while the scullery and kitchen offer a glimpse into the lives of servants. Outside, enjoy the cobbled courtyard, vintage farm machinery, and beautiful garden, home to a colony of Manx honey bees cared for by our beekeepers.
Don’t miss a jar of Grove Honey from the shop - every purchase supports our work in caring for the Island’s heritage.
FIND US
Andreas Road, Ramsey IM8 3UA Tel: 01624 812686.
Transport: Buses 18K
Manx Electric Railway Ramsey Stop. /// doves.conjures.elevator
NEARBY DISCOVER: CASHTAL YN ARD
Cashtal yn Ard meaning ‘Castle of the Heights’ in Manx, is an exceptional example of a Neolithic long cairn dating to around 3000 BC. /// clean.thrills.bleat
The Abbey Gardens
The Grove Gardens
The Dining Room
Rushen Abbey
CREGNEASH
Creneash
27 MARCH - 2 NOVEMBER 2025
OPEN DAILY 10am - 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
Adults £15.50*, Student £7 (with a valid student card). Children aged under 18 FREE. Multi-site savings available (see p11)
1h+
Step back in time at Cregneash, a picturesque village, with thatched Manx cottages to explore and enjoy. Visit Harry Kelly’s cottage, which opened back in 1938, the first open air Folk Museum in the British Isles.
Enjoy regular craft demonstrations in the cottages, visit Church Farmhouse and learn to say a few words of Manx in the cottage once lived in by Ned Beg Hom Roy. Visit our shop for gifts, including Manx Loaghtan wool, a rare native breed of sheep famed for their four horns, which greet you in the village. For refreshments sample freshly made cakes in the café.
FIND US
Howe Road, Cregneash IM9 5PX Tel: 01624 834993 ///soups. blatant.relieving
UPCOMING EVENTS
Laa Boaldyn: Manx May Dayfirst Monday in May
Hop tu Naa: Celtic New Yearlast week in October
CALF OF MAN
Yn Cholloo
Available to visit during summer only.
Day trips and overnight accommodation available. Visit manxnationalheritage.im for more information.
FIND US
The Calf of Man is accessed by private independent small boat operators running return trips from Port St Mary and Port Erin. Sailings are subject to weather conditions, tide and availability of the crew. Journeys are booked directly with the boatmen. ///eventual.grocery.tiff
NEARBY DISCOVER: MEAYLL CIRCLE
Meayll Circle, a Neolithic chambered cairn, is one of the Isle of Man’s most remarkable megaliths. Built over 5,000 years ago, it consists of 12 burial chambers arranged in pairs. Fragments of charred bone, pottery and flint found in the cists offer a glimpse into Neolithic life. Artefacts from the site are displayed at the Manx Museum. /// tungsten.representing.litter
Located amidst spectacular scenery half a mile off the southern tip of the Isle of Man, the Calf of Man is a small Island extending to approximately 600 acres. Under the care of Manx National Heritage the Calf provides the ideal destination for birdwatchers, being home to extensive sea bird colonies and thousands of migrating birds. Around 33 species of sea birds breed on the Island, including Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake, Razorbill and Shag. Other species normally observed on the Island include Peregrine, Hen Harrier and Chough.
BOOK A STAY
Overnight stays are available in Manx National Heritage’s hostel accommodation at the Calf of Man Bird Observatory during summer months. Find out more on page 34.
NEARBY DISCOVER: THE SOUND
At the Island’s most southern tip is one of the most scenic places in the British Isles. Abundant with wildlife and natural wonders, this area is a hotspot for seals sunbathing on Kitterland, a small rocky islet. The area is also frequented by dolphins, basking sharks and an abundance of seabirds. ///enhanced.sprints.graphics
Cregneash Village
Loaghtan Sheep
Grey Seal
View of the Calf of Man from the Sound
ACCESS FOR ALL
We want every visitor to have a wonderful experience with us, which is why we’ve created Access Guides to provide valuable information about the accessibility of our sites.
You can find these guides in the ‘Accessibility’ section of manxnationalheritage.im. The guides are available for download and offer all the accessibility details for our sites in one convenient location, helping you plan your visit with ease.
