Museums, Heritage and Concert Venues in the Isle of Man
With a rich history dating back to before 6500 BC, the Isle of Man has heaps of activities to learn about its past.
Castle Rushen
Originally built for a Norse king in around 1200AD, Castle Rushen was developed by successive rulers until the 1600s. Inside the Castle you’ll be able to indulge in its history and hear from some of its inhabitants, including Bishop Wilson who you will find in his cell and the castle guards in their vaulted rooms.
Cregneash
Cregneash is a living illustration of a farming and crofting community in the 19th and early 20th century. You will see plough horses, Loghtan sheep, shorthorn cows, pigs and Manx cats.
Gaiety Theatre
Nestled on the promenade of Douglas stands the Gaiety Theatre, the jewel in the Manx Heritage crown. Steeped in history and tradition, the Gaiety Theatre is one of the finest remaining examples of work by the legendary theatre architect, Frank Matcham. Daily tours are available as are tickets to all productions.
The Great Laxey Wheel
The Great Laxey Wheel or Lady Isabella (as she is also known) is the largest working waterwheel in the world. A brilliant example of Victorian engineering, she was built in 1854 to pump water from the Laxey mines. Today a climb to the top is rewarded with panoramic views across the Laxey Valley.
Grove Museum of Victorian Life
Built by the Gibbs, a wealthy merchant family from Liverpool as their summer retreat, it later it became their permanent family home. The Gibb sisters, Alice and Janet continued to live in the house until their deaths in the 1970’s. The house provides a real insight into the lives of this family from Victorian times to the 20th Century.
Home of Rest for Old Horses
Set in 92 acres of countryside just outside Douglas, the Home of Rest for Old Horses is a tranquil sanctuary for elderly horses, including retired trammers from the Douglas Horse Trams, as well as ponies and donkeys. You can buy feed for 25p-£1 and spend some time meeting these special creatures.
House of Mananann
At the House of Manannan, journey through a reconstruction of a Celtic roundhouse, join the crew of the Odin’s Raven Viking longship and find out what life was like in a Viking longhouse.
Island Heritage Tours
Registered Blue Badge Guide, Chris Callow offers bespoke tours of the Isle of Man, specialising in the Island's rich industrial archaeology.
Isle of Man Motor Museum
Explore the amazing stories behind a collection of over 400 unique exhibits from around the world, including classic cars & motor vehicles and rarely seen private motorcycles.
Leece Museum
The Leece Museum is devoted to objects, photographs and documents specifically relating to Peel in the Isle of Man.
Manx Museum
The Manx Museum is bursting with artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man. The Island’s 10,000 year history is presented through film, galleries and interactive displays.
Nautical Museum
Discover the story of the late Captain George Quayle, his eccentric boathouse and his most significant surviving creation ‘Peggy’.
Peel Castle
Peel Castle was originally a place of worship before becoming the fort of Magnus Barefoot, 11th century Viking King of Mann. Visit St Patrick’s Church and the Round Tower which date back to the 10th and 11th centuries and step underground into the atmospheric crypt of the 13th century Cathedral of St German.
Rushen Abbey
Rushen Abbey was gifted by King Olaf I for use as a monastery in 1134. The centre tells its story from its religious beginnings to its more recent history of strawberry tea dancing and disco.
Villa Marina
The Villa Marina features an intimate concert hall, versatile event spaces, cinema and a children’s play area, it's the ultimate entertainment experience. The centrepiece of the Villa Marina is the Royal Hall. Hosting some of the biggest names in music and comedy, it promises a great night every time you visit.
