FREE GUIDE. Isle of Man Ellan Vannin Plan your journey through our past

Transcription

1 FREE GUIDE Isle of Man Ellan Vannin Plan your journey through our past 2018

2 Sparkling bright... Set in the heart of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man offers an abundance of breathtaking beauty spots. Thriving with heritage and culture there s something for every member of the family to discover. Dating back before the last Ice Age, our Island has been shaped through time by pioneers, merchants and warriors who made it their home. Find ancient stones, fortresses, historic homes and museums throughout the landscape and uncover the unique story of the Isle of Man. Awarded UNESCO status as a world biosphere reserve for its outstanding natural landscape. One of the Cultural Routes of Europe and promoting the Viking legacy. 2

3 Useful contents Plan your visit 4-5 Manx Museum 6-7 Douglas 8 Vintage Railways 9 The Great Laxey Wheel 10 The Grove Museum 11 Peel Castle 12 House of Manannan 13 Niarbyl Bay 14 Rushen Abbey 16 Families 17 Isle of Man Map Castletown attractions Cregneash The Sound & Calf of Man 26 Holiday Accommodation 27 Coast, Countryside & Ancient Sites Exhibitions & Events Family History & Collections Online 32 Support Us 33 Welcome Failt Erriu 3

4 4Plan your visit Multi-Site Tickets Holiday Pass Perfect for a short or long break, visit as many of our heritage sites as you wish for up to 14 days. Go Explore Heritage Card Hop on board with 5 consecutive days of unlimited travel on the Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, buses and Douglas Bay Horse Tramway plus entry to our heritage sites. Available at Manx Museum, House of Manannan, The Welcome Centre and online. See page 9 for information on the vintage railway network or see site pages for travel directions. Visit or for timetables. Group Visits Discounts available for groups of 15 or more, to make an enquiry or booking enquiries@mnh.gov.im Membership & Residents Passes Support us by becoming a Member (see page 33) or residents can purchase a season pass providing entry for one year from first use. To help inspire your visit or to make the most out of your trip, whatever your interests or length of stay see our website for some suggested itineraries. Y

5 More to the Isle of Man Yn Thie Thooit Plan your visit Look up to the stars Find the highest concentration of Dark Sky discovery locations in the British Isles. Rambler s playground Dramatic landscapes and coastline give way to hidden bays, wooded glens and valleys. Follow the 100 mile Raad Ny Foillan (Way of the Gull) footpath around the Island s coast. Road racing capital The TT (Tourist Trophy) races have given the Isle of Man an international reputation for motor racing. The famous Mountain Course continues to be the toughest test for rider and machine. Key to symbols Shop Dark Skies discovery site Café/Tearoom Refreshments Toilets 2h Average length of visit Dogs welcome Licensed for wedding ceremonies WiFi in selected areas Wheelchair access Visit our website for full accessibility guides to help you plan your visit. Please Note: All information correct at time of publication but may be liable to change. 5

6 6Manx Museum Manx Museum Thie Tashtee Vannin From the wonders of our natural world to road racing legends, begin your journey through the Island s vibrant history and its unique national collections. Discover how the Island changed from being the centre of a Viking kingdom to a Victorian holiday destination. Explore the National Art Gallery or delve into the National Library and Archives. See our latest exhibition, buy our guidebook and find Island inspired gifts and souvenirs in our flagship Gallery Shop. 2h+ Open All Year Round* Open 7 days a week 10-5 Admissions Free - donations welcome Please visit our website for special events and public lecture programme. *Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Tynwald Day. National Library & Archives closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Bank Holidays, between Christmas and New Year and the last week in January. Bay Room Café Call to book

7 Manx Museum Travel to Douglas Town Centre Horse Tram: Sefton Hotel Stop Bus: 3, 3A, 22, 22A, 23, 235 (timetable at Sat Nav: Manx Museum IM1 3LY Finding us on foot from Douglas Promenade: The museum is situated on a steep hill behind central Douglas. It can be reached by lift and crossing the pedestrian footbridge on the top level of Chester Street Car Park, which is situated on the road behind the main shopping street. The route is wheelchair and buggy accessible, but there is a steep incline from the footbridge through the museum car park to the main entrance. Gallery Shop Take a piece of the Island home with you. Every purchase helps to preserve our past 7