To ensure a smooth experience, we are pleased to offer free admission for carers at all Manx National Heritage sites. Assistance dogs are welcome at all our sites, and we also offer descriptive tours for visually impaired visitors.
We can arrange familiarisation visits for those with additional visiting requirements.
MORE INFORMATION
If you have any specific requirements or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us in advance at 01624 648000 or visit manxnationalheritage.im
We’re here to help make your visit enjoyable and accessible.
SAFE PLACES
We are committed to providing a safe environment for all visitors to our sites. Our staff receive training in safeguarding for the protection of adults and children engaging with our sites and services.
PLANNING GROUP VISITS
Each year, we have the pleasure of welcoming thousands of group visitors to Manx National Heritage sites. Our team is dedicated to making your group’s visit to the Island truly memorable, ensuring every detail is taken care of for a seamless experience. We are here to assist with any aspect of your planning - just get in touch!
Our Group Bookings office is available to help with creating itineraries, managing timings, organising cruise ship visits, and arranging bespoke or special interest tours. We offer group rates for pre-booked admissions for groups of 15 or more.
If you’re planning a visit during our winter closure period, please contact our Group Bookings office. Where possible, we accommodate visits to some sites out of season by arrangement.
GET IN TOUCH
Email: enquiries@mnh.im
Telephone: 01624 648017
Write to us at: Manx National Heritage, Manx Museum, Kingswood Grove, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3LY.
PRE-BOOK AND SAVE
Take advantage of our Group Booking Discount for parties of 15 or more when you book at least 7 days in advance, making it even easier to explore and enjoy all that we have to offer.
DIGITAL COLLECTIONS
IMUSEUM
Discover over 1 million records on our ever expanding online portal. Explore art, archaeology, baptisms, marriages, burials, sound archives, books, maps, photographs, posters, prints and more than 150 years of digitised Manx newspapers. To find out more visit imuseum.im
ISLE OF MAN HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT RECORD
Uncover a wealth of information on the Island’s historic places, archaeological sites, landscape, shipwrecks and historic buildings on the Isle of Man Historic Environment Record website at isleofmanher.im
NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY NETWORK ATLAS
Explore the wildlife of the Isle of Man on NBN Atlas Isle of Man at isleofman.nbnatlas.org
WAR MEMORIALS ONLINE
Browse the Isle of Man’s war memorials from monuments to rolls of honour at warmemorialsonline.org.uk
FAMILY HISTORY RESOURCES
Search for your ancestors and bring your family history to life by exploring the lives of those that came before you on: imuseum.im; ancestory.co.uk; and familysearch.org
You can also discover our work on Google Arts and Culture by searching Manx National Heritage and browse some of our collections using our free Bloomberg Connects digital guide.
FOR BEAUTIFUL GIFTS INSPIRED BY THE ISLE OF MAN
Give a gift that keeps on giving, from greeting cards, textiles, homeware, books, artworks and more. 100% of profits from your purchase supports our charity’s work.
Find inspiration with gifts, books and prints delivered with the help of our online shop at manxnationalheritage.im/shop
Shop at the Manx Museum
OUR GARDENS
Pack a picnic, roll out a rug, and explore our country gardens, where vibrant flowers bloom throughout the seasons.
Discover the charming cottage gardens at Cregneash, where wildflowers, fruit, ornamental plants, herbs, and hardy coastal species flourish throughout the seasons, thriving in the village’s exposed conditions. An admission ticket for Cregneash Village is required to visit the gardens.
At Rushen Abbey, enjoy naturalistic and abundantly biodiverse wildflower planting and herb gardens, a vibrant spectacle for
people and insects alike! To visit the garden, an admission ticket to Rushen Abbey is required.
In Castletown visit the Speaker’s Garden, open daily, in the shadows of Castle Rushen’s Curtain Wall. Originally formed as the castle moat dating to around 1360AD, today the garden offers a peaceful stop in the heart of Castletown, the ancient capital.
Admission to the Speaker’s Garden is free of charge, with access available from Castletown Square or at the harbour side.
BECOME A GARDEN VOLUNTEER
Our volunteers do amazing things, from maintaining our gardens, inspiring visitors, to engaging with horticulture and supporting our work.
