10 Things to do Good for Kids in Isle of Man That You Shouldn't Miss

This independent museum features the aviation heritage of the Isle of Man and tells the stories of the Island and its people in wartime. The museum, a registered charity, tells TWO exciting stories - the aviation and military heritage of the Isle of Man and the history of the Manx Regiment - the most successful light anti-aircraft regiment in the British Army.

The island is a nature reserve and a bird observatory. You can visit for the day or stay overnight. It is an important breeding site for seabirds and tens of thousands of birds occur on migration. The Calf also has numerous sites of historical interest including two lighthouses built in 1818 by Robert Stevenson.

Designed by the Victorian engineer Robert Casement, the Laxey Wheel was built in 1854 to pump water from Glen Mooar which was part of the Great Laxey Mines industrial complex.Standing at over 72 feet high the wheel, which is also known as Lady Isabella, has been one of the Isle of Man’s most popular tourist attractions for well over 150 years.You’ll have the opportunity to watch the wheel turning before attempting to climb to the top where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across the Glen Mooar Valley. Once back on solid ground you can walk through the valley to find the Great Laxey Mines – learn about the lives of the miners, walk into the mine audit and take a trip on the Great Laxey Mines Railway which was once used to carry lead and zinc ores from deep inside the Great Laxey Mine.

From Viking treasure finds, natural wonders of the world, the famous TT Races and wartime internment – you’ll find something to appeal to everyone at the Manx Museum.The museum has plenty of interactive displays, films and a wide range of exhibits which will help you uncover the Isle of Man’s history and heritage.Make a beeline for the Manx Museum early on in your visit as it’s a great starting point if you are looking to explore the Island’s heritage attractions. The National Art Gallery in the museum contains work from a number of famous artists including Archibald Knox, William Hoggat and John Miller Nicholson and there’s also a national library and well stocked archives for those visitors keen to explore the Island’s history further.There is also tearoom and gift shop located within the museum. NB. Library & Archives Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm

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.