8 Douglas Doolish Culture quarter... Douglas, famed for its sweeping promenade, hotels and guest-houses lining the seafront, evokes memories of the great British seaside holiday. Much of the Victorian infrastructure of the thriving tourism era remains including the Gaiety Theatre, Villa Gardens, Electric Railway and the world s oldest horse drawn trams. 8

9 Vintage Railways Step aboard... Douglas Bay Horse Tramway Over 140 years old. Experience a ride on the iconic Victorian horse drawn trams running between March and November and take in the sights along Douglas bay. Victorian Steam Railway Located on the north quay, the steam powered railway with restored locomotives and carriages runs along the south east coast through idyllic countryside, historic towns and villages. Alights: Douglas - Santon - Ballasalla - Castletown - Colby - Port St. Mary - Port Erin Manx Electric Railway Hugging the Island s east coast, travel by tramcar as you pass by leafy glens, gorse topped hills and spectacular coastal views. Alights: Douglas - Groudle - Laxey - Ramsey (and stops along the line). Join Snaefell Mountain Railway from Laxey for travel to Snaefell summit. Winding its way up 2,000 feet to the top of Snaefell, on a clear day it is said you can see seven kingdoms, unless of course the legendary Manannan cloaks you in mist. 9

10 Laxey Laksaa Travel to Laxey Manx Electric Railway: Laxey Stop Bus: 3, 3A, 3B, 13 (timetable at Sat Nav: Laxey Wheel IM4 7NL The Great Laxey Wheel & Mines Trail Queeyl Vooar Laksey This feat of Victorian engineering and ingenuity is the largest surviving waterwheel of its kind in the world. The Lady Isabella as she is also known, served the mine for 70 years and became the Island s most dramatic tourist attraction. Watch the mighty wheel turn and climb the 95 steps to the top for panoramic views across Glen Mooar Valley. Beyond the wheel take an hour to explore the mine and the trail to the mine ruins to learn more about the lives of the Laxey miners. 1h+ Open Daily Admissions 30 Mar to 4 Nov Adult 8 Child 4 10

11 Ramsey Rhumsaa Travel to Ramsey Manx Electric Railway: Ramsey Stop Bus: 18, 20, 20A (timetable at Sat Nav: The Grove Museum IM8 3UA The Grove Museum Thie Tashtee Yn Chell Step inside the cherished country home of the Gibb family. Inside their possessions reveal the story of the family. The Gibb sisters lived a frugal but spirited life, working to maintain the place they called home. Find out about life below the stairs in the servants quarters and see the working beehive. Outside, find vintage farm equipment, spend time in the country garden and meet some our famous Loghtan sheep grazing on the fields. 1h+ Open Daily Admissions 30 Mar to 25 May 10-4 Adult 6 26 May to 2 Sept 10-5 Child 3 3 Sept to 4 Nov

12 Peel Phurt ny h-inshey In the footsteps of Vikings... Peel Castle Cashtal Phurt Ny h-inshey St. Patrick s Isle was once home to Christian missionaries, Viking warriors and kings. The impressive fortress dominating the Isle was a royal residence, centre of government and military stronghold. Wander the extensive grounds, enjoy panoramic views and let the informative audio guide help you unlock the stories of the castle. 1h Open Daily Admissions 30 Mar to 25 May 10-4 Adult 6 26 May to 2 Sept 10-5 Child 3 3 Sept to 4 Nov 10-4 Audio guide charge applies. 12 Coffee Station Alight for a refreshing break at the old Peel Railway Station, House of Manannan Open daily