We warmly welcome new gardening volunteers.
Grove Museum
Cregneash
Rushen Abbey meadow
Rushen Abbey pond
LEARNING
Manx National Heritage brings history to life for learners of all ages through exhibitions, displays and activities for schools and home learners.
WORKSHOPS
Our workshops inspire the imaginations of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils by engaging students in activities based on museum artefacts, exhibitions and the Isle of Man’s historic sites.
MUSEUM ON THE MOVE
Packed with museum artefacts, our specially curated Loan Boxes bring learning to life in your classroom on subjects including Maritime History, Military History, Victorians, Vikings and Toys.
Downloadable teaching resources, films and activities are also available from drawing Archibald Knox style Celtic knots to learning about the ‘Early People of Mann’ and exploring how the Vikings created Tynwald, the oldest continuous parliament in the world.
SCHOOL VISITS
Manx schools enjoy free admission for prebooked classes to our sites. We provide free access for teachers to conduct a preliminary site visit.
A small charge applies for some activities. For more information, email schoolvisits@mnh.im
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Embark on a journey of discovery and exploration with our hands-on learning experiences. Explore and book online at manxnationalheritage.im/learn
Yours to own. High-quality art prints customised for you from the Isle of Man’s National Art Collection Cards & Postcards From £1.95 Posters From £17.95 Fine Art Prints From £39.95 CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
Find inspiration with gifts, books and prints delivered with the help of our online shop at manxnationalheritage.im/shop
Giant Deer, Manx Museum
On the Beach at Douglas, William Hardie Hay
COUNTRYSIDE AND ANCIENT MONUMENTS
Take time to enjoy the Manx countryside from the coastal heath of the Ayres in the Island’s north to the bird-lined cliffs of the Chasms in the south.
On the Island you will discover one of the richest archaeological landscapes in Europe, enduring evidence of the people who lived here in the past. From Mesolithic remains to Medieval castles, the Island has a truly remarkable variety of archaeological sites.
Thought to date from the Iron Age there are more than 15 promontory forts around the Island’s coast, built mainly for defence or refuge from attack. Cronk ny Merriu, the ‘Hill of the Dead’ is an excellent example. Overlooking Port Grenaugh in the south of the Island, this ancient site also includes the remains of a Norse style building and was part of a system of coastal lookout posts. Find the site at /// swell.steam.rosette
In the North, Kerroogarroo in Andreas is a star-shaped earthwork fort constructed in the mid-17th century by Sir James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby. Stanley was Lord of Mann, a Royalist who fortified the Isle of Man against Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War. Kerroogarroo is the only fort of its kind on the Island, designed to withstand almost all forms of artillery attack. Find it at /// defends.stylist.beige
For further Information about our outdoor sites visit manxnationalheritage.im
The Isle of Man’s 10,000 year history is visible throughout the Island in a landscape rich in ancient monuments and a wealth of historic buildings. Support our work in caring for these incredible places by making a donation. Donate today at manxnationalheritage.im/donate
Visit The Braaid to find remains of Iron Age and Viking farmsteads sitting side-by-side. A stone circle is all that remains of a large roundhouse, probably lived in and used as an animal enclosure in the Iron Age.
No conclusive evidence has ever been found for the date and original purpose of the roundhouse, however, it seems likely that it is the earliest visible structure on the site, serving as a home and later as a pen or enclosure for animals when the later Viking long houses were built. Discover the site at /// hoop.highly.pure. To visit, download our access guide at manxnationalheritage.im
To discover more, buy a copy of ‘Archaeological Sites of the Isle of Man’, the ideal companion for exploring these treasures and learning more about the complex history of the Manx people from earliest times.
Available from the Manx Museum Shop and manxnationalheritage.im/shop
INTERESTED IN OUR FOLKLORE SITES?
Ranging from medieval stories of vengeful saints through to ghostly figures still being seen today, ‘A Guide to the Folklore Sites of the Isle of Man’ offers a comprehensive guide to the traditional folklore of the Isle of Man. Available from all Manx National Heritage shops or manxnationalheritage.im/shop
Kerroogarroo
Cashtal Yn Ard
The Braaid
STAY WITH US
Start planning your adventures on the Isle of Man at one of our self catering destinations. We offer unique places to stay, providing the perfect base for your next holiday and a warm Manx welcome for all who visit.
