Things to do in Isle of Man

Castle Rushen is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the British Isles. Built 800 years ago for a Viking king, the castle has been a Civil War fortress and the Island’s Victorian prison. Step over the drawbridge and into the intricate architecture of the keep, and you’ll understand how the three-foot thick walls kept people out – and in. The castle sits as a huge statement of power and intent, towering high above the market square and harbours of Castletown, the ancient capital of the Isle of Man. With a fully accessible ground floor, every visitor can experience echoes of history within the walls.

In a scenic location, on a plateau overlooking the Calf of Man, Cregneash is the oldest open-air folk museum in Britain. Cregneash village was one of the last strongholds of the Manx language and today you can step back in time to see how crofters used to live and work in a farming community on the Island. Inside traditional Manx cottages you will experience some of the stories, skills and craft demonstrations and outside, you can explore the farm, gardens and country walks in stunning scenery and natural surroundings.Whilst exploring the village and the surrounding land, you are likely to come across Loaghtan sheep, shorthorn cows and Manx cats and for light refreshments, Creg-y-Shee Tea Rooms is located at the heart of the village. A number of the cottages at Cregneash are thatched in the traditional Manx style, unique to the Isle of Man. Harry Kelly’s cottage is located in the centre of the village and is a fine example of a Manx home of the period, where knitting and weaving often took place in the small living area. Wearing traditional dress, our team can be found weaving, knitting and completing craftworks at the Farm House during your visit. From the delightful garden at Ned Beg’s cottage, there are stunning views across to the Calf of Man. Traditional methods of farming are still in use around the main areas of Cregneash and as you meander through the village you will see many Manx native birds. From the village, there are a number of stunning walks available in the surrounding countryside including to the Sound, Meayll Hill (a megalithic chambered tomb) and to the rock formations at the Chasms. Cregneash Village is one of 26 registered Dark Sky Discovery Sites on the Isle of Man.

As fascinating as it is beautiful, St Patrick’s Isle in Peel is one of the most important historic and religious sites in the British Isles. The biggest and most complex heritage site on the Isle of Man enclosed within a 700m long curtain wall, there are almost two hectares of fortifications built over 700 years, together with a cathedral, a church, chapels and cemeteries.