13 Peel Phurt ny h-inshey Travel to Peel Bus: 4A, 5, 5C, 6A, 7, 8 (timetable at Sat Nav: House of Manannan IM5 1TA, Peel Castle IM5 1TB House of Manannan Thie Vanannan The legendary sea god Manannan will guide you through the Island s rich Celtic, Viking and maritime past. Journey through reconstructions and film shows with atmospheric sounds and smells, see the replica Viking ship Odin s Raven and discover a time when the Island was at the centre of a powerful sea kingdom. 2.5h Open All Year Round* Admissions Daily 10-5 Adult 10 Child 5 *Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day House of Manannan Shop Take a piece of the Island home with you. Every purchase helps to preserve our past 13

14 Dalby Travel to Niarbyl Bus: 7 for Niarbyl (timetable at Sat Nav: Niarbyl IM5 3BS Niarbyl Bay Yn Arbyl Discover the peaceful bay with its rolling hills, thatched cottages and dramatic coastal paths leading to white beach. Sunsets are remarkable in this scenic location which on clear nights is exceptional for stargazing. Spot seabirds, seals and possibly basking sharks, particularly on calm sunny days between May and August. On a walk along the coast you will be able to see one of the most interesting of the Island s ancient keeills or early Christian chapels, Lag ny Keeilley. 1.5h 14 Niarbyl Bay Café Call to book

15 Venues for hire Unique venues with Manx National Heritage From corporate meeting spaces to your big day venue places. Meet, celebrate, or wine and dine at one of our special locations. our team at or call (07624)

16 Ballasalla Balley Sallagh Travel to Rushen Abbey Isle of Man Steam Railway: Ballasalla Stop Bus: 1, 2, 8, 11, 12 (timetable at Sat Nav: Rushen Abbey IM9 3DB Rushen Abbey Mannishter Rushen Almost 900 years ago, King Olaf I gave land for an Abbey. People have been drawn here ever since, from the monks who wrote the earliest account of the Isle of Man s history to the tea-dances of the early 1900s and the heady days of 1980s disco. The medieval ruins and gardens can still enchant but for a more active visit follow the family friendly Monky Business. Discover medieval medicine, listen to sounds of the Abbey and play in the Jam Factory. 1.5h Open Daily Admissions 30 Mar to 25 May 10-4 Adult 8 26 May to 2 Sept 10-5 Child 4 3 Sept to 4 Nov 10-4 Monks Bridge The medieval pack-horse bridge is also known as Crossag, meaning little crossing. It was built and used by the monks of Rushen Abbey to cross the Silverburn River to travel to and from their northern farms. 16

17 Families Come, play and stay! After getting up to some Monky Business at Rushen Abbey you ll find great family experiences waiting for you at our other museums, castles and gardens and under 5 s are admitted free. Find safe, welcoming and open environments at our attractions, with plenty to entertain and inspire little explorers. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Hands on play and dressing up at the Manx Museum Exploratorium. Borrow a Bee Explorer Bag on your visit to Cregneash and the Grove Museum for a mini adventure, meet animals on the farm and get up close with nature. Get to know our Loaghtan sheep at The Grove or see the bees making honey in the hive. The lovely country garden is the perfect place to play, picnic or explore. Learn about the many guises of inventive genius George Quayle and find Georgian fun at The Nautical Museum. The Abbey Restaurant Lite Bites - Aternoon Tea - Fine Dining in harmonious surroundings. Call to book. Accessible from Rushen Abbey Gardens. 17

18 Isle of Man Map Explore our interactive map at Kirk Michael Ballaug Spooyt Vane Peel House of Manannan Peel Castle Tynwald Hill Cronk-y-Vo St Johns Slieau Niarbyl Bay Dalby Eary Cushlin South Barrule B Calf of Man Bradda Head Port Erin Meayll Hill The Sound Cregneash Balladoole Port St Mary Castle Rushen Old House of Keys Nautical Museum Old Grammar School Rushen Abbey Ballasalla Airport n Castleto Derby Fort 18

