The 9 Best Things to do in Castletown, Isle of Man

September 21, 2021 Mikaela Didonna

Discover the best top things to do in Castletown, United Kingdom including Craftworks Studio, Castle Rushen, St. Lupus, Kirk Malew, The Old House of Keys, Castletown Railway Station, The Viking, Nautical Museum, The Old Grammar School, Scarlett Visitor Centre and Nature Trail.

1. Craftworks Studio

Qualtrough's Yard Hope Street, Castletown IM9 1AN +44 1624 823244 [email protected] http://www.craftworks-studio.co.uk
Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 64 reviews

Craftworks Studio

Paint your own pottery at Craftworks Studio a fully equipped ceramic studio situated in the picturesque town and ancient capital Castletown, on the Isle of Man. The Studio offers you the opportunity to paint and decorate your own ceramic bisque. Make your selection from the large range of items available and Martin and his friendly team will give you as much or as little help as you need to get started. Studio fee £5.00. A wide selection of bisque is available priced from £4.50. All pieces are glazed and fired on the premises. Please allow 7 days for glazing and firing. Should your time on the island be limited, please let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate you. Pieces can always be posted.

Reviewed By LadyWormy - Leeds, United Kingdom

Came to the island to visit friends and spent some time painting pottery with the kids. The team at Craftworks Studio were so friendly and helpful. They shared their experiences well and helped out when creative juices weren’t flowing! We made some great pieces. Could have stayed all day! Can’t wait to pick them up!

2. Castle Rushen

Castletown Square, Castletown IM9 1LD +44 1624 648000 http://manxnationalheritage.im/our-sites/castle-rushen/
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 473 reviews

Castle Rushen

Castle Rushen is one of the world’s most finely preserved medieval castles and can be found in the Isle of Man's former capital, Castletown. Once a royal palace, Castle Rushen was home to the Kings and Lords of Mann, with the Castle’s oldest part dating back to the time of Magnus, last Norse King of Mann. Later on, Castle Rushen served as an administrative centre, a mint, a law court and for over 100 years until the late 19th Century, as a prison. Today, spectacular displays illustrate the Castle at various times in history, with figures in period costume, historical furnishings and wall hangings, realistic food, contemporary music and medieval speech brining the Castle’s medieval and 17th Century periods to life. Only a short drive away, the ancient ruins of Rushen Abbey can also be enjoyed.

Reviewed By andreh526 - Epping, United Kingdom

My 9 year old son loves exploring Castles and this one, set right in the centre of Castletown, can rate as one of the best. Many battlements, staircases, rooms, nooks and crannies to discover - all with a very interesting history. A good couple of hours well spent. You can also use your English Heritage membership to visit Manx Heritage sites.

3. St. Lupus, Kirk Malew

Church Bends, Castletown +44 1624 822469 [email protected] http://malewandsantan.im/st-lupus-kirk-malew/
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

St. Lupus, Kirk Malew

Reviewed By StanleysRushen2019 - Scottsdale, United States

Lot of history feeling here. So special to see so much history! I love old trains and was wonderful to see that historical train station and tracks/

4. The Old House of Keys

Castletown +44 1624 648000 [email protected] http://www.manxnationalheritage.im/attractions/old-house-of-keys/
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 159 reviews

The Old House of Keys

The Old House of Keys in Castletown was once the centre of 19th century political life on the Island. The building is one chapter in the long and often turbulent history of Manx politics which stretches back to the 9th and 10th centuries when the Viking Kings ruled the Isle of Man. The fascinating Old House of Keys building has been restored to its former appearance of 1866 – a milestone in Manx history when the old self-elected House of Keys took its first steps along the road to modern democracy by passing the House of Keys Election Bill and becoming a popularly elected body. During your visit you’ll see how democracy developed in the Island – sometimes years ahead of England – and the effect that political decisions have had and continue to have on the Manx nation. You’ll meet the costumed secretary of this historic building before taking a seat in the finely restored debating chamber where you’ll enjoy an active debate on setting the laws of the Island.

Reviewed By SparkyDomino76

Attended a "tour" in The Old House of Keys," which involved witting in a meeting room at a long table where decisions were made. There were other participants-tourists at the table. There is a life-size figure of a house magistrate at one end of the table. A recording of his voice holding a meeting, addressing issues starts a discussion among the participants and with the members of the house as well who "speak" from paintings of them on the wall. We as members of the house present during these proceedings, voted on a main issue before the member committee. The event was hosted by a guide who explained the procedures. It was an enlightening and informative participatory event. I would recommend it to all who are interested in the history of The Old House of Keys.

5. Castletown Railway Station

Station Road Off Victoria Road, Castletown IM9 2EF +44 1624 822275 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/castletownstation/
Excellent
45%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 33 reviews

Castletown Railway Station

Reviewed By stanleyc523

one of the many steam train stations on the douglas to port erin line always spotlessly clean and well run ,

6. The Viking

Station Road, Castletown IM9 1EF +44 1624 822524
Excellent
39%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 18 reviews

The Viking

7. Nautical Museum

Bridge Street, Castletown IM9 1AX +44 1624 648017 [email protected] http://www.manxnationalheritage.im/attractions/nautical-museum/
Excellent
44%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
7%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 121 reviews

Nautical Museum

The Nautical Museum in Castletown is home to one of the world's oldest yachts - the Peggy - which was found in 1935 concealed in a contemporary boat cellar. The Peggy had lain undisturbed and undiscovered for 100 years after her owner, Captain George Quayle, died.Visit this impressive yacht in its original home where you'll find trap doors, secret panels and a replica stern cabin in the boathouse. In the loft, you'll find a reconstruction of a sail maker's workshop and a fishing gallery which includes models of boats, equipment and photographs depicting the importance of the fishing industry.You'll also hear about the exploits of Captain Quayle and his fascinating life as a politician, a banker, soldier and, it's alleged, a smuggler! Find out more about the Peggy on the National Historic Ships Register. Please note: Extensive archaeological investigations have been completed in the boatyard yielding new information on the Peggy story and revealing an 18th century private dock. The Peggy has temporarily been removed to a specialist building for a long-term programme of stabilisation, conservation and study. This is likely to take place over a 5 year period.

Reviewed By gazmanx - Rhyl, United Kingdom

We visited this place back in april when we visited the island then, but my daughter wasnt with us. This time with the family complete, Andrew welcomed us and let us have a look around to start with then gave us a tour into the Cabin room, showed us the secret passages and really did bring it to life. The 1st time we went it was great, but with Andrew it was 100 times better, we must have been there 4 times as long as last time and were so impressed and learnt so much. What a hidden gem this place is

8. The Old Grammar School

Castletown IM9 1LE
Excellent
27%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
18%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 11 reviews

The Old Grammar School

9. Scarlett Visitor Centre and Nature Trail

Map Ref: SC 258664, Castletown +44 1624 844432 http://www.manxwt.org.uk/reserves/scarlett-visitor-centre-and-nature-trail
Excellent
25%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
25%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 8 reviews

Scarlett Visitor Centre and Nature Trail

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