Scarlett Visitor Centre

Scarlett Point, Castletown, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 801985

At Scarlett Point there are some spectacular geological formations of sedimentary limestone and columnar basalt volcanic rocks at The Stack nearby. The former office of the disused limestone quarry now houses the Manx Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre. This contains displays about the rocks, fossils, the limestone quarrying and the nearby limekilns, local plants and wildlife on the nearby seashore.

There is a nature trail starting by the quarry and leads the visitor to the lime kilns.In addition to its use as a building material, the local limestone was burnt in the kilns to produce lime for agricultural use on the island.

Tynwald Hill

St. John's, Isle of Man

This man-made mound is unassuming in size but monumental to the Manx nation. On July 5th of each year the site becomes the scene for celebration of the island's national day, a reading of the new laws that have been enacted by the Tynwald Court, and an open-air court for those feeling their grievances have not been addressed fully by the usual methods. After the ceremonial aspects of the day, an amusement fair and market are held in the adjacent field.

Castle Rushen

Castletown Square, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 648000
Web: www.gov.im/mnh/heritage/museums/castlerushen/welcome.xml

This well-preserved medieval castle was created during the Norse period (12th century). The castle has had a colourful history, having once been conquered by the Scottish king Robert the Bruce and later the home of the Viking King Magnus, as well as several kings and overlords. Visitors may tour the castle and see period displays with figures in costume and historic furnishings.

Old Grammar School

Castletown, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 648000
Web: www.gov.im/mnh/heritage/museums/oldgrammar.xml

Originally built to serve as a chapel around the 13th century, the Old Grammar School became an educational institution during the 17th century. Visitors can see the original inkwells in the desks, blackboards, and chairs from the last days of use in the 1903s. Open daily from April until October.

Peel Castle

Peel Harbour, Peel, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 648000
Web: www.gov.im/mnh/heritage/museums/peelcastle.xml

Just off the coast of Peel on St. Patrick's Isle is Peel Castle, built by Magnus Barefoot c.1089. Thought to be the main residence of the Kings of Man until the 1200s, the castle also served in later years as a place for exiled state prisoners. Of particular note is the red sandstone gate tower, built in 1392. Also within the confines of the sandstone walls is a 13th century Celtic cathedral.

Rushen Abbey

Ballasalla, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 648000
Web: www.gov.im/mnh/heritage/museums/rushenabbey.xml

The Island's foremost medieval religious site. Discover the Abbey's unique story, from 'the chants and psalms of the monks of old' to the famous strawberry and cream teas, live orchestras and dances on the old wooden dance floor.

The Tower of Refuge

Douglas Bay, Douglas, Isle of Man

When venturing out to the Douglas Bay, take a gander at the Tower of Refuge. This fortress-like structure appears to rise out of the waters: at low tide, one can see it is built on a reef of rock known as the Conister Rock. The Tower was designed in 1830 as a shelter for those unfortunate people whose vessels were damaged by the reef. The motivator of the building was Sir William Hillary, the founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. During the summer, the tower is splendidly illuminated. The Douglas Lifeboat House on the breakwater is open to visitors.

[back to top]
 

St Thomas's Church

Douglas, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 611503

St Thomas's was built between 1846 and 1849 by Manx architect Ewan Christian in the early Victorian Gothic style, also between 1896 and 1910 the walls of the nave and chancel were painted by local artist John Miller Nicholson giving a very dramatic overall effect.

[back to top]
 

Ballalheannagh Gardens

Glen Roy, Lonan, Laxey, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 861875
Web: www.gov.im/tourism/attractions/balla_gardens.xml

Approximately 30 acres of planted gardens, arboretum, streams and waterfalls. Fish ponds with koi carp and other fish, abundance of natural wild life and Manx cats. Worldwide collection of plants. Gift and antique/collectables shop.

Old House of Keys

Castletown, Isle of Man
Tel: 01624 648000
Web: www.gov.im/mnh/heritage/museums/houseofkeys/index.xml

Everyone is greeted at the door by the secretary of the House of Keys and moved into a small area outside the Chamber. The House of Keys is opened and all the members (tourists and public) take a seat. There is a list of items to be voted on before each member, but that is taken in turn. There is a speaker who leads the proceedings and he is much more than just a man. Very good audio and video presentations throughout. Also the chance to have a real vote on key laws, which could have been major turning points for the Isle of Man.

[back to top]