19 Yn Thie Thooit Jurby Andreas The Ayres Bride Point of Ayre Isle of Man Map The Grove Museum llaugh The Curraghs Sulby Cronk Sumark Ramsey Maughold Head Snaefell North Barrule Cashtal yn Ard -y-voddy lieau Ruy Laxey Wheel Laxey ey a The Braaid Cronk ny Merriu letown Onchan Douglas Manx Museum Sea Terminal A Roads B Roads TT Course Railways Stay With Us Ancient Sites Celtic & Viking Crosses Glens Dark Skies Discovery Site Nature Reserve 19

20 C o Castletown Balley Cashtal Ancient Capital of Mann Castletown has a charm all of its own. Its characterful narrow streets and small fishing cottages reveal the ancient past while you ll find architectural treasures around every corner. The medieval Castle Rushen, once the home of kings and later government, still dominates the centre of town. 20

21 Castletown Balley Cashtal Travel to Castletown Isle of Man Steam Railway: Castletown Stop Bus: 1, 2, 8, 11, 12 (timetable at Sat Nav: Castletown IM9 1LD Castle Rushen Cashtal Rushen In the heart of the Island s ancient capital this medieval castle holds many stories within its walls. Originally built for a Norse king and later besieged by Robert the Bruce, the castle has been a royal residence, a mint and a prison. Explore its rooms and furnished chambers, hear from past inhabitants and discover who shaped its future. Climb the spiral staircase to the ramparts for panoramic views. 1.5h Open Daily Admissions 5 May to 25 May 10-4 Adult 8 26 May to 2 Sept 10-5 Child 4 3 Sept to 4 Nov 10-4 Costa coffee shop open opposite Castle Rushen with views over Castletown harbour 21

22 Castletown Balley Cashtal The Nautical Museum Yn Thie Tashtee Lhuingey Uncover the story of the inventive George Quayle and his most significant surviving creation Peggy, the earliest known example of a British armed yacht. Find out what excavations revealed about nautical life in Castletown and the exploits and ingenuity of George Quayle who designed his own cabin room and private dock. Hear about the work we are doing to conserve Peggy to ensure she survives her third century. 1h Open Daily Admissions 30 Mar to 4 Nov 10-4 Adult 6 Child 3 The Old Grammar School Yn Chenn Scoill Ghrammeyoys The oldest surviving roofed structure on the Isle of Man. Inside its Romanesque arches date back to 1200 when the building was the Chapel of St.Mary for the settlement that grew up around Castle Rushen. Today its interior depicts the later Victorian school room. Open for events and pre-booked groups by special request. See website for details. Admission Free - donations welcome 22

23 Castletown Balley Cashtal The Old House of Keys Shenn Thie yn Chiare as Feed Join the debate! Be greeted by the secretary of the former home of the Manx Parliament and take your seat in the finely restored debating chamber for a theatrical debate on setting Manx laws. See how democracy developed - and the effect that political decisions have had on the Manx nation. Should motor racing be allowed on open roads? Should women get the vote? You decide. 45m Open Daily Admissions 30 Mar to 4 Nov 10-4 Free to view chamber outside debate times - donations welcome Daily debates Adult 6 Child 3 23

24 Cregneash Cregneash Travel to Cregneash & The Sound Isle of Man Steam Railway: Port St Mary Stop Bus: 8A (timetable at Sat Nav: Cregneash IM9 5PX, The Sound IM9 5PZ Cregneash Creneash Settled on an upland plateau overlooking the Calf of Man, this village was one of the last strongholds of the Manx language and customs which characterised the crofting way of life. Step inside the Manx cottages to see how crofters lived through stories, skills and craft demonstrations. Take time to enjoy the changing seasons and natural history. You may see cats with no tails, four-horned Loaghtan sheep and traditional farming practices in action. 1h+ Open Daily Admissions 30 Mar to 25 May 10-4 Adult 6 26 May to 2 Sept 10-5 Child 3 3 Sept to 4 Nov 10-4 Creg-y-Shee Tea Rooms 24 Call to book