THIE THOOIT 4 ★
Our stunning thatched cottage on the Island’s north coast is the ideal retreat for stargazing and experiencing the Northern Lights. A registered historic building, our romantic thatched cottage sleeps 2 people and offers guests an unforgettable rural retreat. Enjoying access to Lhen beach and Cronk y Bing nature reserve, the cottage is perfect for nature lovers and is set within a beautiful country garden.
EARY CUSHLIN 4 ★ GOLD
Nestled on the Raad ny Foillan coastal footpath, our tranquil ‘off-grid’ farmhouse is located in a beautiful location on the Island’s west coast. Sleeping up to 9 people, Eary Cushlin offers the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts including stargazers, nature lovers, mountain bikers and walkers.
CALF OF MAN
BIRD OBSERVATORY HOSTEL
Switch off, shut down, log off and enjoy a digital detox on our remote Island nature reserve. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty cared for by Manx National Heritage, the Calf of Man offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. On the voyage to the Island by independently operated private charter boat, you’ll be welcomed by the local wildlife, including seals and birds. You can stay with us between May and August.
CALF VIEW
Coming soon, our holiday cottage in the heart of Cregneash Village offers the perfect place to relax and unwind.
To book visit manxnationalheritage.im
The Lhen beach, Yn Thie Thooit
Yn Thie Thooit
Eary Cushlin
Calf of Man Bird Observatory
Calf View holiday cottage
MANX CROSSES
The Isle of Man boasts one of the most outstanding collections of medieval carved stone crosses in the British Isles. Some are protected in churches and shelters, whilst others stand in the open air of churchyards and even fields. Some are displayed at the Manx Museum.
A number of crosses from the early Christian period and the ruins of four keeills can be found in Maughold churchyard, the site of an early monastic community pre-dating Rushen Abbey. The cross house contains the largest sculpture collection on the Island, including 38 stones from the churchyard and village. The church houses the only known Manx example of a parish cross, which bears the earliest carved depiction of the three legs of Man.
You can also visit medieval crosses at the churches of Andreas, Bride, Jurby, Kirk Michael, Malew, Santon, Onchan and the old churches of Braddan, Lonan and Marown.
OPEN ALL YEAR*
Manx Museum
9.30am - 4.30pm
National Library and Archives 10am - 4.30pm
House of Manannan 9.30am - 4.30pm
OPEN 27 MARCH - 2 NOVEMBER 2025
Castle Rushen 9.30am - 4.30pm
Laxey Wheel
9.30am - 4.30pm (closes 5pm in June, July and August)
Cregneash 10am - 4.30pm
Rushen Abbey 12pm - 4pm
Peel Castle 11am - 4.30pm
The Grove 12pm - 4pm
Nautical Museum 12pm - 4pm
TOURS
The Peggy Conservation Facility Tour 12pm and 3pm, pre-booked groups by request**
Castletown Tour
ICONS OF MANX ARCHAEOLOGY
Our dedicated conservators have laser-scanned the Isle of Man’s medieval stone cross slabs, providing a high-resolution record of each cross. Over 200 3D digital models are available as part of our Digital Collections! View this wonderful resource at https://sketchfab.com/manxnation.../collections/manx-crosses
Tour includes the Old Grammar School, Old House of Keys and the Nautical Museum 12pm and 3pm, pre-booked groups by request**
* All sites closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
**Please pre-book in advance at Castle Rushen or by visiting manxnationalheritage.im/shop Opening times correct at time of print, please check our website for details.
Maughold Church
Lonan Church
ISLE OF MAN
SUPPORT US
Manx National Heritage is an Isle of Man registered charity and looks after the Island’s most cherished places and spaces, including historic buildings, landscapes, archives and museum collections.
Your support in volunteering, visiting, shopping, fundraising, donating or leaving a legacy to Manx National Heritage is greatly appreciated and helps protect our heritage for future generations to enjoy.
The Braaid
The National Art Collection
The Grove Museum