25 Meayll Circle Near the summit of Meayll peninsular you ll find a Neolithic passage grave dating back to 3500 BC. On your journey there uncover remains of a WWII bunker and radar station. The Chasms These huge crevices in the cliffs are a highlight of the varied and challenging coastal walk beyond Cregneash village. Cregneash Cregneash Speaking our language Manx Gaelic, one of six Celtic languages, is part of the unique culture of the Isle of Man. Moghrey mie (MORR-a MY) Good morning Fastyr mie (FASS-ter MY) Good afternoon/evening Oie vie (ee-vy) Goodnight Kys t ou? (kiss-tow) How are you? Mie dy liooar (MY-tha-L YOOR) Well enough Goll as gaccan (gull as GAG un) Goin n grumblin Gura mie ayd (gurr-a-my-edd) Thank you Slane lhiat (slenn-l YATT) Goodbye Traa dy liooar (TRA-tha-L YOOR) Time enough 25

26 The Sound Yn Keyllys Hear the ocean murmur... The Sound & Calf of Man Yn Cheyllys as yn Cholloo At the Island s very southern tip is one of the most scenic places in the British Isles. Abundant with nature s wonders, this area is a hotspot for seals sunbathing on the rocky Kitterland. Enjoy a walk along the coastal paths looking for dolphins and basking sharks in the emerald sea, and if you have enough time book a boat trip to or around the Calf of Man. As a Nature Reserve and Bird Observatory, the Calf, a 600 acre islet, is an ideal place to study bird life, flora and fauna. Around 33 species of birds breed on the Island annually, including Choughs, Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. 1h+ Small boat operators offer return trips to the Calf from Port St Mary. Sailings subject to weather conditions, tide and availability, and must be booked in advance. Overnight stays are available in our hostel accommodation during summer months. Visit our website for details. 26 The Sound Café For more information please visit our website or call

27 Holiday Accomodation Stay with us Calf of Man Bird Observatory On its own small islet this traditional style 1870 s farmhouse sleeps up to 8 guests. Yn Thie Thooit Traditional thatch Manx cottage with room for two nestled next to the sandy Lhen Beach. Eary Cushlin A remote farmhouse with stunning views of the west coast. To book your stay or find out more visit 27

28 Coast, countrysid In Nature s Glee Find flora, wildlife and beautiful scenery in our nature reserves, magical glens and spectacular coast in all seasons. Follow the Vikings Stand where Vikings laid down their laws, buried their dead and defended their lands. Travel the Island discovering the intricate artwork that they carved in stone. Maughold Head and Brooghs Take in clifftop views and hidden coves on this section of the Raad Ny Follian Tynwald Hill, St John s The ancient meeting place of Vikings 5000 years of human landscapes Explore one of the earliest Manx structures and find other stories in the stones as you walk through coast and country. Cashtal ny Ard or the Castle of the Heights A preserved chambered tomb overlooking the parish of Maughold 28

29 de & ancient sites The Curraghs A wetland site of international importance occupying the basin of an Ice Age lake Spooyt Vane Waterfall at the top of Glen Mooar Balladoole Viking ship burial Carved Norse Crosses in the parish & former parish churches The Braaid Remains of an Iron Age roundhouse and two Norse long houses St Michael s Isle or Fort Island is occupied by a Norse-Celtic chapel and Civil War fort 29

30 What s On Exhibitions David Gilbert : Crossing Open Ground Manx Museum, 10 February May 2018 Art and creativity shouldn t be a luxury and an optional extra to life. David Gilbert passionately believed everyone could be creative and helped many to discover their own artistic abilities. Gilbert s work ranged from the small and delicate to the large and monumental, but always followed the themes of birth, love, death and the rhythms of the land. Have I Got News For Yessir! The Cartoons of Phil Woodford House of Manannan, 5 May August 2018 An exhibition celebrating cartoonist Phil Woodford s light hearted take on the Island s news stories past and present. Follow A Star Sir Norman Wisdom House of Manannan, 18 August January 2019 A celebration of the comedy career of the late, great Sir Norman Wisdom. Take a trip down memory lane with a look at Sir Norman s private archive including musical instruments, handwritten scripts, original suits, photographs, stage props and film footage, brought together by Sir Norman s son, Nick and accompanied by objects from the Manx National Heritage collections. 30 Pick up our What s On guide for our full programme of exhibitions events

31 What s On 2018 Events Isle of Man Heritage Open Days Island-wide, 5-7 October October Feed your curiosity by exploring some of the unusual and less publicly accessible historic properties, land and buildings that celebrate the Island s unique heritage. Venues Island-wide come together to offer places, tours and experiences which are free to explore. Hop tu Naa Festival Cregneash, 27 October - 3 November 2018 Join us at the unique Celtic Festival of Manx Hop tu Naa, as we celebrate the end of summer and mark the beginning of the long winter. Learn about traditions and superstitions from the past with mix of evening and family activities on offer during the week. On Sunday 29 October enjoy a day of turnip carving, live music with a song and dance, herbal charm making and the turnip lantern parade. Coming Soon Castle Rushen Accessibility Project Castle Rushen will undergo some exciting new works in 2018 including the construction of a new drawbridge, leading in to the heart of the fortress, enabling easier access to the ground floor rooms. There will also be a larger welcome area and shop, providing more information about what s to see inside this fascinating structure. Military History Gallery A new gallery is set to open in November 2018, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Visitors to the new gallery will discover the experiences of Manx people in conflict from 1750 to the present day. 31

32 Collections online & Family History An ever-expanding online Manx history resource giving free search index access to many records including baptisms, marriages, burials, census, deeds and First and Second World War internees. Search the photographic archive of the Island s people and places as well as fully zoomable images of many artworks and objects from the national collection, or make use of the TT & MGP results tables. imuseum Newspapers and Publications A subscription portal to the Island s digitised newspapers. Over 400,000 pages from 1792 to 1960 are searchable by keyword. Finding your Family History Many sources for the study of Manx genealogy can be found at the Manx National Library and Archives located at the Manx Museum (see page 6). Free access to imuseum Newspapers and Publications is also available here. To register you will need to provide you contact details and bring ID. Unlocking the past: A guide to exploring family and local history in the Isle of Man is an invaluable guide to using the many resources, available to buy at A guide of Sources for Family History can also be found on our website. 32

33 Support Us Shop Take a piece of the Island home with you, with a choice of Manx gifts and souvenirs available at our heritage shops, many handmade on Island. Shop from home and browse many of our art prints and posters from the national collections on our online shop. How was your visit? Tell us about your visit by completing a survey at our attractions or review us on TripAdvisor. Make a donation Help secure the future of the Island s past by making a donation at any one of our heritage sites. Our charity is the Manx Museum and National Trust (Isle of Man registered charity no.603). Become a member Your contribution helps fund important conservation work to preserve and protect our heritage. Residents can receive unlimited free entry to heritage sites and access to exclusive member events. Speak to our team during your visit about membership options or find out more on our website. Securing the future of our past 33

34 Buy a print... Isle of Man art prints and posters available to order at the click of a button on imuseum or visit manx-national-heritage-prints 34

35 Stay in touch Whether you have visited or have yet to visit the Island, subscribe to our e-newsletter on our website for the latest updates, events and special offers. You can also complete the form below and return to a member of staff or via the postal address on the back. Yes, I wish to stay updated (tick box) Title Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other First Name* Surname* * Address Town Country* Postcode Telephone *Required field Please refer to our Privacy Statement on our website for more information. 35

36 Getting here Fly from many major UK airports including London, Manchester and Liverpool, visit Ferries operate from ports at Belfast, Heysham and Liverpool. Please visit - Hee m Shiu I ll see you Cair Vie Safe Journey Manx National Heritage, Kingswood Grove, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 3LY T: +44 (0) E: staywithus@mnh.gov.im W: Isle of Man registered charity no.603 Photography MNH, Janice Farnan,